Type 1 diabetes, also called insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to transport glucose into your cells for energy. Some people with Type 2 diabetes may also need to take additional insulin; although their bodies may produce insulin, it isn't being used effectively and more insulin is required. Foods that dramatically affect glucose, such as sugar and other simple carbohydrates, should be limited. Maintaining a healthy body weight can also help your body use insulin more effectively -- excess fat interferes with insulin absorption. Your diet is an important part of the treatment of diabetes, no matter which type you have.
Insulin and Weight Gain
If you've just started taking insulin, weight gain is very common. Insulin helps move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells for use as energy. Glucose that is not immediately used as energy is stored as fat. Before you started taking additional insulin, much of the glucose in your blood did not make it into your cells and was excreted in your urine. With insulin, your body absorbs much more glucose; if you don't use that extra energy, it will be stored as fat, leading to weight gain.
Insulin-Dependence and Metabolism
According to Harvard's Joslin Diabetes Center, the key to weight loss while taking insulin is to keep your metabolism up. To do this you must eat enough calories -- not eating enough food makes your metabolism slow down and your body conserves energy, making weight loss difficult. Don't skip meals, and eat on a regular schedule about every three to four hours. Eating small, frequent meals and snacks ensures you don't eat too many calories at once and helps stabilize glucose levels. Women need at least 1,200 calories, and men need at least 1,500 calories daily to keep your metabolism functioning.
The Exchange List
The Diabetic Exchange List diet is designed specifically to control calorie and carbohydrate intake, stabilizing glucose levels. Foods are divided into seven categories, which include starch, meat, vegetable, fruit, fat, dairy and "free foods" that are under 20 calories per servings, such as condiments. You eat a set number of exchanges from each category, depending on your caloric intake. It's a flexible diet plan that allows you to still include some of your favorite foods, making you less likely to feel deprived and cheat. A nutritionist can help you determine the number of exchanges you need daily for your individual needs.
Diabetic Food Pyramid
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has a diabetic food pyramid and eating plan to help you make healthy food choices, practice portion control and keep blood sugar in your target range. The NIDDK recommends that the majority of your food choices be healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits. There is a moderate amount of fat intake, but both dairy and meat are limited. Dairy should be nonfat or low-fat, and no more than between 4 and 6 oz. of meat or meat substitutes should be consumed daily.
References
- Joslin Diabetes Center; Diet Strategies for Women with Diabetes: Why Some Work and Why Some Don't; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes Diet -- Diabetic Exchange Lists
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: What I Need to Know About Eating and Diabetes
- MayoClinic.com; Insulin and Wieght Gain -- Keep the Pounds Off; October 2009
