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If you have diabetes, a nutritious diet that promotes healthy blood sugar levels is critical. But it can feel challenging to constantly shop for, plan, and prepare diabetes-friendly meals.
Fortunately, many meal delivery services offer diabetes menus or other diabetes-friendly options, such as low carb, plant-based, paleo, and keto meals. Research suggests that all of these dietary patterns can promote healthy blood sugar management.
Here are the eight best meal delivery services for people with diabetes.
We know that meal delivery services aren’t a small investment, which is why we’ve taken the time to test more than 30 of the most popular meal delivery services on the market.
Testers select a week’s worth of meals from multiple menus to get a well-rounded view of the types of flavors and ingredients offered.
During testing, we consider several factors, including the ease of the sign-up and meal selection process, the variety and nutritional composition of the meals offered, ingredient quality and freshness, how easy the meals are to cook, and, of course, the taste.
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Here are some key facts to keep in mind as well as foods to limit:
Diabetes affects your body’s ability to use or produce insulin, a hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the bloodstream to the cells.
In addition to taking medications as prescribed by your doctor, making changes to your diet can help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your intake of carbohydrates, which are converted into sugar in your body. Also aim to include foods lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars in your meals and snacks.
A doctor or dietitian can provide specific recommendations for the types of foods to prioritize and the appropriate portion sizes, depending on your needs.
Be sure to check with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. They can adjust your medications as needed and offer additional guidance on how to manage your diabetes.
Nutritional value: To support healthy blood sugar levels, meals should be low in refined carbs and added sugar and high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It can be helpful to choose a service that offers a menu specifically designed for people with diabetes.
Time commitment: If you like to cook, you may prefer a meal kit delivery service, which provides pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. On the other hand, if you’re short on time, look for a company that delivers fully prepared meals. In either case, take into account the recommended method of reheating and the time required. Some of our reviewers found it can sometimes take longer to prepare meals than the service says.
Household needs: Some companies offer meals that feed one person, which is a better choice for people who live alone or are looking for easy lunches. Other services offer meals that feed several people, which tend to suit couples or families.
Dietary needs: If you follow a specific diet or have any allergies or specific food preferences, it’s important to find a meal delivery service that caters to your needs.
Budget: The cost of meal delivery services can vary quite a bit, so be sure to consider your budget when finding a service that works for you. Make sure to factor in shipping fees as well.
Sunbasket is a great option for people with diabetes, as it offers a variety of meal kits and prepared meals that are nutritious and designed to support healthy blood sugar levels. It’s our top pick overall for diabetes meal delivery.
BistroMD, Mom’s Meals, and Factor are also good options to consider if you prefer ready-made meals.
Yes, you can get diabetes meals delivered. All of the services on our list provide meals that are diabetes-friendly.
Though HelloFresh doesn’t have a menu designed specifically for diabetes, it does offer several low carb options.
In fact, all items labeled as “Carb Smart” on the menu contain around 40 g of net carbs per serving, which may be suitable for people living with diabetes.
Some insurance policies, including some Medicare Advantage plans, may cover services like healthy meal delivery for people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes. Your insurance provider can give more details on your coverage and eligibility.
Some Medicare policies may cover meal delivery services for people with diabetes, including certain Medicare Advantage plans. Medicaid may also cover or reimburse home-delivered meals for those who qualify.
Check with your insurance provider for more details on whether meal delivery services are covered by your specific plan and if you are eligible.
High protein foods like fish, yogurt, and milk as well as foods like beans, berries, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains are all great choices for people with diabetes.
These foods are not only loaded with important vitamins and minerals but also fiber, which can support heart health and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Keep in mind that any intake of carbohydrates should be portioned when living with diabetes.
Diabetes-friendly meals are low in refined carbs and added sugars. They are also rich in protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, which can help manage blood sugar levels.
Many meal delivery services provide nutritious meals that may help promote healthy blood sugar levels. Any of the services on our list offer convenient ways to improve your diet and manage your health.
Look for a service with a diabetes-friendly menu, or ones with keto, low carb, paleo, or plant-based meal plans, to help make managing diabetes meal planning and prep easier.
Last medically reviewed on May 21, 2024
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Jardine MA, et al. (2021). Perspective: Plant-based eating pattern for type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment: Efficacy, mechanisms, and practical considerations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8634508/
Yu Z, et al. (2020). Effects of high-protein diet on glycemic control, insulin resistance and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31466731/
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
