Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body lacks insulin and progresses with increased blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
Why is Nutrition Important in Diabetes?
Medical nutrition therapy for type 1 diabetes can help maintain blood glucose levels within normal limits, help the patient maintain an ideal body weight and keep cholesterol and blood pressure within ideal ranges. Care should be taken to take insulin doses determined by physicians and to eat in the presence of nutritionists.
How Should Type 1 Diabetes Patients Eat?
Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic diseases that occur in childhood. As a result of insulin insufficiency, patients must receive the hormone insulin into the body by injection for life. Attention should be paid to nutrition in order to regulate blood sugar. A healthy eating plate model with diabetes and nutrition recommendations should be created for Type 1 patients. There are several dietary recommendations. These are:
Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables are lower in carbohydrates, so they won’t spike blood sugar too much. Examples of starch-free vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumber, eggplant, mushrooms, okra, green beans, green and red peppers, lettuce, spinach, arugula, zucchini and tomatoes.
Fill a quarter of your plate with lean protein foods.High-protein foods such as fish, chicken, lean beef, soy products and cheese are all considered “protein foods”. Some plant-based protein foods (beans and legumes) are rich in carbohydrates and should be consumed in moderation. Lean protein sources: Chicken, turkey, fish (salmon, cod, tuna), lean beef, eggs and cheese. Vegetable protein sources: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and nuts.
Fill a quarter of your plate with healthy carbohydrate foods – carbs have the biggest impact on blood sugar. The portion of carbohydrate foods should be adjusted to one quarter of the plate so that blood sugar does not rise too much after meals. Carbohydrate sources: Brown rice, bulgur, oats, quinoa, pumpkin, peas, bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, chickpeas, fresh and dried fruits, milk and dairy products.
Choose water or a low-calorie drink. Water contains no calories or carbohydrates and has no effect on blood sugar. Other zero- or low-calorie drink options include: Unsweetened tea (hot or iced), unsweetened coffee (hot or iced), flavored water or mineral water without added sugar.
Including healthy fats in meals can help you feel fuller and prevent you from eating too many carbohydrates. Healthy fats include: Avocados, olives and olive oil, nuts and seeds, oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel.
What Foods Should Type 1 Diabetes Patients Avoid?
Products with added refined sugar
Refined grains such as white bread, pasta and rice
Processed foods (sausage, salami, sausage)
Sugary breakfast cereals
Sweets such as cakes, biscuits, pastries and candies
Soda, diet soda and other sugary drinks
Juice drinks
Fried foods and foods high in saturated and trans fats
Alcoholic beverages
Healthy Eating Tips for Type 1 Diabetics
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes appear gradually in the early stages of life and have a serious impact on the patient’s life. It is possible to prevent diabetes by changing a few routines in daily life. Here are a few tips for preventing diabetes:
Eating from every food group on a daily basis,
Prefer complex carbohydrates in the diet,
Avoiding processed grains and potatoes,
Avoiding sugar and sweets high in sugar,
Use as little fat, sugar and salt as possible,
Eating healthy meats and fats,
Eating slowly and chewing your food,
Not continuing to eat when feeling full.
Diabetes patients can be protected from the risks of the disease with regular medical check-ups, proper use of prescribed medications and a few lifestyle changes. In chronic diseases, you can take a look at online packages to benefit from remote health services and receive treatment from specialist physicians without going to the hospital physically.
What Foods Should Type 1 Diabetes Patients Avoid?
What Foods Should Type 1 Diabetes Patients Avoid?
