A practical, day-to-day guide for people managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes — diet, activity, monitoring, warning signs, sick-day rules and foot care. Written for patients, reviewed by a Consultant Endocrinologist.
This page is a patient-facing companion to our clinical diabetes service page. It covers everyday self-management: what to eat, how to stay active safely, what your monitoring numbers mean, and what to do when things go wrong. It is written by Dr Syed Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist at Naas Cardiology & Endocrinology Clinic, Co. Kildare (IMC 213626).
There is no single "diabetic diet" — the right approach depends on your diabetes type, medications, weight goals, and personal preferences. General principles that apply to most people with diabetes include:
A referral to a dietitian with diabetes experience is often useful, particularly around diagnosis, during insulin initiation, or when working towards weight loss or remission.
Regular activity improves insulin sensitivity, helps with weight and blood pressure control, and reduces cardiovascular risk. General guidance:
Most people with diabetes monitor either with a home glucose meter (finger-prick), a flash glucose sensor (e.g. FreeStyle Libre), or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Typical day-to-day target ranges used in practice, alongside HbA1c, are:
| Time | Typical Target (mmol/L) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Before meals (fasting) | 4–7 mmol/L | Lower end may be relaxed for those at higher hypo risk |
| Two hours after meals | Under 8.5–9 mmol/L | Varies by individual plan and diabetes type |
| Before bed | 6–10 mmol/L | Helps reduce overnight hypo risk |
| Below 4 mmol/L | Treat as a hypo | Act immediately — see hypoglycaemia guidance below |
For longer-term control, HbA1c is checked periodically (typically every 3–6 months) — see the full HbA1c reference table on our clinical diabetes page. Targets are individualised: your consultant will set targets that balance good control against your risk of hypoglycaemia, age, other health conditions, and personal circumstances.
Hypoglycaemia (a "hypo") is generally defined as blood glucose below 4 mmol/L. Symptoms can include:
Treating a hypo — the "15-15 rule": Take 15–20g of fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g. 4–5 glucose tablets, a small glass of fruit juice, or a non-diet fizzy drink), wait 15 minutes, and recheck your glucose. Repeat if still below 4 mmol/L. Once recovered, follow with a small snack containing starchy carbohydrate if your next meal is more than an hour away.
A reading below 3.0 mmol/L, or any hypo you cannot treat yourself, needs urgent help — see a family member/carer for glucagon if trained, or call 999/112 if severely confused or unconscious.
Hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) can develop gradually. Warning signs include:
Illness — even a minor cold or stomach bug — can affect blood glucose control, usually pushing it higher because of stress hormones released by the body, even if you are eating less than usual.
Continue insulin and other diabetes medications even if you're eating less — your body usually needs them more, not less, when unwell. Contact your team before stopping anything.
Check blood glucose every 2–4 hours if you use insulin. Check ketones if you have Type 1 diabetes or your glucose is persistently high.
Aim for 2–3 litres of sugar-free fluids across the day. Small, frequent sips are easier to tolerate if you feel nauseated.
Try small amounts of carbohydrate regularly. If you can't manage solid food, sugary drinks or soup can help maintain glucose and energy.
Contact your diabetes team, GP, or out-of-hours service if you can't keep fluids down, ketones are present, glucose stays high despite correction doses, or you feel increasingly unwell.
Ask your diabetes team for written, individualised sick-day rules — including exact insulin correction guidance — so you have a clear plan ready before you need it.
Diabetes can reduce sensation and blood flow to the feet over time, meaning small injuries can go unnoticed and heal more slowly. Daily foot care is one of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent serious complications.
This guide is general education. For a personalised review of your diabetes management, book a consultation with Dr Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist, at our Naas clinic. Self-referral welcome. GP referral preferred.