Healthy eating and regular exercise are key to managing Type 1 diabetes. Type 1, which is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is diagnosed most often in children and young adults but the condition can appear at any age. Management of Type 1 diabetes combines nutrition, exercise and the use of medication to control your insulin levels.
About Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where your body's pancreas does not produce the insulin hormone, which is used by your body to regulate your blood sugar levels. If your body is not able to make insulin, your blood glucose levels will get too high and this can lead to serious complications with your cardiovascular system, your eyes and your nerves.
Significance of Diet and Exercise
A healthy diet is key to controlling your blood sugar. Your diet is important because the types of foods you eat can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Healthy eating consists of eating foods that provide your body with the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that provide ample energy for proper cell function. In addition, healthy eating avoids foods that can lead to complications with your condition and foods that contribute to the development of chronic illness like heart disease. Exercise helps move sugar from your blood into your cells to use for energy. Regular physical activity and healthy eating are essential to your health and should be performed each day if you have Type 1 diabetes.
Diet Recommendations
Your diet should include a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods provide complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fats and proteins. These foods are also good sources of calories and do not contribute to an unhealthy body weight because they contain fewer calories than processed foods. If you have Type 1 diabetes avoid refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks and foods high in saturated fat or trans fat. Saturated and trans fats can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk for heart disease. Instead eat unsaturated fats from fish, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables because they provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids that lower your risk for heart disease. Some fruits may contain too much sugar and you need to talk with your dietitian about what types are best for you.
Exercise Recommendations
The Harvard School of Public Health states that a healthy diet should be based on proper exercise and physical activity. If you have Type 1 diabetes you need to exercise to help your body control your blood sugar. Exercising at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week is a good way to help your body. In the beginning you should take it slow and start with an easy task such as walking. As your body becomes accustomed to the activity you can increase your intensity.
Considerations
Eating a healthy diet with foods that do not raise your blood glucose levels quickly and eating small meals throughout the day can keep your levels from spiking. Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy body weight and decreases your risk for developing high cholesterol and other forms of chronic illness such as heart disease. If you combine a healthy diet, exercise and medication you can keep your levels in the ideal range. The normal level of blood glucose is 100 mg/dL or less and diabetes patients usually have levels over 126 mg/dL. To prevent further complications take your insulin as instructed by your doctor, avoid smoking and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. Your doctor can work with a dietitian to design a specific diet and exercise plan that suits your condition.
Member Comments