When it comes to living well with diabetes, one of the biggest challenges people face at the start of their journey is food. What to eat, what to avoid, how to make meals that are both nourishing and satisfying - these questions weigh heavily on the minds of newly diagnosed Australians.
To help ease that uncertainty, beloved Chef and TV personality Miguel Maestre has teamed up with Diabetes Australia to show that healthy cooking can be tasty, simple and affordable.
Miguel, known for his infectious energy and love of flavour, has released a brand-new digital cookbook in partnership with Diabetes Australia. Titled 'Miguel Maestre’s Delicious & Diabetes-Friendly', the book is designed to inspire confidence in the kitchen.
It’s more than just a recipe collection - it’s a guide to enjoying food again, even after a life-changing diagnosis.
Making Healthy Eating Easy
Inside the cookbook, readers will find a carefully curated selection of diabetes-friendly recipes that don’t compromise on taste. From fresh, vibrant salads to comforting warm meals, the dishes are crafted to be budget-friendly while showcasing seasonal produce and accessible ingredients.
Each recipe is supported by practical nutrition advice from Diabetes Australia’s expert dietitians, ensuring that flavour and health go hand in hand.
Miguel himself shares his top tips for making healthy cooking achievable. Whether it’s stocking up on pantry staples, planning meals ahead, or finding smart ingredient swaps, his philosophy is rooted in balance and enjoyment.
For him, cooking is not a restriction but an opportunity to explore new flavours, textures and ways of eating that can empower people with diabetes to live fuller, healthier lives.
A Community of Support
The digital cookbook is available free to anyone who joins Diabetes YOUnited - Australia’s largest online diabetes community. Membership not only provides access to Miguel’s recipes but also unlocks a wealth of resources, from expert-led magazines and meal plans to guided support programs.
We have two of Miguel’s recipes for you to sample at home – banana bread or corn and zucchini fritters, both ideal for brunch.
Why It Matters
The timing of Miguel’s collaboration couldn’t be more important. More than two million Australians are currently living with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes and the numbers continue to rise. Every eight minutes, another person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in this country, with rates increasing alarmingly among younger Australians.
The personal and national costs are staggering. Diabetes now costs the health system more than $9 billion annually, but more importantly, it takes a daily toll on individuals and families navigating the condition. Yet there’s hope - research shows that more than half of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and staying active.
That’s why initiatives like Miguel’s cookbook matter. By making nutritious meals approachable and affordable, he is helping Australians take small, sustainable steps toward better health.
Taking the First Step
For those seeking extra guidance, Diabetes Australia has also launched a free hotline, 1800PREVENT, designed to support individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes. Between expert advice, supportive communities like Diabetes YOUnited and practical tools like Miguel’s cookbook, there has never been more help available to start living well with diabetes.
At the heart of it, managing diabetes doesn’t mean giving up joy at the table. As Miguel shows, it’s about discovering new ways to celebrate flavour, family and food - one delicious meal at a time.
