WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BODY ?
Normally, a gland called the pancreas makes insulin which carries the sugar in the blood into the cells.  In diabetes, the pancreas fails to supply enough insulin, or the insulin doesn't work properly. 

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOU HAD DIABETES ?
*Thirsty
*Pass lots of urine frequently
*Hungry
*Change weight
*Feel tired/weak 

You could also experience changes in vision, numbness in hands and feet, slow healing of cuts and bruises, or itching.  But some people with diabetes have no symptoms at all. 

HOW IS DIABETES TREATED ?
Depending on the type and severity of the diabetes, either with diet plus exercise, or diet plus exercise plus medication.  Medication may be insulin or tablets, or both. 

The good news is that having diabetes need not mean the end of a normal healthy life, if you first accept that you have the condition and then learn how to manage it. 

THE ROLE OF FOOD
A well balanced eating plan is the cornerstone of good blood sugar control in any type of diabetes.  Whether you are being treated with insulin or tablets,  you still need to follow a sensible eating plan. 

The so-called "diabetic diet" is not in fact a diet, but rather a healthy eating plan which can, and should be followed by the whole family. 

Keeping to a healthy food intake not only controls blood glucose levels (and so delays the onset of diabetic complications) but also helps to maintain body weight and prevent heart disease. 

The following list gives you an indication of which foods to choose.  Remember that the size of individual portion sizes allowed will depend on your present and ideal body weights. 

FOODS TO CHOOSE

MORE GRAINS, CEREALS, BREADS
HIGH STARCH/FIBRE:  Whole wheat bread and rolls, brown rice, coarse mielie pap, mielie rice, stamp mielies, pasta, potatoes, whole grain cereals, mabela, oats, wheat rice, corn rice, high fibre biscuits, samp and beans, dried beans and lentils.

LESS FAT
PROTEIN/DAIRY:  Skimmed and low fat fresh and powdered milk, low fat cheese and cottage cheese, low fat buttermilk, low fat maas and low fat artificially sweetened yoghurt. 

PROTEIN/OTHER: Lean beef, lean mutton and lean pork, chicken without the skin, fish - fresh or frozen, tinned pilchards, tuna in brine, eggs. 

MORE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES:  All fresh and frozen vegetables, all fresh and dried fruit.

OTHER:  Herbs and spices, water, soda water, artificial sweeteners in moderation.

REMEMBER
Good diabetes management is a balance between healthy eating, exercise and medication.

HOW MUCH you eat is as important as WHAT you eat.
It is important to keep your body weight at the ideal level.
Every diabetic should consult a dietitian if at all possible. 

GENERAL ADVICE

• Try and eat a variety of food.
• Cut down on fat.  Use as little fat as possible in cooking - grilling, baking, boiling or steaming are preferred cooking methods. 
• Eat less or avoid refined food and sugars.  Keep food like cakes, biscuits and sweets for special occasions. 
• Eat less salt.  Avoid very salty food.  Cook with herbs, spices or lemon juice for flavour rather than salt.  Don't add salt to food at the table. 
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Use artificial sweeteners in moderation. 

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Have three small sized meals each day rather than one or two big meals.
• Don't skip a meal.
• Eat at approximately the same time each day.
• Eat the right amount of food. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, WRITE TO:
South African Diabetes Association
National Office
P. O. Box 1715
Saxonwold, 2132
Tel:  (011) 788-4595/6
Fax:  (011) 447-5100

OR

Contact your local Branch

Diabetes Association Mission Statement
To inform and encourage diabetics so that they can control their condition.  To create greater public awareness about diabetes.

Association for Dietetics in South Africa
(Association for Dietitians)
PO Box 4309
Randburg
2125
Tel:  (011) 327-7084
Mission Statement: 
To use our expertise in the field of nutrition to motivate, educate and influence all South Africans to achieve and maintain optimal nutrition.