A gluten-free diet is the only treatment currently available to treat celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that affects 1 percent of the population. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten, a protein in some grains, damages your intestinal lining and can induce abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. A proportion of people with celiac disease also suffer from diabetes and following a diet that is suitable for managing both conditions can be complicated at first, but it can be done with good knowledge and proper planning.
Gluten-Free Diet
Because gluten is mainly found in wheat, barley, rye and oats, all foods made from these grains and even foods containing tiny amounts of these grains as part of their ingredients need to be eliminated on a gluten-free diet. If you have celiac disease, eliminate bread, pasta, couscous, cakes, cookies, muffins, buns, bagels, breakfast cereals, chicken nuggets, sauces, soups, sausages and granola bars. Many processed foods, including frozen french fries, vegetarian burgers and seasonings, also contain gluten. Reading food labels is key to ensuring you completely eliminate all traces of gluten from your diet.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels
With diabetes, the main element of your diet that you need to pay attention to is your carbohydrate intake. The amount of carbohydrate you eat will determine how much your blood sugar levels will raise after a meal. A carb intake ranging between 45 and 60 g per meal is usually appropriate for most diabetics, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Carbohydrates are found in grains, starchy vegetables, sugar, legumes, fruits, milk and yogurt. Reading food labels will help you determine the amount of carbohydrates your consume and will help you keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Gluten-Free Products
The prevalence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance has increased since the late 1990s. As a result, food manufacturers have started producing more gluten-free alternatives. It is now easy to find gluten-free bread, gluten-free pasta, gluten-free granola bars, gluten-free breakfast cereals and gluten-free sauces at most grocery stores. These foods can help you have the foods you enjoy without the gluten. However, many of these gluten-free products have a higher carbohydrate content and lower fiber content compared to the original version, being made from rice and potato flour. If you wish to include these gluten-free foods in your diabetes diet, look at the carbohydrate content per serving and make sure you keep your carb intake between 45 and 60 g per meal. You may need to eat smaller portions to stick to your carbohydrate budget.
Carbohydrates Naturally Free of Gluten
Gluten-free products are often more expensive and not always as tasty compared to their regular versions. You can get your carbohydrates from many other foods that are naturally free of gluten, such as beans, lentils, quinoa, rice, potato, sweet potato, winter squash, corn, manioc, millet, fruits, milk and yogurt. These foods will help you get carbohydrates that are appropriate for your celiac disease. All you need to do to keep your diabetes under control is eat them in the amount that provides you with no more than 45 to 60 g per meal.
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