Diet and Disease Help for Type II Diabetes A Dietary Guide By: Candance Gabel, MS, RD, LD, Associate State Nutrition Specialist, Family Nutrition Education Program Adapted from: Prevention and Therapeutic Nutrition Handbook

Family Nutrition Education Programs Nutrition and Lifeskills for Missouri Families

If you have Type II Diabetes Mellitus, weight control to achieve and maintain a desirable body weight is an important goal. Weight loss has been shown to improve blood glucose control. You can also improve your blood glucose levels by following the "no concentrated sweets" eating plan and cutting back on the fat in your meals. These suggestions may help.

• Eat three meals each day. 
• Fill up on "free foods" such as lettuce, celery, sugar-free gelatin, broth, etc. 
• Eat an apple a day. 
• Avoid high consumption of fruit juices, especially in the morning. 
• Include beans (without added fat) in your meals at least twice a week. 
• Eat a high fiber cereal that contains 6 grams of fiber per serving for breakfast; avoid those cereals that are high in sugar.
• Avoid adding sugar to coffee or cereal. 
• Switch to sugar-free alternatives for snacks, beverages, and desserts. 
• Trim all fat and skin from meat before cooking. 
• Try a vegetarian entrée for supper. 
• In recipes, substitute two egg whites for each egg yolk, and substitute applesauce for oil. 
• Try substituting whole-wheat flour for white flour. 
• Use whole-wheat pastas for spaghetti. 
• Take 30-minute walks on most days of the week. 
• If you have specific questions regarding your diet prescription see a registered dietitian or your physician.

Related Topics

• Diabetes Facts
• Help for Type I Diabetes
• Signs and Symptoms
• The Basics of Diabetes
• Diabetes PowerPoint Presentation
• Diabetes Post-Test

Other Diet and Disease Educational Support Materials:
Cancer  Diabetes  Heart Disease  Hypertension 
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