Diabetes and diet

Don't be put off. Having diabetes does not mean you have to cut out any one food completely. The myth that diabetics cannot eat sugar is just that – a myth. Surprisingly, considering just how important healthy eating is in controlling diabetes, there is no special diet for diabetics. They just need to eat what everyone is supposed to eat – a low-fat, low-sugar and low-salt diet with plenty of starchy foods, fruit and vegetables.

These tips could help:

• Eat regular meals based on starchy foods, e.g. pasta, rice, potatoes.
• Cut down on the fat, especially animal fats. Try grilling, steaming or baking foods instead of frying them.
• Eat more fruit and vegetables, aiming for at least five portions a day.
• Use herbs and spices for flavour instead of salt.
• And don't overdo the alcohol – aim for no more than three units (equivalent to a pint and a half of beer) a day.