Diet Information
Diabetic Diet Advice & Support - Advice on How to Manage Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemia in Diabetes

Diabetic Diet Advice & Support

Diet Information - Diabetes Diet Intro - Diabetic Foods & Blood Glucose - Diabetic Food Pyramid
Diet & Calories - Diabetic Diet FAQs - Food Measurement - Exercise & Hypoglycemia
Diet Tips for Diabetics - Glycemic Index - Glycemic Load

Diabetic Diet Advice and Support

When You Are Sick

It's important to take care of your diabetes even when you're ill. Here are some tips on what to do:

Even if you can't keep food down, keep taking your diabetes medicine.

Drink at least one cup (8 ounces) of water or other calorie-free, caffeine-free liquid every hour while you're awake.

If you can't eat your usual food, try drinking juice or eating crackers, popsicles, or soup.

If you can't eat at all, drink clear liquids such as ginger ale. Eat or drink something with sugar in it if you have trouble keeping food down, because you still need calories. If you don't have enough calories, you increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Make sure that you check your blood glucose. Your blood glucose level may be high even if you're not eating.

Call your doctor right away if you throw up more than once or have diarrhea for more than 6 hours.

Points to Remember

What, when, and how much you eat all affect your blood glucose level.

You can keep your blood glucose at a healthy level if you:

• Eat about the same amount of food each day.
• Eat at about the same times each day.
• Take your medicines at the same times each day.
• Exercise at the same times each day.

Every day, choose foods from these food groups: starches, vegetables, fruit, meat and meat substitutes, and milk and yogurt. How much of each depends on how many calories you need a day.

Limit the amounts of fats and sweets you eat each day.

How to Find More Help
Diabetes Teachers (nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other health professionals)

To find a diabetes teacher near you, call the American Association of Diabetes Educators toll-free at 1-800-TEAMUP4 (1-800-832-6874) or see www.diabeteseducator.org and click on "Find a Diabetes Educator."

For UK Diabetic Help, see the British Diabetic Association website: www.diabetes.org.uk/home.htm

Recognized Diabetes Education Programs
Teaching programs approved by the American Diabetes Association

To find a program near you, call toll-free 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or see www.diabetes.org and click on "Diabetes Info."

Dietitians
To find a dietitian near you, call the American Dietetic Association's National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics toll-free at 1-800-366-1655 or see www.eatright.org and click on "Find a Dietitian."

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SOURCE: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, 2002. Website: www.niddk.nih.gov/

Health Disclaimer
The diabetic diet information and advice offered above is intended as a general guide ONLY. If you have diabetes, please consult your doctor about the best way to handle your condition. Diabetes is a serious condition which requires personal, professional advice.