American Diabetes Association

Some people have symptoms of diabetes or prediabetes before they're diagnosed, but many more never have any or realize that any symptoms they're having are related to diabetes. You need to recognize diabetes symptoms, both the classic and the subtle ones, to ensure that you get the necessary tests.Annual checkups— particularly when you're getting older — that measure your fasting blood glucose are important.

Most important for people with diabetes, homemade soups are a tasty vehicle for incorporating more vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins into your meal plan without a lot of added fat or sodium. The recipes here use fresh produce and low-sodium products such as broth and canned tomatoes to keep these soups diabetes friendly.

Traditional pasta dishes are high in carbohydrate and often contain high-fat ingredients, but if you have diabetes, you don’t have to take pasta off the table completely. The recipes here are great, healthier alternatives to heavy pasta dishes.Making a few simple changes to your average pasta dish can transform it into a balanced and nutritious meal.

Lean cuts of poultry make quick, delicious meals and are a great protein option for people with diabetes. From fun and tasty chicken tenders to juicy turkey burgers, nothing says “family favorite” like poultry. The healthiest poultry choices for people with diabetes are white meat cuts like breasts and tenderloins with the skin removed.

Beef, pork, lamb, and veal are hearty and delicious protein options, but they’re generally higher in saturated fat than other types of protein such as poultry and fish. You can enjoy lean cuts of pork without jeopardizing your healthy-eating goals. Kelly Cline/Getty ImagesYou can enjoy lean cuts of pork and other hearty proteins without jeopardizing your healthy-eating goals.

These diabetes-friendly dishes are full of rich flavors. People with diabetes can enjoy red meats and pork, but they should eat these proteins in moderation and try to choose the leanest, highest-quality cuts available. ©Michael Phillips/iStockphotoNew York strip steak. When eating red meat, try to pick the leanest, highest-quality cuts available.

Even if you’re already an expert at preparing healthy beef and pork at home, you’ll be pleased to find a couple of simple, elegant lamb recipes here that are sure to impress your friends and family! These healthy, delicious recipes will turn any night into a special occasion. Lamb Chops with Orange Sauce Preparation time: About 5 minutes plus marinating timeCook time: 20 minutesServings: 4Serving size: 2 lamb chops with sauce Ingredients 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice2 tablespoons orange zest1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepperNonstick cooking spray8 small lean lamb chops, about 1/2-inch thick (about 4 ounces each)1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms1/2 cup dry white wine Directions In a shallow baking dish, combine the orange juice, orange zest, thyme, and pepper; mix well.

Fruits are a healthy food choice for people with diabetes. Fruits contain carbohydrate and affect your blood glucose, so be sure to account for them in your meal plan. But they’re also full of fiber and nutrients that a health body needs. If you have a sweet tooth, great news: A serving of fruit is a wonderful alternative to heavier desserts and sugary treats.

The Mediterranean-style eating pattern has been shown to protect against heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. Studies have also suggested that this eating pattern may help with weight and blood glucose management, which means it can be considered a good meal-planning option for people with type 2 diabetes.