Diabetes is a disease characterized by an increase in the amount of glucose in the blood (blood sugar).
The treatment and diet for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are not always the same.
The goal of treatment for both types of diabetes is to normalize blood sugar levels.
Diet for type 1 diabetics ?
People with type 1 diabetes are treated with insulin. It is important to learn how to adapt the insulin dose according to the food intake. It is the treatment that adapts to the diabetic’s diet and not the other way around.
It is necessary to quantify the carbohydrates consumed to inject the right dose of insulin.
In order to vary the carbohydrates consumed, it is important to play with the carbohydrate equivalents.
Diet for type 2 diabetics?
When you are a type 2 diabetic, it is essential to have a balanced and varied diet to avoid strong variations in blood sugar levels.
Diet for diabetics, the main recommendations :
- 5 fruits and vegetables per day, with a maximum of 3 fruits
- 3 dairy products per day
- Meat/fish/eggs 1 to 2 times a day
- Limit the amount of fat
- Eat enough carbohydrates, but choose them carefully
- Limit the amount of alcohol
When you have diabetes, you should know that no food should be banned from your diet. Follow the recommendations of a varied and balanced diet by eating everything in reasonable quantities.
Foods with interesting nutritional profiles, such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products, should be favored to optimize your diet.
Focus on carbohydrates:
There are two types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.
Simple carbohydrates, which quickly raise your blood sugar level, are found in sweets, pastries, white table sugar… In short, all products with a sweet taste. It may be advisable to consume sweetened products (i.e. based on sweeteners such as aspartame or stevia), to limit their effect on your blood sugar.
You can find complex carbohydrates in starchy foods (pasta, rice, etc.), cereals and bread. These carbohydrates have less effect on your blood sugar. It is recommended to choose whole grains.
The fiber they contain has the nutritional benefit of modulating digestion and helping to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Focus on lipids:
When you have diabetes, a diet that is too high in fat impacts the effectiveness of insulin and contributes to overweight.
According to certain recommendations*, fat consumption should represent 35 to 40% of our daily energy intake. The most important thing is to vary the sources of fat intake (vegetable and animal). However, favour unsaturated fats (plant products) over saturated fats (animal products).
As a type 1 or type 2 diabetic, these tips will help you have a balanced diet and limit the complications associated with diabetes. Remember to consult your doctor and/or a dietician to manage your diet.