How to Read Food Labels
When You Have Type 2 Diabetes
From calories to fiber, fat, salt, sugar and total carbohydrates, every little detail counts.
Check Out the Ingredients
Say yes to nutritious ingredients including monounsaturated fats like olive, canola or peanut oils are great for heart health. Whole-wheat flour, soy and oats are packed with nutrients, too. Stay away from unhealthy ingredients, like hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil.
Don’t Ignore the Sugar-Free Ingredients
No sugar added doesn’t mean low or no-carb. A lot of food labels say “no sugar added” but these foods might have tons of carbs. No sugar added simply means no sugar was added during processing or packaging.
Quick tip: When you see sugar-free on a label it means less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
Be Mindful About Fat-Free Products
Fat-free foods still have carbohydrates. Before being wooed by fat-free messaging, read the food label to compare carbohydrates and calories in fat-free foods vs. standard products.
Fat-free foods often have more calories and even more carbohydrates than the standard version.
Know Serving Sizes and Calorie Goals
Compare your serving sizes. Make sure the serving size on your food labels matches up with your meal plan. If you’re eating 2x’s above the serving size you’re also doubling calorie, fat, carb, protein and sodium intake.
As a rule of thumb, keep your fiber, minerals and vitamins high and your fats, sodium and cholesterol low.
Level2 can help you work to improve
Insights
Start with a continuous glucose monitor to see what works for you in real time — without finger sticks every day.
Care Team
Made up of providers, coaches, dietitians and other experts to guide you through Level2.
Level2 Method
A defined process to understand and improve glucose control in a series of phases.
Questions about Level2?