Learning Center

Diabetes 101 Alternate Site Testing Nutrition Tips Exercise and Diabetes Diabetes and Your Health Diabetes Facts Diabetes Tips Diabetes Glossary

Request FREE Info

Newsletter Signup

Want the best of DCC Connect delivered right to your inbox? Sign up below to receive our monthly newsletter!

Reading food labels

Reading labels can help you make correct and healthy wise food choices. Most packaged foods in the grocery store list nutrition information on the package in a section called the "Nutrition Facts."

1. The Nutrition Facts tell you the serving size and the amount of various nutrients such as total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and fiber per serving
2. Nutrient content claims such as "low fat" provide a reliable description of the product.
3. The list of ingredients shows the ingredients in descending order by weight.
4. Foods that are exempt from the label include foods in very small packages, foods prepared in the store, and foods made by small manufacturers.

Related Topics

• What is a "free food"?
• Making healthy food choices
• Sweeteners & desserts in diabetes
• Why do I need to see a dietitian?
• Can I eat foods with sugar in them?
• Why does losing weight help my diabetes?
• How can I cut the fat in my diet?
• Are some fats better than others?
• What foods can I eat a lot of?
• What can I do if I overeat over the holidays?
• Can I use low calorie sweeteners?
• How much weight should I lose each week?
• Can I drink alcohol?
• Isn't glucose control easier if I eat the same things every day?
• What vitamins will help my diabetes?
• Are there herbs that will help my diabetes?