Diabetes mellitus is a very serious disease, to which, according to statistics, almost one in four people is susceptible. As today the number of patients exceeds the mark of 350 million people, the diet for diabetes mellitus is being carefully studied, which, according to experts, should be followed not only by patients, but also by people predisposed to the development of the disease.
Excess weight, genetic predisposition or stomach diseases can lead to a sharp interruption of insulin production and other unpleasant manifestations, and adherence to a diet will become a necessary measure to maintain a normal state.
Features of nutrition in diabetes mellitus
The diabetes diet can differ significantly depending on the type of disease. As a rule, there are 2 main types of diabetes mellitus, where there are various forms and rules of nutrition, due to the causes of metabolic disorders and the conversion of sugar into glucose.
But each type of disease requires compliance with general eating habits.
Basic nutritional guidelines for diabetes
Nutrition for diabetes should be carried out in accordance with strict observance of the basic rules. So, for both types of the disease, there are the following aspects of the diet:
- The diet should contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates in a balanced proportion in relation to the presence of the disease.
- The number of meals should be increased slightly. So, you should eat every 3-4 hours in small portions, diabetic dishes should be low in calories.
- The calorie content of food and dishes must be calculated carefully and carefully - it must not exceed the daily energy consumption. Otherwise, the probability of weight gain increases, which in diabetes is fraught with complications.
- Almost all diets for patients with the presented disease pursue the fundamentals of a correct and balanced diet. You should include vegetables and fruits, carbohydrates and proteins in your diet, not neglecting fats and amino acids.
It is noteworthy that each patient should consult their health professional about the nutritional foundations for their specific case. It is not recommended to follow a specific diet, even if it is intended for people with diabetes, without consulting a doctor.
The attending physician must calculate the caloric content for the patient, as well as make some changes according to the individual characteristics of the organism.
Type 1 diabetes and diet
As strange as it may seem, the type 1 diabetes diet is based on the correct administration of insulin, so here you must take into account the use of foods that significantly increase blood sugar.
It turns out that for these patients, nutrition does not require restrictions, it is only necessary to carry out correct accounting and timely administration of insulin in the blood. The following principles and rules for administering insulin are present here:
- Foods that do not contain a lot of carbohydrates in their composition should not be taken into account. For example, meat and fish, eggs and cheese, curd and butter can be consumed in reasonable amounts, but their consumption should not be reduced or eliminated.
- Only carbohydrate-containing products can be counted - these are flour and confectionery, as well as plant-based products and liquid dairy products.
Insulin should be administered according to the amount of food consumed. You should also adjust in time to food consumption. Here you need to use the following principles and rules for administering insulin:
- if the treatment is with short-acting insulin, its introduction takes place 20 minutes before meals;
- if treatment is with medium-acting insulin, its introduction takes place 40 minutes before a meal;
- when using the combined type of insulin, it is given according to the schedule 20 minutes before breakfast, every 3 hours during the day and half an hour before a full dinner.
The insulin dose should be calculated according to the amount of food consumed. The calculation is performed by calculating units of bread (XE).
The unit is a 25 g piece of bread (10-12 g carbs), which raises a person's blood sugar by 1. 8 mmol/L.
The attending physician can inform you exactly about the calculations. In addition, for an accurate calculation of the dose of insulin, you should study the table, which shows indicators of the content of carbohydrates in each product.
Type 2 diabetes and diet
The diet for type 2 diabetes is significantly different from the type 1 diet. Here, one should take into account not only the products allowed for consumption, but also carefully monitor the calorie content of the daily diet. So, here are the following indicators:
- the normal daily calorie content should be in the range of 1600-2500 kcal, depending on the patient's weight and energy consumption;
- in the presence of excess weight, the caloric content necessarily decreases to 1300-1500 kcal;
- if there is a lot of excess weight, the attending physician can reduce the caloric content to 1000 kcal per day;
- there are times when excessive weight significantly exceeds the norm, and the daily calorie content is reduced to 600-900 kcal.
The caloric content of food must be calculated by the attending physician, since not only indicators of a person's weight are taken into account, but also the presence of diseases such as cardiac arrhythmias, serious chronic diseases, gout and mental disorders.
The diet for type 2 diabetics is as follows:
- Total daily dietary carbohydrates should not exceed 55%. Preference should be given to products saturated with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. For example, whole grain breads, whole grains, legumes and vegetables. As for products containing sugar, they are completely abandoned. Instead of sugar, xylitol or sorbitol can be consumed in the proportion of 0. 5 g per 1 kg of patient weight, divided at the same time into 2-3 doses.
- Proteins for a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus are allowed according to the physiological norm of a healthy person - 90 g per day. Preference should be given to lean meats in the form of poultry, lean fish and cottage cheese. The daily protein intake in the diet is 15-20%.
- 30% of the daily ration contains fats, which reach the body to a greater extent from vegetable oils.
- They consume salt and fatty foods in limited amounts.
Experts advise taking the diet of diabetes patients seriously. It is better to make a menu for every day, for 2-3 days or even a whole week.
It will not be superfluous to introduce it to the attending physician, who will be able to make adjustments according to the patient's health status.
Features of a low-carb diet for type 2 diabetes
As a rule, most patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight, which requires immediate elimination so that the person can tolerate the disease more easily and does not expose the body to sharp and significant "jumps" in blood sugar levels. .
So many experts suggest a low carbohydrate diet for type 2 diabetes. What is it?
Scientists have suggested that it is very difficult for sick people to adhere to proper nutrition and basic principles immediately after their illness is diagnosed.
Also, the main task here is to lose excess weight, so the patient needs to reduce calorie intake, which is not always possible.
Thus, a person begins to experience sharp drops in blood sugar levels, which follows in connection with constant hunger. This, according to scientists, can be easily avoided by eating more protein.
Protein foods are great for weight loss. Also, in diabetes mellitus, protein foods are the safest. This diet is more reminiscent of the familiar "Kremlin".
But such a diet should be used only with the permission of the attending physician, as the intake of proteins in the body in large quantities can be dangerous for health and provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases.
If the presented diet is followed, it is recommended to take special vitamins for diabetics, which will be prescribed by the attending physician.
Principles and Fundamentals of the "Table Number 9" Diet
Most experts support not only proper nutrition, but also the use of special medical diets.
Thus, especially for patients with the disease presented, a diet was developed, called "Table No. 9", which corresponds to the approved list of all medical nutritional bases.
She points out exactly how to feed with diabetes mellitus correctly, lists the allowed and prohibited foods.
The menu presented is also subdivided into two categories, which correspond to the 1st and 2nd types of the disease. But there are general principles that need to be learned and followed to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Diet Principles "Table Number 9"
The diet presented contains basic principles that must be taken into account without a doubt. These include the following aspects:
- Meals can be taken up to 6 times a day. The main feature is that you need to eat every 3 hours in small portions.
- The diabetic menu is compiled without the inclusion of fried, spicy and fatty foods.
- You can only eat boiled, stewed and baked dishes.
- Diabetic sweets should be replaced by natural products or with added sweeteners.
"Table No. 9" contains a complete list of foods allowed for consumption, rich in vitamins and other useful microelements. You should pay attention to fruits that are high in ascorbic acid, which can be consumed in small amounts during the day.
What can you eat with diabetes
The presented diet fully indicates to patients what can be ingested with diabetes mellitus of any type. These foods are recommended to be included in the diet to maintain sugar levels and prevent complications. Allowed products include:
- all flour products made from whole grains and wholemeal flour;
- sausages with low fat and fatty inclusions;
- all types of fish related to low-fat varieties;
- all types of lean meats;
- green vegetables and vegetables;
- low-sugar fruits;
- oats, buckwheat and corn are allowed from cereals;
- any low-fat dairy products;
- tea, freshly squeezed juices of fruits and vegetables allowed, herbal teas are drinks allowed.
Allowed foods are consumed according to the above rules and characteristics, depending on the type of illness.
What not to eat with diabetes
In the diet "Table number 9" there is a list of foods that are prohibited, they must be consumed with the utmost vigilance and precision. The list of prohibited products includes:
- all kinds of sweets, including high-sugar sweets (type of jam);
- fatty poultry meat;
- salinity in the form of salted fish, salted preserves and other pickles;
- fatty and drinkable fermented dairy products, eg baked milk, cream and yoghurts;
- you cannot eat strong meat broths;
- pasta, rice and semolina are prohibited - they increase sugar levels;
- hot spices, condiments, snacks;
- sweet fruits;
- industrial packaging juices - they have a high sugar content;
- any alcoholic beverage.
The type of illness in this case does not in any way affect the possibility of consuming forbidden foods. According to experts, even patients with type 1 diabetes should follow a diet so as not to aggravate the situation.
Controversial fruits and vegetables for diabetes
There are several controversial issues in the diet of people with diabetes. Saying that natural products are allowed, including spices, the doctors themselves begin to restrict the use of patients. What is the reason for this?
Controversial fruits in diabetes
The article repeatedly mentioned that in the presence of the disease presented, unsweetened fruits are allowed for consumption. They contain little sugar and therefore will not harm the patient in any way.
However, which fruits can be consumed with diabetes mellitus, even patients with long experience do not know exactly. There's no need to talk about banning the use of grapes, but there are a number of controversial fruits, including:
- Khaki. It is possible to eat persimmon with diabetes mellitus, if its taste vaguely resembles sweet. It is this fact that confuses most patients.
As it turns out, in fact, this fruit contains a lot of vitamins, amino acids, trace elements and sucrose. This fact allows even sick people to use persimmon, as it has a beneficial effect on the body. But this fruit also has a high glycemic index - 70%.
It turns out that you can eat persimmon, but only in limited quantities - 70 g of the fruit is 1 XE. Persimmons for type 2 diabetes mellitus are also allowed for consumption, but in limited quantities - no more than 1 fruit per day.
- Mandarins. Citrus fruits are okay for diabetics, but in moderation. But is it possible to eat tangerines with diabetes mellitus is a moot point.
The fact is that tangerines contain a lot of carbohydrates, which leads to a sharp increase in blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, experts advise against eating tangerines, even in moderation.
- Watermelon and melon. In late summer, melons ripen, which encourages patients to eat watermelon and cantaloupe.
These berries have a high glycemic index - 75% and 65%, respectively. This leads to a sharp release of sugar in the patient's blood, which causes discomfort and leads to fainting.
These diabetic products are either prohibited or require the use of bread units. Each patient should consult the attending physician, who can calculate the permissible dosage of fruit for consumption.
Controversial vegetables and roots in diabetes mellitus
The use of vegetables in diabetes mellitus is also controversial.
Many patients do not even realize that vegetables and tubers such as potatoes, carrots, beets and tomatoes are under the strictest prohibition.
The vegetables listed contain a large amount of glucose, starch and sugar, which is unacceptable for consumption by patients with diabetes mellitus.
The following products are also subject to consideration:
- Jerusalem artichoke for diabetesRecommended for use by many experts. It contains a lot of amino acids, trace elements and inulin, which is at least 80%. This enzyme is a polysaccharide formed by multiple fructose chains. It turns out that this root vegetable should not be consumed in unlimited amounts, but it should be included in the diet for diabetes mellitus, as its benefit lies in preventing the occurrence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Pumpkin is a useful vegetable for diabetics. It contains a large amount of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, which has a positive effect on weight control and maintenance, and also contributes to weight loss. As a result, pumpkin with type 2 diabetes mellitus should definitely be consumed, you just need to carefully monitor the amount of product in a serving, because there is also a high sugar content here.
- Sauerkraut with diabetes also generates a lot of controversy, as, as already mentioned above, salting for patients is prohibited. However, this type of salting is allowed for consumption by patients with type 2 diabetes. Cabbage and pickles improve metabolism, resulting in gradual weight loss. In addition, there are useful qualities for the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, you can use sauerkraut, but only in small amounts.
Looking at recipes for diabetics, you can reveal many interesting things in the use of foods, including vegetables and fruits.
Here, you should carefully consider the required amount of products for cooking. If necessary, you should calculate the amount of food you can consume.
healthy foods for diabetes
For diabetics, some natural products only act as a beneficial effect on the functioning of the entire body. So, for example, you cannot completely exclude glucose consumption. It is the basis of most processes in the human body, which acts as an integral part.
Based on the need and benefits of using natural products for diabetes mellitus, scientists present their list, which lists all the properties that must be followed when choosing and when designing a diet.
Honey
Most patients refuse to consume honey. It seems to them that it contains a lot of sugar and glucose. As it turns out, this natural product is only 40% sucrose. But it contains the same amount of glucose, which can make the use of honey prohibited for diabetes.
However, experts say that honey is simply irreplaceable for diabetes. They can replace regular and usual sugar.
A serving of honey for type 2 diabetes should not exceed 1-2 tablespoons. Break it up into several steps: add to baked goods or tea.
Lower leg
Cinnamon is a must for patients with type 2 diabetes. Due to the composition of the spice in the body, the sensitivity of cells to the insulin produced increases, which helps to normalize and reduce blood sugar levels.
In addition, cinnamon in diabetes helps to cleanse blood vessels and internal organs of toxins and toxins, which has a positive effect on preventing thrombophlebitis and other serious diseases.
For a pleasant application of cinnamon, add half a teaspoon to your tea or coffee. You can also sprinkle a little seasoning on all dishes, according to your taste and preferences.
bay leaf
Bay leaf in diabetes mellitus is necessary for use, but it is contraindicated in the presence of serious diseases. Therefore, this natural product should be used to strengthen immunity, speed up metabolism, cleanse the body of toxins and toxins.
On the other hand, bay leaves should not be consumed by people with advanced stage diabetes, kidney disease or stomach ulcers.
Bay leaf is mandatory for type 2 diabetes where the patient is overweight and has high cholesterol.
The use of bay leaves is allowed in the form of a sauce for dishes, but it is even more useful to use an infusion. To prepare it, take 10 bay leaves and pour three glasses of boiling water.
Leave the infusion to infuse for 3-4 hours. Take the composition of 100 g up to three times a day and half an hour before meals. This will help keep your glucose levels at the correct level.
Stevia
Almost no one knows about the benefits of stevia in diabetes mellitus, but regular use of the infusion helps to maintain glucose at the necessary level, strengthens blood vessels, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and significantly improves blood microcirculation.
The collection is easy to buy at the pharmacy. It must be prepared according to the instructions presented, and the herbal tea must be drunk hot and in small sips.
Eat with diabetes mellitus correctly, according to the basic recommendations of experts. That way, you can keep your blood sugar at a healthy level and feel good in any emergency.