Diabetes type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the body does not make insulin, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and aids in the removal and transport of glucose to body cells. Too much glucose in the blood can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, nerve damage and kidney failure. Type 1 diabetes diet includes foods that control blood glucose levels.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates contain lots of fiber that helps diabetic patients control blood glucose levels and also maintain a healthy weight, according to MedlinePlus. Type 1 diabetic patients should consume complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains breads, bran cereal, psyllium, oats, barley, brown rice, wild rice, beans, peas and lentils. It is important for type 1 diabetics to know how many carbohydrates they eat at any meal. This information helps determine how much insulin patients should take with meals in order to maintain blood glucose control. By balancing food and insulin together, patients are able to keep blood sugar within a normal range.
Fish and Poultry
Type 1 diabetics are advised to eat more fish and poultry, according to MedlinePlus. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that help promote heart health. Examples of healthy fish that diabetics can eat include tuna, mackerel, halibut, cod, herring, and salmon. Poultry is also a good source of protein; however, diabetics should remove skin from chicken and turkey in order to reduce the amount of fat intake. For patients who prefer red meat, they should select lean meat and trim all visible fat from the meat. The meat should be baked, roasted, broiled, grilled or boiled instead of fried.
Low fat and Low Cholesterol Foods
Type 1 diabetics should eat a low fat diet with low cholesterol in order to delay the progression of heart disease, according to MedlinePlus. Sources of saturated fats include hot dogs, beef, pork, bacon, hamburger, cheese, butter and margarine. Trans fats found in processed foods should also be limited. Sources of cholesterol include high fat animal protein, egg yolks, shellfish, liver, high fat dairy products and beef. Good fats benefit diabetics. Sources of good fats include almonds, pecans, walnuts, olives, peanut oil and canola oil.
Sweets
Diabetics should avoid eating too many sweets due to their high sugar and fat content, according to MedlinePlus. Sweets have a high glycemic index, which means they cause high blood glucose levels. Diabetics should opt to eat more foods with a low glycemic index as they generally have less an impact on blood glucose levels.
