Is there a diabetes diet?

By Robbie Tyson, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Credentialled Diabetes Educator

The short answer is no. Managing diabetes involves making thoughtful choices about diet, and the right eating plan can help manage blood glucose levels, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent complications. However, there are many different eating patterns to choose from and each diet has its own unique benefits and potential drawbacks. Here, we explore some of the most popular dietary approaches for diabetes management that you can discuss with your clients.

Mediterranean Diet

Pros

• Heart Health – Emphasises heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and fish, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, a major concern for people living with diabetes.

• Rich in Nutrients – Abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, providing a balanced intake of essential nutrients.

• Blood glucose management – The Mediterranean diet is high in fibre, which helps stabilise blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Some fibres swell up to form a gel in the gut. This gel slows how quickly food is digested and traps glucose (sugar) and cholesterol molecules. This in turn helps manage cholesterol levels, slows down the release of glucose into the blood and lowers the glycaemic index of foods. This is particularly helpful for people living with diabetes, since lower GI foods can help improve insulin resistance and reduce Hba1c by 0.5%.

Cons

• Cost – High-quality olive oil, nuts, and fresh produce can be expensive.

Low-Carbohydrate Diet

Pros

• Effective blood glucose management – Limiting carbohydrates can lead to significant reductions in blood glucose levels and HbA1c.

• Weight Loss – Often effective for weight loss, which is beneficial for insulin sensitivity and overall diabetes management.

Cons

• Nutrient Deficiency and Lethargy Risk – Risk of missing out on essential nutrients found in carbohydrate-rich foods like fruits and whole grains. This may lead to feeling run down and lethargic if the body’s carbohydrate needs for energy are not met.

• Sustainability – Can be difficult to maintain long-term due to its restrictive nature.

Plant-Based Diet

Pros

• Rich in Fiber – High fibre content aids in blood glucose management and promotes heart health.

• Low in Saturated Fat – Can improve cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk. Saturated fat is solid at room temperature, so you might have heard it called ‘solid fat’. Eating higher amounts of saturated fats is linked with an increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol levels. They’re commonly, but not exclusively, found in animal products so a plant-based diet omits much of the usual dietary intake of saturated fat found in an omnivore diet.

• Weight Management – Often leads to weight loss, which can improve outcomes for diabetes.

Cons

• Protein Intake – May require careful planning to ensure adequate protein intake, particularly for those not consuming any animal products.

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Those following a vegan diet may need to supplement or consume foods fortified with B12 to prevent deficiency in this micronutrient.

DASH Diet – Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Pros

• Blood Pressure Control – Designed to reduce hypertension, which is beneficial as many people living with diabetes also struggle with high blood pressure.

• Balanced Nutrition – Emphasises a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods, promoting overall health.

Cons

• Potentially High Sodium – While it recommends reducing sodium, processed foods allowed in the diet can sometimes contain hidden salt.

Paleo Diet

Pros

• Whole Foods Focus – Emphasises unprocessed foods, which can lead to improved blood glucose levels and better overall health.

• Low Glycaemic Load – Reduces intake of high-glycaemic-index foods, helping to stabilise blood glucose levels.

Cons

• Very Restrictive – Eliminates whole food groups like grains and dairy, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

• Sustainability and Social Factors – Can be challenging to adhere to, especially in social settings or when dining out.

Choosing the right diet for diabetes management involves balancing individual preferences, nutritional needs, and lifestyle considerations. The Mediterranean diet offers heart health benefits and balanced nutrition but can be costly. Low-carb diets excel in blood glucose management but may be hard to sustain. Plant-based diets promote weight loss and heart health but require careful planning for protein and B12. The DASH diet supports blood pressure management and overall health but needs carbohydrate monitoring. The Paleo diet emphasises whole foods with a low glycaemic load but is highly restrictive.

Individuals with diabetes should consult their general practitioner or Accredited Practising Dietitian to tailor a healthy approach to eating that aligns with their health goals, personal preferences, and lifestyle, ensuring sustainable and effective diabetes management.

If your client has been diagnosed with diabetes, they can access five Medicare-subsidised visits to an allied health professional a year. This includes visits to a dietitian. If you think they may benefit from personalised advice, you can help them find a dietitian here.