Recommended diet Part 3
7. Limit sugar and sugary foods. This does not mean you need to eat a sugar-free diet. Sugar can be used in foods and in baking as part of a healthy diet. However, use sugar-free, no added sugar or diet squashes and fizzy drinks, as sugary drinks cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.
8. Reduce salt in your diet to 6g or less a day - more than this can raise your blood pressure, which can lead to stroke and heart disease. Limit the amount of processed foods you eat and try flavouring foods with herbs and spices instead of salt.
9. Drink alcohol in moderation only, that's a maximum of two units of alcohol per day for a woman and three units per day for a man. For example, a pub measure (25ml) of spirit or half a pint of normal strength beer is about one unit. Over the years the alcohol content of most drinks has gone up. A drink can now contain more units that you think - a pint of premium lager can contain as much as 3 units, and a small glass of wine (175ml) around 2 units.
Remember alcohol contains empty calories so think about cutting back further if you are trying to lose weight. Never drink on an empty stomach, as alcohol can make hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) more likely to occur when taking certain diabetes medication. Never drink and drive.
10. Don't be tempted by diabetic foods or drinks. They offer no benefit to people with diabetes. They:
- Are expensive
- Contain just as much fat and calories as the ordinary versions
- Can have a laxative effect
- Will still affect your blood glucose levels.
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