Type 1 diabetes, once referred to as juvenile diabetes, affects children and young adults. The body does not produce insulin for type 1 diabetics, making patients insulin dependent. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore it. Between 5 and 10 percent of diabetics have type 1 diabetes. Along with daily medication, diabetics design a diet plan with the help of their doctor or dietitian.
Available Foods
Having certain foods available at all times helps diabetics deal with changes in blood sugar levels. Diabetics keep insulin medication with them in case their levels fluctuate. Rapid-acting medication helps normalize levels when they are too high. Low blood sugar levels may result in fatigue, inability to speak, loss of muscle coordination, sweating, twitching, seizures or loss of consciousness. Simple carbohydrate foods can boost blood sugar levels and diabetics should have at least 15 g of these foods handy in case of emergencies.
Quick Energy Sources
Examples of quick energy foods to regulate blood sugar levels include 1/2 cup fruit juice, 1 cup milk, five Lifesavers, 2 tbsp. raisins or 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar-based soda. You may need more carbohydrate sources if symptoms do not improve after 15 minutes. Friends, coworkers or family members can help by knowing the diabetic's needs at these times.
Fiber
Eat six or more servings a day of grains, beans and starchy vegetables, including potatoes, beets, yams and plantains. They contain plenty of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Choose whole-grain bread, crackers and flour, bran cereal, brown rice, and low-fat breads, such as bagels, pita bread and English muffins. Have three to five servings a day of fresh or frozen vegetables without added fats or salt. Enjoy carrots, peppers, broccoli and spinach. Include two to four servings a day of fruits, including fiber-rich oranges, grapefruit and tangerines. Do not drink fruit juice with added sugar or syrups.
Low-Fat Choices
Have two to three servings a day of fish, poultry or meat. Focus on eating more fish and poultry than meat. Choose lean beef, veal or pork with all visible fat trimmed off. Eat skinless chicken or turkey. Bake, broil or grill these foods and avoid frying. Select low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and other dairy products for two to three servings a day. Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that contain a high amount of saturated fat. Eat sugar-free snacks or have only small portions of sweets high in fat and sugar. Check with your doctor or dietitian about the safe amounts of fats or sugars for your diet plan.
