The diet most often recommended for people who suffer from diabetes mellitus is one that is high in dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber, but low in fat (especially saturated fat). Patients may be encouraged to reduce their intake of carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index. However, in cases of hypoglycemia, they are advised to have food or drink that can raise blood glucose quickly, followed by a long-acting carbohydrate (such as rye bread) to prevent risk of further hypoglycemia.

There are three different types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by genetics or diet and requires insulin to treat. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, is not dependent on insulin to control. It is best controlled by diet and exercise. Gestational diabetes can occur in pregnant women. This will go away after the pregnancy.

Immature sucking patterns are often seen in infants whose mothers developed diabetes during pregnancy and had to be treated with insulin, new research indicates. On the other hand, babies of mothers with diabetes that was managed with a careful diet do not seem to have impaired sucking reflexes.

It used to be that diabetic women avoided pregnancy and if they did conceive, complications almost always occurred. Today women with diabetes are able to have children. Special attention is paid to their diet and overall healthy but under the care of their doctor they will likely carry their baby to term without much risk.

The above definition applies regardless of whether insulin or only diet modification is used for treatment or whether the condition continues after pregnancy. It is possible that unrecognized glucose intolerance may have antedated or begun concomitantly with pregnancy.