Eating well
You do not need special "diabetic" foods. Try to:
- fill half your plate with vegetables or salad
- choose wholegrain bread, rice and pasta, and watch portion sizes
- cut down on sugary drinks, sweets and cakes
- eat fewer processed foods and less salt
- include beans, lentils, fish and lean protein
A dietitian can give you advice that fits your life, culture and budget.
Moving more
Being active helps your body use insulin better. Walking counts. Aim to sit less and build up to 150 minutes of activity a week.
Foot care
- check your feet every day
- wear well-fitting shoes and do not walk barefoot
- see a GP or podiatrist the same day about any cut, blister or sore that is not healing
Driving
If you are treated with insulin, you must tell the DVLA. If you take tablets only, you usually do not need to, but check the rules on GOV.UK if your tablets can cause hypos or you have had a severe hypo.
Being ill
Illness can raise your blood sugar. Keep drinking fluids, keep eating small amounts if you can, and check your blood sugar more often if you test at home. Some medicines, such as metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors, may need to be paused when you are ill and cannot eat or drink. Ask your GP or pharmacist for sick day rules.
Your mental health
It is common to feel worried or low after a diagnosis, or worn out by managing diabetes. Talk to your GP or diabetes nurse. Diabetes UK runs a free helpline and online support forum.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.