With type 1 diabetes, the main focus of diet planning is balance and consistency. Meals should be eaten at approximately the same time every day. Meals and snacks should be planned in conjunction with the insulin dose and the person's planned level of physical activity. The amount and type of food, and the carbohydrate, protein, and fat content of meals and snacks, should be consistent from day to day. This helps with the delicate balance of carbohydrate intake, insulin, and physical activity that is necessary for optimal blood levels of a sugar called glucose. If these components are not in balance, there can be wide variations, from too high to too low, in blood glucose levels.


With type 2 diabetes, the main focus is on weight management and weight control, because 80% to 90% of people with this disease are overweight. A calorie-controlled meal plan is recommended, along with appropriate physical activity. In many cases, weight control and a planned diet alone control diabetes. Some people with type 2 diabetes must also take oral medications.

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