diabetes diet

diabetes dietDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of diseases associated with impaired glucose absorption. As a result, its concentration in the blood increases significantly.Diabetes occurs for many reasons. Some types of disease are due to genetic predispositions, while others are related to lifestyle or environmental factors.This disease can cause severe damage to the body. Chronic excess of glucose (sugar) in the blood gradually damages blood vessel walls and can lead to kidney and heart dysfunction and nerve cell death. But such complications can be prevented. The main thing is to follow the doctor's recommendations for treatment and adjust your diet.

type of diabetes

According to the mechanism of pathogenesis, there are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.Additionally, there are other types of diabetes:
  • A condition in which underlying (prediabetic) blood sugar is at but not above the upper limit of normal;
  • Diabetes insipidus is a disease in which the body lacks antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or the kidneys lose sensitivity to it. As a result, diabetes-like symptoms develop—thirst, frequent urination, weakness;
  • Pregnancy is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels;
  • Latent diabetes, which develops asymptomatically over a long period of time (similar to type 2 diabetes), but at the same time, based on the mechanism of development, is closer to type 1 diabetes (immune system dysfunction);
  • An unstable form of diabetes in which unprovoked spikes in blood sugar cannot be eliminated even with continued insulin treatment;
  • A kidney disease in which the kidneys stop filtering fluid. As a result, symptoms similar to diabetes appear: frequent urination, strong thirst;
  • Postoperative conditions that occur after pancreatic surgery;
  • Pancreatic diseases, which occur in the context of chronic lesions of the pancreas (e. g. , chronic pancreatitis);
  • Extrapancreatic disease, which occurs in the context of chronic pathology but may gradually lead to pancreatic destruction.

type 1 diabetes

type 1 diabetes testIn this type of disease, the body's own immunity destroys the pancreatic cells responsible for producing insulin. Therefore, insulin does not enter the bloodstream and does not transport glucose into cells. Therefore, it remains in the containers and gradually destroys them.Type 1 diabetes is most common in children and adolescents but can occur at any ageSymptoms of type 1 diabetes are often severe.Symptoms of type 1 diabetes:
  • severe thirst and hunger,
  • weakness,
  • Frequent urination,
  • Sudden weight loss,
  • Blurred vision.
If left untreated, these symptoms can be accompanied by symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (one of the complications of diabetes): thirst, weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty concentrating. The person may even fall into a coma.People with type 1 diabetes take insulin throughout their lives.

type 2 diabetes

Being overweight is another risk factor for diabetesIn this condition, the pancreas produces enough insulin, but the cells are insensitive to it and therefore unable to absorb glucose, and the concentration of glucose in the blood increases. Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.The development of type 2 diabetes can go unnoticed for a long time, so people don't always notice the first symptoms of the disease.Possible symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
  • Frequent urination;
  • intense thirst;
  • Feeling hungry even after eating;
  • fatigue;
  • blurred vision;
  • Wounds heal slowly;
  • Darkening of the skin on elbows and knees;
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the arms and legs.
risk of diabetes

diabetes diet type

There is no special diet for diabetes, but people with the disease are often mistakenly advised to choose a strict nutritional system that supposedly will help overcome the disease. For example, completely eliminate carbohydrates from your diet, replace them with protein, eat only buckwheat porridge, or stick to another monodiet.

no carb diet

Healthy Carbohydrate Foods for DiabetesCarbohydrates are the main source of energy for cells. They are divided into three types: sugar, starch and fiber. Sugars are simple carbohydrates, including glucose. Natural sugars are found in fruits and vegetables, and artificial (added) sugars are found in confectionary products, sauces, and canned foods. Starch and fiber are complex carbohydrates. Starch is found in fruits, seeds, and plant tubers, and fiber is found in fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads, and pasta.Glucose is a carbohydrate that causes the main disease of diabetes. Because of this, proponents of carb-free diets believe that eliminating glucose from the diet, along with all carbohydrates, will help stop the disease. This is wrong.A healthy ratio of carbohydrates in your diet is 50/55%Carbohydrates are a source of energy, so you should not completely exclude them from your diet, and this is very difficult since they are present in almost all foods.In the absence of carbohydrates, the body turns to fat and protein for energy, and when following this diet, the ratio of fat to protein usually increases due to the consumption of red meat. This is a risk factor for heart disease and colorectal cancer.In addition, carbohydrate sources such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes contain many nutrients and minerals, the lack of which can have negative health effects and may worsen diabetes.

high protein diet

A protein or high-protein diet refers to a diet in which the daily protein intake exceeds the standard (0. 8 grams per 1 kilogram of body weight) and accounts for more than 15-16% of the total caloric intake.
There is currently no consensus on whether people with diabetes need to consume more protein. However, excessive amounts can increase some health risks.
Excess protein in the diet increases the load on the kidneys and may start to form stones in the kidneys. Additionally, protein is primarily found in meat and dairy products, so when following this diet, you are likely to be deficient in vitamins and minerals since fruits and vegetables are not included in your diet.

buckwheat diet

The buckwheat diet is a single-product diet with severe restrictions. The diet of this diet consists of 70% buckwheat, gradually adding other low-fat foods: vegetables, dried fruits, white meat, fish.Buckwheat diet treats diabetesThe cereal for the buckwheat diet is prepared in a special way: instead of boiling, boiling water is poured and left for 4-6 hoursThe main disadvantage of this diet is the limited variety of foods consumed. As a result, a person may be deficient in beneficial vitamins and minerals. In addition, following a buckwheat diet is psychologically difficult: nothing seems allowed. The risk of slipping and overeating high-calorie foods is therefore significantly increased.

type 1 diabetes diet

There is no special diet for people with type 1 diabetes, but it is important for people with this diagnosis to calculate the amount of carbohydrates they eat each day and consider the glycemic index of foods. In addition, the principles or methods of a healthy plate should be followed.
The carbohydrate content in the diet of people with type 1 diabetes should not exceed an average of 17 bread units per day.
The amount of carbohydrates a person with diabetes can typically tolerate varies from person to person and is based on body weight, physical activity level, daily caloric needs, and how the body metabolizes carbohydrates.You can work with a nutritionist or doctor to calculate the amount of carbohydrates you need each day. After converting the carbohydrates you eat into bread units, your doctor will help you determine the amount of insulin needed to absorb glucose. Over time, a person will learn to calculate on their own.Carbohydrate-containing products and bread unit correspondence table
product 1 XE (approximately 15 grams of carbs)
White bread 1 item
Borodino bread 1 item
Buckwheat 1 tablespoon (dry)
oatmeal 1 tablespoon (dry)
Potato 1 medium tuber
orange 1 item
strawberry 10 pieces
apple 1 item
milk 1 cup
ice cream made from milk ⅔ servings (excluding glass)

glycemic index

The glycemic index (GI) is a number that shows how the food you eat affects your blood sugar levels.
The glycemic index is not calculated independently; it is usually stated on food packaging.
It is believed that low GI foods slightly increase blood sugar levels and are broken down more slowly, so you stay full longer. High GI foods are digested more quickly and can also significantly increase blood sugar levels.All carbohydrate-containing products are divided into three groups:
  • Low GI (above 55) skim milk, apples, peanuts;
  • Average GI value (from 56 to 69) - pasta, buckwheat, ice cream;
  • High GI (70 and above) - white bread, rice milk, white rice.
For people with diabetes, it is useful to know the glycemic index of foods. This way, he can incorporate low-GI foods into his diet without causing his blood sugar to spike. However, there are other factors to consider.Research shows that carbohydrate intake, rather than its index, has a greater impact on blood sugar levels. In short, eating too many apples may also lead to high blood sugar. Therefore, for most people with diabetes, the best tool for monitoring blood sugar levels is carbohydrate counting.

health board method

The Healthy Plate Method divides foods into five categories: fruits and vegetables, slow-release carbohydrates, dairy, protein, and fat. You can combine these groups using regular boards.Fruits and vegetables should account for one-third or half. Slow carbs – a third or more. The rest is dairy, a little more protein, and a small amount fat.Healthy way to eat on a plateHealthy Plate Diet PrinciplesHow to assemble a healthy meal plate:
  • step 1.We choose a plate. Its diameter should be equal to the length of your palm.
  • Step 2.Place vegetables and fruits on plates. They can be in any form: fresh, stewed, boiled, canned. Serving size should take up half the plate or less.
  • Step 3.Divide the rest of the plate in half. We put slow carbs on top of half-grain products, potatoes with skins, whole wheat bread or pasta. We fill the remaining quarter with protein sources - lentils, broad beans, peas, fish, eggs, lean meat.
In addition, people with type 1 diabetes should follow important healthy eating principles:
  • drink when you are thirsty;
  • Eat less salt—no more than one teaspoon (5-6 grams) per day;
  • Limit consumption of trans fats (found in many prepared and processed foods – fast food, cakes and pastries);
  • Reduce your consumption of saturated fat (found in sweet pastries, fatty meats, sausages, butter and lard).
Anyone with type 1 diabetes should discuss their diet with a nutritionist to determine the best nutrition and exercise plan with insulin.

type 2 diabetes diet

Since foods containing carbohydrates directly affect blood sugar levels, a carbohydrate-balanced diet is one of the main directions for preventing type 2 diabetes.In order not to count carbohydrates, doctors recommend that people with type 2 diabetes eat according to the principles of a healthy plate (the same as for type 1 diabetes). The diet focuses on increasing the proportion of non-starchy vegetables, fiber and lean protein.Additionally, this diet is rich in fiber, which helps avoid blood sugar spikes and promotes weight loss.
Fiber is digested slowly, which means it ensures a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time.
When eating using the Healthy Plate Method, you should mentally divide your plate into three parts at each meal. Half should be filled with non-starchy vegetables – fresh or cooked. This could be lettuce, broccoli, green beans, tomatoes.A quarter of the plate should be occupied by low-fat protein sources: grilled fish, boiled meat, beans, tofu. The portion of protein on the plate should fit in the palm of your hand.The remaining quarter is complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat breads and cereals. Their portions should be fist-sized.Additionally, you can add a portion of healthy fat (such as a few slices of avocado) or season the lettuce with a spoonful of unrefined olive oil.

gestational diabetes diet

Food directly affects blood sugar levels, so eating a healthy, balanced diet can help manage gestational diabetes and pregnancy.There is no single right diet that is best for women with gestational diabetes. The point is, what works for one person may not work for someone else. But there are several common diets that can help manage this disease.

DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Prevent Hypertension)

DASH (Diet to Stop Hypertension) was developed for people with high blood pressure. Over time, doctors and scientists found that this diet helped treat other conditions, including gestational diabetes.As a result, a study of 52 women with gestational diabetes found that adhering to the DASH diet for four weeks reduced the need for insulin therapy and reduced the number of C-sections.According to the DASH diet, your diet should include:
  • Low-sodium foods (no more than 2, 300 milligrams of sodium per day, equivalent to 1 teaspoon of salt);
  • fruit;
  • vegetable;
  • whole grains;
  • low-fat dairy products;
  • lean meats and fish;
  • legumes and nuts;
  • vegetable oil.
Limit or exclude from your diet:
  • Foods high in saturated fat (red meat, full-fat dairy, coconut and palm oil);
  • Candy, sweetened juices and sugary carbonated drinks, alcohol.

mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is a diet plan based on the diet of the French, Spanish, Italian and Greek. It consists of vegetables, fruits, protein sources, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and olive oil. The Mediterranean diet requires you to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. One serving is 80g of fresh fruit and vegetables or 30g of dried fruit.
For example, a serving of fruit or vegetables is one medium apple, half a cup of cucumbers or carrots, or one cup of leafy vegetables.
The main source of unsaturated fat in the Mediterranean diet is olive oil. Healthy fats are also found in nuts, seeds, olives and fish (mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, salmon, trout).mediterranean dietWith a Mediterranean diet, you should eat fish twice a week.When following the Mediterranean diet, some foods are not eaten at all or the amounts in the diet are limited. For example, you should eat less red and processed meat—no more than twice a week. Dairy products are replaced with low-fat fermented products, such as Greek yogurt or low-fat cheese.A Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. This diet is rich in fiber and digests slowly, preventing blood sugar swings and helping to maintain a healthy weight.

health board method

Additionally, as with other types of diabetes, doctors recommend that women with gestational diabetes use the Healthy Plate Method.Products are divided into five main categories: fruits and vegetables, slow carbs, dairy, proteins and fats.Using these sets, you can assemble your own healthy plate. Fill half of the plate with vegetables, herbs, and fruits, one-third with slow carbs (e. g. , cereals, whole-wheat pasta), one-third with low-fat protein sources (fish, white meat, dairy), and the restFull of healthy food plant fats.Diabetes Healthy Plate RulesIn the store you can buy cutlery with dividers to assemble healthy plates without the naked eyeUsually such plates are sold in the children's departmentExamples of diets for treating gestational diabetes using the Healthy Plate Methodbreakfast:
  • 1 apple,
  • A handful of lettuce, a tablespoon of olive oil, ½ cucumber,
  • 2 slices whole wheat bread,
  • 1 boiled egg,
  • Unsweetened yogurt.
dinner:
  • 1 serving of fermented vegetables (sauerkraut, Korean carrots);
  • handful of brown rice;
  • a piece of grilled white fish;
  • A handful of nuts.
dinner:
  • grilled chicken breast,
  • Boil mung beans,
  • Vegetable salad with eggs,
  • Pieces of cheese.

Diet for children with diabetes

Children most commonly develop type 1 diabetes, so they must monitor blood sugar levels and take insulin injections throughout their lives.Often, a typical school or daycare meal plan is very similar to the meal plan a person with diabetes should follow. In restaurants, they can eat everything except products containing pure sugar: for example, it is better to use unsweetened tea or water instead of preserves. Based on the child's diet, he or his parents determine the required insulin dose. Generally, canteen menus are prepared a week in advance so you know what your children will eat in advance.Another important condition is to ensure that the child eats snacks several times a day. This will help avoid a sharp drop in blood sugar - hypoglycemia, which could cause him to faint.Sweating and paleness are signs of hypoglycemiaSigns of hypoglycemia - pale skin, excessive sweating, trembling hands, weaknessMild hypoglycemic episodes can be quickly relieved by drinking sweet juice, eating a few pieces of candy, or taking glucose tablets. Children or parents should always keep all of these close at hand: in a briefcase or bag.Also, it's important to explain to the teacher or caregiver that your child should have snacks at all times. It's best to do both at the same time. And he definitely needs to check his blood sugar and eat something with carbohydrates before gym class. This will help avoid hypoglycemic episodes because exercise causes the body to burn glucose faster.

Dessert Recipes for Diabetics

People with diabetes often crave forbidden sweet foods, making it difficult for them to stick to a healthy diet. However, there are many desserts that contain high amounts of protein and fiber that won't spike your blood sugar.
The carbohydrate content in any given recipe should not exceed 15 grams or 1 loaf unit. Stevia can be replaced with any common sugar substitute.

panna cotta

Diabetes Diet DessertsOne dessert contains 335 calories, 2 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of total sugar and 0 grams of added sugarsCooking time: 15 minutes.Desserts should be prepared in advance as it takes a while (at least 3 hours) to harden after cooking.raw material:
  • 1. 5 tbsp. lake dried gelatin
  • 60ml cold water
  • 60ml hot water
  • 2 cups heavy cream (more than 30%)
  • 2 tsp. vanillin
  • Appropriate amount of stevia (about 4 grams of powder)
  • pinch of salt
Prepare:
  1. Pour the gelatin into a bowl of cold water and let it sit for a few minutes. Pour in the hot water and stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
  2. Add all other ingredients and stir until smooth.
  3. Pour mixture into glasses and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
The finished panna cotta can be garnished with fresh berries.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Chocolate treats diabetesOne dessert contains 76 calories, 7 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of total sugar and 0 grams of added sugarsCooking time: 10 minutes.raw material:
  • 200 g dark chocolate (2 standard pieces)
  • 200 g sugar-free peanut butter
  • 4 tsp. Stevia powder
  • ½ tsp. vanillin
  • pinch of salt
Prepare:
  1. Melt the chocolate in the microwave or double boiler.
  2. Mix all other ingredients with melted chocolate.
  3. Pour the mixture into a silicone baking pan. Cool to room temperature. Cut into chunks before serving.

Mousse Pumpkin Cheesecake

Diabetic Low Carb DessertsOne dessert contains 136 calories, 8 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 8 grams of total sugars, and 5 grams of added sugarsCooking time: 30 minutes.raw material:
  • 150 g pumpkin puree
  • 150 g low-fat cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 1. 5 tbsp. lake honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp. Cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. vanillin
  • pinch of salt
  • 50 g Greek yogurt
  • sliced almonds for garnish
Prepare:
  1. Blend pumpkin puree, cheese, honey, cinnamon, vanilla and salt until smooth.
  2. Cover the cup with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Before serving, divide the mixture into glasses and garnish with yogurt and almond petals.

Apple Cinnamon Popcorn

Cinnamon Popcorn DessertOne dessert contains 154 calories, 9 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of total sugars, and 0 grams of added sugarsCooking time: 10 minutes.raw material:
  • 1 tbsp. lake olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. Lake dried popcorn kernels
  • 3/4 tsp. Cinnamon
  • 100 g dried apples
Prepare:
  1. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place 1-2 popcorn kernels in the pan. Once they pop, you can pour out the remaining popcorn.
  3. Cover the pot and wait for all the particles to open. Shake the pot occasionally.careful!Do not remove the lid until the popcorn has cooled, as the hot oil or hot kernels may burn your skin.
  4. Sprinkle cinnamon flakes and apple slices over finished popcorn.

gogol mogory

Treat diabetes with dessertOne dessert contains 155 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of total sugars and 0 grams of added sugarsCooking time: 15 minutes.raw material:
  • 6 medium eggs
  • 5. 5 cups whole milk
  • 0. 5 cups heavy cream (over 30%)
  • Appropriate amount of stevia (about 4 grams of powder)
  • A little cinnamon and nutmeg
Prepare:
  1. Place all ingredients except nutmeg in a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour mixture into glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg.
The finished eggnog can be garnished with a cinnamon stick.