Diabetics who have to take insulin have what is known as type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is far less common than type 2 and used to be referred to as juvenile diabetes because the majority affected by the condition are children. Type 1 diabetes is the result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin in the body. Insulin is the hormone that helps sugar to enter the cells, creating energy. Along with type 1 diabetes come a whole host of restrictions and complications that present lifelong challenges to those who have it. Among the factors that weigh upon a type 1 diabetics chances for a long and healthy life is diet.
Step 1
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are a good option for everyone, since they contain so many of the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need on a daily basis. For those with type 1 diabetes, the consumption of fruits and vegetables is especially vital. Because there are so many bad things for a type 1 diabetic, the consumption of fruits and vegetables is a great source of nutrition that is low fat and low in calories. Plus, when you eat lots of fruits and vegetables, it leaves less room and demand for animal proteins and sweet, sugary snacks.
Step 2
Eat foods loaded with good carbohydrates. There is one thing to watch out for with carbohydrates. The point of eating healthy as a type 1 diabetic is to moderate and stabilize the amount of sugars in the blood stream at any one time. Carbohydrate foods vary in how they release sugars in to the blood stream, some at a quicker rate than others. Things like cereal grains and nuts are best for a slow, moderated release of carbohydrates. For a type 1 diabetic, it's extremely important that you learn to count the carbohydrates you do take in, so you know how much insulin is needed to break down those carbs.
Step 3
Eat low-fat, high-protein meals. Just like carbohydrates, fats and protein also require insulin to break them down and transfer the energy to the cells. Things like whole milk, red meat, cheese and eggs are extremely high in their fat content and thus take more insulin to break them down. Cutting back on the percentage of milk, eating chicken or fish and consuming low-fat cheese are good ways to enjoy the foods you love.
