From the Guidelines
People with Type 2 diabetes can consume regular sugar and non-diet foods, but should do so mindfully and in moderation as part of a balanced meal plan. This approach is supported by the most recent evidence from the 2025 standards of care in diabetes, which emphasizes the importance of individualized meal planning and balanced eating patterns 1. The key is to monitor portion sizes and balance carbohydrate intake throughout the day, rather than completely eliminating certain foods.
When consuming foods with sugar, pairing them with protein, fiber, or healthy fats can help slow glucose absorption and reduce blood sugar spikes. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential to understand how different foods affect your levels. It is also important to work with both your diabetes healthcare provider and eating disorder treatment team to develop an individualized approach that addresses both conditions appropriately.
Some studies suggest that a variety of eating patterns are acceptable for the management of diabetes, including Mediterranean, DASH, low-fat, carbohydrate-restricted, vegetarian, and vegan eating patterns 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study recommends focusing on the core dimensions common among healthful patterns, such as inclusion of nonstarchy vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy products, and minimizing consumption of red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, refined grains, and processed and ultraprocessed foods 1.
Many people with diabetes successfully incorporate occasional treats into their diet while maintaining good glucose control through medication adherence, regular physical activity, and overall balanced eating patterns. It is essential to prioritize individualized nutrition therapy and ongoing support from a registered dietitian nutritionist to assess the overall nutrition status and create a personalized meal plan that coordinates and aligns with the overall lifestyle treatment plan, including physical activity and medication use 1.
In eating disorder treatment settings, it is crucial to avoid food restrictions and focus on promoting a balanced and flexible eating pattern that meets the individual's nutritional needs and promotes overall well-being. By working together with healthcare providers and registered dietitian nutritionists, people with Type 2 diabetes can develop a personalized approach to managing their condition and maintaining good glucose control while also addressing their eating disorder treatment needs.
From the Research
Dietary Management of Type 2 Diabetes
- The management of Type 2 diabetes involves dietary strategies to regulate blood glucose and lipid parameters, and reduce the risks of acute and chronic diabetic complications 2.
- Various dietary patterns, such as low carbohydrate, vegan, vegetarian, and Mediterranean diets, have been studied for their effectiveness in managing Type 2 diabetes 3.
Food Restrictions and Type 2 Diabetes
- There is no evidence to suggest that complete avoidance of regular sugar or non-diet foods is necessary for managing Type 2 diabetes 2, 3.
- However, dietary interventions that focus on regulating blood glucose and lipid parameters can be beneficial in managing the condition 2, 3.
Dietary Patterns and Type 2 Diabetes Management
- A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that Mediterranean, vegan, and vegetarian dietary patterns can be effective in managing Type 2 diabetes, with improvements in glycemic control, weight loss, and insulin sensitivity 3.
- Other studies have compared the effects of different medications, such as pioglitazone, metformin, and sulfonylurea, on postload glycemia and composite insulin sensitivity index in patients with Type 2 diabetes 4, 5.
Eating Disorder Treatment and Food Restrictions
- The absence of food restrictions in eating disorder treatment does not necessarily mean that individuals with Type 2 diabetes can consume regular sugar or non-diet foods without consideration for their dietary management 2, 3.
- A balanced and individualized approach to dietary management, taking into account the specific needs and health goals of the individual, is recommended 2, 3.