Although diabetes has been medically determined as having no "cure" and being practically irreversible, a healthy diet for diabetes can go a long way in managing the disease and improving the diabetic's lifestyle. In fact, good nutrition and diet together with regular exercise (whether light or moderate) and weight management are crucial to preventing the serious complications of this ailment and giving the diabetic a longer lease on life. A recent study shows that a fiber-rich, low-fat plant-based diet, also called a vegan diet, combined with moderate exercises can so dramatically control blood glucose to almost normal levels.

Initially, an ideal diet for diabetes would involve the intake of more starches from bread products, cereals, grains and starchy vegetables. It will also require eating plenty of fruits and legumes. The soluble fibers found in fruits and vegetables will help to retard the absorption of glucose coming from the intestines. While not necessarily advocating for total abstinence, sugars and sweets will have to be taken in moderation. Those opting for the vegan diet would have to forego altogether animal products such as meat and dairy.

Although a viable diet for diabetes does not necessarily require a rigid composition or a strict daily menu, a few basic eating guidelines will be helpful: Daily meals should be eaten regularly. One should aim to consume al least 130 grams of high-fiber carbohydrates everyday. Check the intake of saturated fats, including milk, cream, yoghurt, ice cream, cheese and butter. Unsaturated fats like canola, olive or sunflower oil, some margarines and oily fish should be consumed only in small amounts. Avoid salt as well as soft drinks. If drinking cannot be avoided, severely limit alcohol intake. Absolutely eschew tobacco.

In addition, an effective diet for diabetes manages, or "counts", carbohydrates consumption. Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy, but they also impact greatly on the levels of blood glucose. As a solution, a good diet for diabetes would spread carbohydrate foods across the regular daily meals to allow the body its needed energy while maintaining safe blood glucose levels.