For people with type 1 diabetes, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet. However, this does not mean that patients cannot enjoy the delicious foods they like.
Why is diet important?
Why is diet important?
With type 1 diabetes, a person’s body stops producing insulin. Therefore, insulin injections or an insulin pump are needed every day, which is a key part of tracking blood sugar levels.
Insulin is only part of the equation. Diet and exercise also help keep blood sugar levels stable. Making healthy food choices while eating a set amount of food at a set time each day not only helps control blood sugar levels, but also reduces the chance of developing diabetes-related conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
What to eat?
Some experts used to think there was a “diabetic diet”. They believe that people with diabetes must avoid foods that contain sugar or stop eating certain foods. But in fact, people with type 1 diabetes can make healthy dietary choices just like everyone else.
Please follow these basic guidelines:
- Eat less unhealthy fats. Reduce your intake of saturated fats from high-fat meats such as bacon and regular ground beef, as well as full-fat dairy products such as whole milk and butter. Unhealthy fats increase the chances of developing heart disease. People with diabetes have a higher than average chance of developing heart disease. So patients need to make rational dietary choices to reduce their risk of developing the disease.
- Eat enough fiber. Fiber helps control blood sugar. You can get fiber from whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Try to keep your intake at 25 to 30 grams per day.
- High-fiber foods are a better choice than low-fiber carbohydrates, such as refined “white” grains and processed, sugary foods.
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Counting carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. Carbohydrates can be consumed from many foods, such as grains (rice, pasta, bread, graham crackers and cookies), fruits and vegetables, dairy products and sugar.
Carbohydrates are the foods that raise blood sugar the fastest. The amount and type of carbohydrate consumed can affect the treatment of diabetes.
Counting carbohydrates can help people track the amount of carbohydrates they consume. The amount of carbohydrates that should be consumed at each meal and snack can be determined with a doctor or dietitian. Grams of carbohydrates in foods can be calculated from food labels, apps, or other reference values.
Sugar and sugar substitutes
Some people think that sugar “causes” diabetes. But type 1 diabetes is caused by genetic and other factors. Nevertheless, many sweet foods contain a lot of carbohydrates, which can affect people’s blood sugar levels.
Even a “sugar-free” food does not mean that it contains fewer carbohydrates or calories. Read the product label to calculate the amount of carbohydrates you are consuming. In addition, patients may consider eating foods and beverages that are low in calories or contain artificial sweeteners, as these products can satisfy the need for a sweet tooth without adding extra carbohydrates or calories.
Diabetes “superfoods”
The American Diabetes Association recommends the following delicious foods. These foods are low in carbohydrates (also known as low glycemic index foods) and rich in key nutrients like calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and other vitamins.
- Beans
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Citrus fruits
- Sweet potatoes
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. salmon)
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Skim yogurt and milk