If you have diabetes Type 1, you were probably diagnosed with this condition as a young child or young adult. With Type 1 diabetes, your body cannot produce insulin. This means you must be extra cautious with the types of foods that you eat and how much you eat of them.
About Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas. Insulin helps your body convert foods, starches and sugars into a form of energy your body can use, which is glucose. When you live with Type 1 diabetes and your body cannot produce insulin, this causes glucose to build up in your blood. This is why eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is imperative to your health, along with a few other important diet habits. Most health care providers recommend and prescribe insulin therapy for Type 1 diabetic patients.
Carbohydrates, Fats and Proteins
Carbohydrates give your body energy, and they're also important to you if you have Type 1 diabetes. You must pay close attention to how many carbohydrates you're consuming with each meal or snack so you can determine the amount of insulin you need to take to keep your glucose levels stabilized. Fats and proteins can also impact your glucose levels, although, not as much as carbohydrates.
Glycemic Index
It's important to monitor the glycemic index of the foods you eat. The glycemic index will help you determine how foods affect your blood glucose levels. This is important because foods break down into glucose at different rates. By determining how a particular food will affect your glucose level, you can learn how much and when to inject insulin. Foods high in carbohydrates tend to cause sudden, high spikes in glucose levels, while fats and proteins have the opposite effect, and only allow a small amount of sugar to enter your bloodstream.
Meal Times
Eating at the same time every day is important, no matter if it's your breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks. Keeping a regular eating schedule can help stabilize your blood sugar levels. This will help avoid extreme dips or spikes in your glucose levels and allow you to effectively monitor your glucose levels throughout the day. Avoid overeating, as too much of certain foods, such as pasta, which contains a large amount of carbohydrates, can spike your blood sugar levels. Consume small portions of foods to ensure your glucose levels are in check and under control.
