Food & Fitness

   

If you have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends following a meal plan that works for you and helps you meet your diabetes goals. Your health care provider can help you decide what these goals should be. Goals might include losing weight, improving your A1C, lowering your blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels. Once you have set some goals, talk with your healthcare provider to set up a meal plan that is individualized for you.

If you are just starting out and don’t have an individualized plan yet, we suggest using 45-60 grams of carbohydrate per meal when carbohydrate counting. However, some people may need more and some people may need less.

You should work with your health care provider as soon as possible to make a meal plan that will work for you. You might discuss a range of carbs to include at each meal and snack. Your provider may suggest just using the plate method to start, or they may have you try carbohydrate counting. You can also work with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator to help you with the meal planning process.