Eating well with Type 1 diabetes

Can I still have some sugar in my diet?

Yes. Eating sugar doesn't cause diabetes and people with diabetes do not need to have a sugar-free diet. It's okay to have foods like chocolate and cakes occasionally alongside a healthy diet. Remember, some sugary drinks and glucose tablets are a good first treatment for a hypo.

I'd like to use a sweetener instead of sugar in my tea but I've heard that they aren't safe. Is this true?

All sweeteners have to undergo rigorous safety tests before they can be sold in the UK. The government sets safe limits and surveys groups of individuals to see whether they are exceeding these limits. At the moment there is no evidence to suggest that the general public is exceeding these safe limits, but if you are at all concerned then you can minimise any risk by using a variety of sweeteners.

Is it true that I shouldn't eat bananas or grapes?

No. All fruit is good for you. Eating more fruit can reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers and some gut problems. Eat a variety of different fruit and vegetables for maximum benefit.

Does a smoothie count towards my fruit and veg target?

Yes, a smoothie can be an easy way to notch up a portion of fruit. The good news is that if, for example, you put two whole pieces of fruit into a homemade smoothie then it can count as two portions. Remember that some smoothies contain added sugar, honey, yogurt or milk that can bump up the calories, fat or sugar content so check the ingredients label.

Can people with diabetes follow a vegetarian diet?

Yes, although, following a vegetarian diet does not automatically mean a healthier diet. You still need to have a good balance of different foods. To make sure you are following a healthy balanced vegetarian diet contact the Vegetarian Society through their website.

Is it ok for me to take a vitamin supplement now that I have diabetes?

Diabetes UK does not recommend that people with diabetes take a supplement. If your diet is deficient in some nutrients then you may benefit from taking one, but this should be decided in conjunction with your doctor and/or dietitian. (Note: Women with diabetes should take a prescribable supplement of 5mg of folic acid when planning pregnancy and continue to take it until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy.)

What's the best way to lose weight?

Making realistic and achievable changes to your diet and activity levels will mean that you are more likely to stick to them in the long term. A dietitian can help with giving you more specifc, personalised advice. If you are making adjustments to your diet and/or activity levels you may need to also adjust your insulin doses. Talk to your diabetes team for more advice on how this will best suit you.

I've heard there is a link between Type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. How can I find out more?

If you have Type 1 diabetes then you are much more at risk of developing coeliac disease because it is thought that they are both caused by an autoimmune response (when the body destroys its own cells). Diabetes UK recommends that everyone with diabetes sees a registered dietitian. This is particularly important if you have coeliac disease too. Coeliac UK can also provide lots of useful information on a gluten free diet. Visit the Coeliac UK website to find out more.

Reviewed March 2010
Next review March 2011