About the topic
Diabetes care combines follow-up, appropriate treatment and sustainable daily habits. Your plan should reflect your health and circumstances.
Practical care & comfort
- Choose balanced meals with vegetables, pulses and whole grains.
- Build up regular activity that suits your abilities.
- Take prescribed treatment as directed and discuss any side effects or difficulties.
Symptoms & signs
- Feeling very thirsty and passing urine more often.
- Persistent tiredness or unexplained weight loss.
- Blurred vision or slow-healing wounds; some people have no symptoms.
When to speak with a clinician: Bring your glucose records and medicines to follow-up appointments. Ask your team for an individual plan for days when you are unwell.
Food & nutrition
Insulin and some medicines can cause low blood glucose. Ask your team before major dietary changes, fasting or missed meals.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Choose vegetables, wholegrains and pulses within your agreed meal plan.
- Coordinate meal changes and weight-loss plans with your diabetes medicines.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Limit sugary, salty and highly processed foods.
- Avoid very strict low-calorie diets without your diabetes team's advice.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: