5 Things You Need to Know About Type 1 Diabetes Diet

1. When Sugar Isn't Sweet

Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the glucose produced by the body's natural use of food is not broken down and used for energy. Instead, it builds up in the blood stream due to a lack of insulin. Insulin is a chemical produced by the pancreas that removes excessive glucose. By definition, Type 1 diabetes is the pancreas's inability to produce insulin. This different from Type 2 diabetes, where the pancreas does produce insulin, but not enough to remove excess glucose.

2. Time to Eat

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. But more than that, you need to know when to eat to keep your glucose levels in check. For the best results, people with Type 1 diabetes should eat at the same times each day. In addition to meals, many diabetics require regular snacks. Snacks should always be consumed before you turn in for the night and before exercise. Eating on a regimented schedule allows you to monitor your sugar levels effectively to prevent extreme spikes and dips. Your doctor or your dietitian can help you plan what to eat and when.

3. Step Away From the Pastries

Since carbohydrates turn to glucose, usually within 90 minutes of consumption, Type 1 diabetics should avoid over-eating carbs. The amount of insulin required to regulate your blood sugar is directly affected by how many or how few carbohydrates you consume. For this reason, radical changes in the amount of carbohydrates you eat at each meal is strongly discouraged.

4. Monitor Your Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is a scale used to judge how a food will affect your blood glucose levels. Since foods break down into glucose at different rates, you can use it to determine how much insulin to inject, and when. Foods that rate high on the glycemic index cause a sudden and high spike in blood sugar levels, while foods that are low cause much less of a spike. The glycemic index is used to rate foods heavy in carbohydrates, since foods high in fat or protein cause very little sugar to enter the bloodstream.

5. A Diet we can all Live With

Though Type 1 diabetics need to keep an eye on their carbohydrate intake, that doesn't mean they need to avoid carbs all together. As a diabetic, learn to love complex carbohydrates, like those found in whole grain breads and pastas. You can also get your fill by eating delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. Stay away from sodium and starchy foods, and eat lean, healthy meats. If this sounds familiar, it's because the so-called "diabetic diet" is way everyone should eat.