Top-picks for diabetes self-management resources (plus delish recipes)

If you have diabetes, wouldn't it be nice to have one place for diabetes self-management resources? Do you know a family member with diabetes? Are you on the lookout for educational support toward their healthy lifestyle? Here are some of our favorite websites for diabetes self-management resources, self-care, and recipes.

Our favorite diabetes self-management resources take out the guesswork

When you have diabetes, the daily list of habits to stay on top of your blood sugar feels complicated and involved. Blood sugar testing, trial-and-error medication, decisions around what to eat and when-the list keeps growing. Oh, and don't forget about making time for exercise.

Here are some of our favorite websites to help you optimize your health and get the support you need if you or a loved one has diabetes.

Why these make our "top-picks list"

• Evidence-based
• Provide up-to-date information amid ever-evolving health care
• Make information understandable
• Include both public health organizations and private enterprises

Basic information on diabetes

Whether you are newly diagnosed or want to review, these websites are among the best diabetes self-management resources. They provide essential information about what is happening in your body and why controlling blood sugar is vital.

American Diabetes Association
A trusted resource for credible information about all-things diabetes, the ADA or American Diabetes Association provides evidence-based education, delivers community-based services, conducts research, and advocates for those living with diabetes.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)- Facts about Diabetes and Prediabetes
A government organization, the CDC works hard to protect the health of all Americans. You will find evidence-based guidelines, facts about diabetes, and how to manage it on their website. They also offer the National Diabetes Prevention Program or NDPP at no charge around the country. Click here to find a recognized program near you.

Self-management resources

Diabetes Self-Management Magazine
Both an online resource and a print magazine, the Diabetes Self-Management Magazine is a favorite magazine for people with diabetes. It contains accurate information, tips, and recipes.

Joslin Diabetes
A trusted resource and Harvard Medical School partner for all things related to type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, the Joslin Diabetes website includes extensive information across the lifespan on topics such as diet, exercise, and wellness, as well as ongoing research.

NIDDK's National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (English & Spanish)
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is a government organization that provides evidence-based information about diabetes and related diseases. Their website includes health information, resources, research, and news.

diaTribe
diaTribe is a non-profit, patient-focused online publication. Its website covers a wide range of topics related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, such as medications, new research, new technologies, recipes, advocacy, and education. Their team translates medical information into easy-to-understand information for individuals with no medical background.

Diabetic meal planning and recipe resources

When you think of diabetes self-management resources, you may not think of recipe collections at first. However, when you use recipes recommended by trusted organizations and dietitians, you will start seeing patterns that can guide you in making your own everyday meals.

American Diabetes Association online recipe service
Information on the ADA's DiabetesFoodHub includes details about carbohydrates, easy-to-prepare online recipes, and cookbooks.

Diabetic Gourmet
An online dietary guide and a print magazine with lots of tasty recipes.

Tasteovers by Jackie
The author of The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook writes the delicious blog Tasteovers.

EatingWell
Created by a registered dietitian, EatingWell's seven-day, 1,200-calorie meal plan bursts with inspiring and healthy meal ideas, all of them chock-full of whole-food ingredients. The site highlights calorie and carbohydrate information for each meal and snack. Use MyNetDiary's recipe import feature to track additional vitamins and minerals not initially available with the recipe.

Type 2 Diabetes
Healthy and easy-to-prepare recipes listed on Type2Diabetes.com include many submitted by registered dietitians. In addition, their recipes include nutrition facts, helping you quickly see if the recipe works for your eating plan. The organization's mission is to help individuals with type 2 diabetes learn and connect with peers and health professionals.

Jumpstart your diabetic meal planning with this one-day menu featuring MyNetDiary recipes

Breakfast

Tofu Breakfast Scramble with fresh berries

Lunch

Chicken Vegetable and Bean Soup with a mixed green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing

Snack

Raw Veggies and Hummus

Dinner

Garlic Chili Baked Salmon with roasted sweet potato and veggies

Snack

Plain yogurt with diced pear

More help

Tracking

MyNetDiary Premium membership
Available for iPhone, Android, and the web, MyNetDiary's app with Premium membership may prove to be one of your favorite diabetes self-management resources! Track diet (total carbs, net carbs, diabetes carb count, and more), blood glucose, medications, and exercise in one place. Additional features such as iPhone Health app integration, Low-Carb Premium diet plan, and detailed reports are available.

• Tracking diabetes with MyNetDiary

Adapted from original content by Kathy Isacks MPS, RDN, CDCES

Still new to MyNetDiary? Learn more today by downloading the app for FREE.

Diabetes->Other Resources