Tamil - Australian Diabetes Council

What can I add to food to give it more flavour
It is important to limit salt and foods containing salt. This is because a high salt intake can
cause high blood pressure.
Herbs, spices, chilli, garlic, lemon, lime and vinegar can all be used to add flavour to food
without affecting blood glucose levels or blood pressure. Use your traditional herbs and
spices to maintain the traditional flavour of meals (e.g. mint, black peppercorns, parsley, curry
leaf, fenugreek, mustard seed, turmeric, cumin, ginger, saffron, coriander leaf, coriander seeds,
cloves, anise seeds and cinnamon).
What if I am a vegetarian
If you follow a vegetarian diet, you may have difficulty obtaining some nutrients, such as iron,
zinc and vitamin B12. Examples of vegetarian foods that naturally contain some or all of these
at risk nutrients include chick peas, lentils, red kidney beans, tofu, nuts, milk, eggs and dark
green leafy vegetables. In addition, some bread and cereal products are now enriched with
these and other nutrients required for good health.
Speak to your dietitian to ensure you are having a balanced diet.
Why should I see a Dietitian
An Accredited Practising Dietitian is a health professional who can help you manage food
and diabetes. Make an appointment to see a dietitian when you are first diagnosed with
diabetes. You will need a referral from your doctor. When you are first diagnosed, your
dietitian will need to see you a few times. Continue to see a dietitian once or twice a year
from then on.
Your doctor might also suggest you see a dietitian if you are prescribed with medications or
change your medications. This is because medications can affect the balance between food
and your blood glucose levels.
Call Australian Diabetes Council on 1300 342 238 for more information.
If you cannot speak English well, call the free Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 131 450
and ask them to help you to speak to a dietitian from Australian Diabetes Council.
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