Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. It often affects children and young adults. In type 2 diabetes, the body may not produce enough insulin or cells do not recognize insulin. Type 1 diabetes, also called insulin-dependent diabetes, requires daily insulin medication. A proper diet also helps control blood sugar levels. If you have type 1 diabetes, you can work out a healthy eating plan with your doctor and dietitian.
Dietary Considerations
Diet, along with exercise to help move blood sugar into your cells, helps avoid serious health problems over time. People with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease, kidney failure, high blood pressure, nerve damage and blindness. Foods low in fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugars play an important role in the eating habits for type 1 diabetes. Complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables help keep blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
Keep Foods Handy
Type 1 diabetics check their blood sugar levels several times during the day with a blood glucose meter. Short-acting insulin medication normalizes blood sugar levels when they are too high. Keeping carbohydrate foods and drinks available helps to alleviate symptoms of low blood sugar, which may include fatigue, sweating, twitching, inability to speak or think clearly and even seizures or loss of consciousness. Having at least 15 g of quick-acting carbohydrates can treat symptoms of low blood sugar, FamilyDoctor.org notes. Candies, fruit, milk, fruit juice and non-diet sodas come in handy. You may take three readily available glucose tablets if necessary. Make friends, family members and co-workers aware of your condition in case you need help.
Food Base
Grains, beans and starchy vegetables serve as the foundation of a food pyramid for diabetes. Have six or more servings a day, MedlinePlus advises. Whole grains have more fiber and nutrients than refined grains. Choose whole-grain breads and breads low in fat, such as bagels or pita bread. Include whole-wheat crackers, bran cereal, brown rice, beans and tortillas in your diet. Eat starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Include two to three servings of fruit and three to five servings of vegetables each day in your diet. Focus on dark green and yellow vegetables that include spinach, broccoli, carrots and peppers. Eat fresh vegetables or frozen products without sauces or added fats and salt. Oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits contain high amounts of fiber. Drink natural fruit juices without added sweeteners.
Limit Fat
Eat fish, skinless poultry and lean beef two to three times a day. Include fish in your meals two to three times a week. Enjoy meat, poultry and fish broiled, baked or grilled instead of fried. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products over whole-milk items. Limit your intake of fatty sweets and eat them in small portions. Try to stick to low-fat or non-fat snacks when you can.
