(WIFR) – The American Diabetes Association says healthy eating for prediabetes and diabetes not only helps to manage your blood sugar, but it also helps you have a better relationship with food. But health experts add you have to know which diet is right for you.
Dhara Mehta is a UW Health nurse practitioner who specializes in endocrinology.
She says something to look out for are the popular diets called “fad diets.”
Fad diets come in a variety of forms:
Keto diet: Very low carbohydrates with high fat intake leading to ketosis, where your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. Mehta says this diet is branded as a rapid weight loss diet, but it comes with several drawbacks including nutrient gaps. This can be dangerous for people with diabetes as it can increase acid build up and trigger diabetic ketoacidosis.Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication of diabetic that typically occurs in those with type 1 diabetes. Intermittent fasting: Involves switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. Supporters applaud it for its simplicity, but Mehta says it’s possible to overeat during windows and it’s not suitable for everyone, especially those who are pregnant. Diabetics are recommended not to go more than 4 hours without eating. Detoxes and cleanses are a form of dieting where the body is “detoxed” or “reset” with juices, supplements or fasting. The appeal of this dieting program is that it’s quick, but Mehta says there’s no evidence for detox benefits beyond hydration. She says it can cause electrolyte imbalances or nutrient deficiencies and can be dangerous in people with diabetes.
Mehta says fad diets lack robust long-term data and therefore can be unsafe for people with diabetes, especially if they involve extreme restriction, very low calories or unsupervised use of supplements.
The American Diabetes Association emphasizes individualized and sustainable eating patterns over fad or extreme diets because of the hypoglycemia risk, nutrient deficiencies and potential medication interactions in patients with diabetes.
Mehta explains she likes to empower her patients with resources and tools to focus on making small, but long-term and impactful changes, rather than being constrained.
One diet she says she highly recommends is the Mediterranean diet. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil and fish. Mehta says there is strong evidence this diet improves A1C, helps with weight management and has benefits for the heart.
But health experts say always consult a doctor before starting any restrictive diet, especially if you have medical conditions.
Mehta shares tips that people with diabetes can implement when it comes to their daily diet:
Prioritize stable, sustainable eating patternsFocus on nutrient-dense foods: fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats.Personalize carbohydrate intake: Work with your provider and diabetes team to determine appropriate carb targets per mealTrack how different foods affect your blood sugarCombine diet with physical activity as these two are the cornerstone of diabetes management.
UW Health can help manage your diabetes. To learn more, check out its website.
Copyright 2026 WIFR. All rights reserved.