Those afflicted with type 1 or type 2 diabetes know all too well how complicated a simple decision like, what should I have for dinner? can be. Terms like "carb counting" and "glycemic index" are top of mind here, but they're taken into consideration in very different ways depending on the type of condition—and the diabetic.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. It has no cure. With type 2, one's body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn't produce enough of it to maintain normal glucose levels. Losing weight, eating well, and exercising can all help manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes.
In either case, blood sugar management is key. It's too easy to get bogged down trying to find the perfect foods for keeping your blood sugar in check, which is why we wanted to do the heavy lifting for you. These nutrient-rich recipes, created by the Real Simple food department with guidance from diabetes experts George L. King, MD, and Jackie Mills, RD, are carb-smart and high in flavor.
01of 12
Avocado and Raita Toast with Boiled Egg
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/avocado-raita_0-998491bd306e4185b2267249beff410a.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (1)")
Raita, an Indian yogurt sauce made by combining yogurt with chopped cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, is an unexpected yet tasty topping for toast. Finish the grab-and-go breakfast with a layer of creamy avocado and chopped fresh mint. Serve with a boiled egg to boost the amount of protein.
Get the recipe.
02of 12
Chicken, Spinach, Pear, Celery, and Parsley Salad
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/chicken-pear-salad_0-1c210becfdf14ec5a66cee2c81134ed3.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (2)")
To create a more nutritious salad, use baby spinach instead of iceberg or romaine lettuce. Top the greens with cooked chicken breast, pear (or apple), celery, parsley, and walnuts. Then, toss the salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette.
Get the recipe.
03of 12
Salmon, Fennel, and Onion Kebab with Parsley Caper Sauce Over Farro
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/salmon-fennel-kebab_0-93b0c159d7f24088a76c99fd2ea33498.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (3)")
You don't need a grill to make these incredibly tasty (and healthy) kebabs. Instead, thread salmon, fennel, and onion onto skewers and broil, turning once, until the salmon is opaque throughout and the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 7 to 9 minutes. Serve with a flavorful lemon caper sauce and a nutty grain, like farro.
Get the recipe.
04of 12
Roasted Broccoli and Tomato Mac-and-Cheese
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/broccoli-tomato-mac_0-949973b05ca44117a182f62efaa96463.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (4)")
If you're looking for a healthier spin on the classic, consider this veggie-packed mac-and-cheese your new go-to. In the colder months, opt for roasted winter squash and red onion.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli and Tomato Mac-and-Cheese
05of 12
Cream Cheese, Caraway, and Rye Toast With Boiled Egg
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/neufchatel-avocado_0-55cf3293f78c4dd8a284530b9966798a.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (5)")
Neufchâtel is a soft, moist, and slightly crumbly French cheese that's typically found in the dairy aisle of your local grocery store. If you're having trouble finding it, cream cheese is a great substitute. To make this quick breakfast, top the bread with the Neufchâtel, avocado, lemon juice, caraway seeds, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
Get the recipe.
06of 12
Chicken, Watercress, Mango, Scallion, and Mint Salad
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/chicken-mango-salad_0-6835b9ddb82d40049fcc083014498623.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (6)")
You won't dirty any pots and pans making this salad: Toss together the chicken, watercress, mango, scallion, mint, cashews, vinegar, oil, and seasonings in the same bowl you'll eat out of. To make the 20-minute meal even easier to prep, buy pre-cooked chicken breasts at the supermarket.
Get the recipe.
07of 12
Mustard, Avocado, and Dill on a Whole-Wheat English Muffin with Boiled Egg
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mustard-avocado-dill_0-fd2bd4ca8c974a6f834617655e632b33.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (7)")
If you can spare just five minutes in the morning, you can make this healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast. Simply top a whole-wheat English muffin with whole-grain mustard, avocado slices, and fresh dill. Round out the meal with a boiled egg.
Get the recipe.
08of 12
Chicken, Baby Kale, Tomato, Cucumber, Pistachio, and Chive Salad
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/chicken-tomato-salad_0-ca917676ec7940fab8df493a8c93555c.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (8)")
Sick of spinach? This delicious main-course salad stars kale, a nutritional powerhouse. Make your own in just 20 minutes, by tossing the kale with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, chives, pistachios, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. To make the kale easier to chew, massage the leaves with clean hands before eating.
Get the recipe.
09of 12
Salmon, Napa Cabbage, and Shallot Kebabs with Dill and Fennel-Seed Sauce Over Bulgur
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/salmon-kebab-bulgur_0-a3a0d192d9724de29f4e9b0ace032c90.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (9)")
Alternating, thread large cubes of salmon, cabbage, and shallots onto wooden skewers. To prevent the ends of the skewers from burning under the broiler, soak the skewers in water for 15 minutes before making the kebabs or wrap the ends in foil after skewering. Serve over bulgur with a homemade fennel-seed sauce.
Get the recipe.
10of 12
Halibut, Mushroom, and Scallion Kebabs Over Brown Rice with Spicy Cilantro Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/halibut-scallion-kebab_0-31e3880b5bcc4b53b317208e20c0f8ac.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (10)")
Halibut, a lean and flaky white fish, is a good choice for serving a crowd because it has a mild flavor that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. When entertaining, save time by assembling the kebabs up to 12 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to start cooking.
Get the recipe.
11of 12
Strawberry, Chocolate, and Peanut Sundae
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-sundae_0-c7ca274a441c42cca99872d2ccfec156.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (11)")
Top vanilla frozen yogurt with shaved chocolate, sliced bananas, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce, made by mashing and cooking frozen strawberries. If using fresh fruit, toss it with a teaspoon of maple syrup and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.
Get the recipe.
12of 12
Flourless Chocolate Cake
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/flourless-choc-cake_0-e3dde9b261a940c0b13fde2d47fb6458.jpg "12 Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes (12)")
Finely chopped pitted prunes stand in as a substitute for a portion of the fat in this recipe, making this decadent dessert more healthful without altering the taste. If you prefer a sweeter, less intensely rich cake, replace the bittersweet chocolate with additional semisweet chocolate.
Get the recipe.
