Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease that requires not only drug therapy, but also changes in diet. However, this is not a reason to stop enjoying delicious food or to go on a hunger strike.
A properly selected diet will avoid deterioration in type 1 diabetes and improve health if type 2 diabetes is diagnosed.
The main task of nutrition in diabetes of any type is to control carbohydrate metabolism and not allow a sudden influx of large amounts of glucose into the bloodstream.
Types of diets for diabetes mellitus
There are quite a lot of them: carbohydrate-free, protein, low-carbohydrate and others. At the same time, the most preferable is considered a physiological, in all parameters balanced diet. Specialists also note that it should be individualized, taking into account the food habits and eating stereotypes formed in the patient.
To account for carbohydrate-containing products, it is recommended to use a simple and perfectly suitable real life system of carbohydrate counting (“carb” counting). It helps a person with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to maintain a varied diet: replace some carbohydrate-containing dishes with others, but at the same time do not allow serious fluctuations in blood sugar. One bread unit of the product contains 10-12 g of carbohydrates. The “carb” counting system is convenient because a person does not need to use a scale every time to find out the carbohydrate content to the nearest 1 g. He can make a visual assessment using simple units of measurement: piece, cup, piece, tablespoon, etc.
What is the difference between nutrition in type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Nutrition in type 1 diabetes mellitus
It is important to get all essential nutrients in the same amount as a normal person. If there is no tendency to obesity, the daily caloric content of meals should not differ from the norm. The only thing that is important to know is the amount of carbohydrates in the food. On average, 1 unit of insulin is designed for 15 g of carbohydrates, the insulin dose is adjusted before the meal, taking into account the number of bread units of the future meal. According to modern recommendations, the most suitable foods for type 1 diabetes are contained in the Mediterranean diet.
Nutrition in type 2 diabetes mellitus
There are no special differences in the diet, the diet should also be saturated with non-starchy vegetables, complex carbohydrates and whole grain products. If you are overweight, the doctor may recommend a low-calorie or low-carbohydrate diet. Also, type 2 diabetics need to consume at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
Top 3 dietary rules
1. Replace sweets with healthy food
Can’t give up sweets for tea? Then instead of the usual chocolate bar it is better to eat a small amount of dried fruit, whole-grain cookies. Do you like ice cream? Try making it at home yourself – freeze your favorite berries or fruits and whisk them with a blender until a homogeneous mass.
2. The caloric content of each meal should be approximately the same
Make your menu so that the portions for breakfast, lunch and dinner are equal in calories. Use the diabetic plate method – half of the meal is vegetables and greens, a quarter is carbohydrates and another quarter is meat/fish. Better yet, see a dietitian for a personalized meal plan.
3. Consume carbohydrates in the first half of the day
Before lunch – cereal, fruit, potatoes, dairy. Carbohydrates have the highest glycemic index, so they can be consumed only before lunch, and after 5 pm carbohydrates are forbidden. This is fraught with a sugar spike at night, when you can not control its level.
What you can eat when you have diabetes
Fruits and berries | Strawberries, strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries, any currants, cherries and cherries, apples (it is better to take green and sour varieties), kiwi, orange, etc. |
Vegetables (can be eaten raw, boiled or baked) | Cucumbers, all types of cabbage (cauliflower, broccoli, etc.), green peas, leaf lettuce, greens, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, etc. |
Dairy products | Low-fat milk, cottage cheese, fermented milk products, a small amount of cheese of no more than 30% fat content |
Cereals | Soybeans, beans, peas, lentils, buckwheat, oatmeal, pearl, occasional pasta |
Meat and fish | Lean beef, turkey, chicken, rabbit, lean fish varieties |
Sweet | Only special diabetic foods and in limited quantities |
Drinking | Tea, coffee without sugar and cream |
Bread and bakery products | Unbaked, made of rye flour |
Others | Eggs, mushrooms |
Prohibited foods
Fatty meat | Pork, beef, goose, duck, lard, wieners, bacon, sausages, ready-to-cook meat products |
Dairy products | Sour cream, cream, milk, cottage cheese over 5% fat content, cheese over 30% fat content |
Canned food | Meat, fish and vegetable in oil |
Pastry products | Pastries, cakes, chocolates, jams, etc. |
Oils | Butter, vegetable oil |
Drinks | Sweet (lemonades, fruit juices), alcohol |
Others | Nuts, seeds, sugar, honey. |
Other dietary strategies
As noted, any dietary restriction must be individualized. Today, there are several variations of dietary strategies for diabetes in overweight patients. Good results can be obtained with the Mediterranean diet, which also involves daily physical activity.
Its key principles are:
- eat 5 times a day – 3 main meals and 2 snacks;
- breakfast should be predominantly complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index;
- dinner should be light, including lean protein and vegetables;
- it is recommended to eat more than 400 g of various vegetables and greens per day;
- follow a drinking regimen – at least 7-8 glasses of water per day.
Conclusion
A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes mellitus, whether it’s type 1 or type 2. By understanding the importance of carbohydrate control, making informed food choices, and following specific dietary rules, individuals with diabetes can better manage their condition and prevent complications. Incorporating healthy eating habits, staying hydrated, and ensuring regular physical activity are key components of diabetes management. Personalizing the diet plan with the help of a healthcare professional can further optimize results, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life. With the right approach, living with diabetes can be manageable and even enjoyable.
