There is no cure for diabetes. It is believed that the goal of therapeutic measures is achieved when blood glucose levels are at a normal level, which is the prevention of complications. Treatment includes diet therapy, exercise, drug therapy, and the prevention of complications.
Diet for diabetes is the basis of treatment. Proper nutrition helps improve the condition and cope with symptoms. Yes, you will have to radically review your diet and diet. Yes, you have to give up sweets and fats. And yes, there will be a lot of restrictions on your diet. Doesn't the prospect of eating cabbage and brown bread all your life inspire you? Do not be angry!
Nutrition for type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be varied. The main thing is to understand what you can and what you can not eat.
Focus: carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main supplier of energy. In diabetes, they should be 50-60% of the energy value of the diet. Foods containing carbohydrates are conventionally divided into two groups:
- Fast (simple) carbohydrates. They are absorbed within 15-20 minutes after consumption and lead to an instant increase in blood sugar. These are sweets, starch, sugar, potatoes, white bread, semolina and rice cereals. Their use will have to be abandoned.
- Slow (complex) carbohydrates are absorbed within hours. These are almost all cereals, wheat breads, vegetables, fruits, berries. They can and should be consumed, but you will need to strictly control the quantity.
Cucumbers, tomatoes, kale, zucchini, eggplant, lettuce, sorrel, spinach, rhubarb, radish, radish, cranberries, lemons, apples and plums can be consumed up to 600-800g per day. You can consume, but in limited quantities, carrots, beets, onions, swedes, celery, peppers, beans, citrus fruits, plums, cherries, pears, peaches, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries, blueberries, sweet varieties of apples . From the diet, you will have to drastically limit potatoes and completely exclude pineapples, bananas, pomegranates, cherries and cherries, persimmons, grapes and dried fruit.
Of great importance are dietary fibers, which are contained in plant foods that can reduce blood sugar. Brussels sprouts, white cabbage, lemon, onion, garlic, oats, legumes, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, leafy lettuce and some other foods have a blood sugar lowering effect.
If the refusal of sweets is difficult to tolerate, the doctor will advise which sugar substitutes are best used in each case and in what quantity.
Fat
The amount of animal fat is reduced in the diet. This is especially true for refractory fats of animal origin: lamb, pork, fatty beef, duck, goose. You cannot eat foods rich in cholesterol (heart, liver and other offal). Preference should be given to easily digestible fats of vegetable origin.
You can not completely refuse fats, without them you will not get fat-soluble vitamins and unsaturated omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. They should be 25-30% of the energy value of the diet.
Squirrels
Proteins, as a rule, require more than the physiological norm. They compensate for the energy value of the diet by reducing the amount of fat and carbohydrates.
You should get about 20% of your calories from protein. At the same time, 55% of the total amount of protein is animal protein.
Lean beef, rabbit, turkey, fish, chicken, eggs, cottage cheese and other dairy products are recommended, as well as legumes and proteins from specialized SBCS products.
Dietary guidelines for diabetes
- Forget fried, smoked and salty. Products must be boiled, steamed, baked.
- The daily amount of food is divided into 5-6 meals. This promotes even absorption of carbohydrates and helps avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar. Breakfast should account for 25% of the energy intensity of the diet, for lunch - 10-15%, for lunch - 25%, for afternoon tea - 5-10%, for dinner - 25%, and for the second dinner - 5 - 10%.
- It is recommended to take food at the same time, strictly observing the diet. This is particularly important in insulin-dependent diabetes.
- The calorie content of the food should be about the same every day.
- It is necessary to follow the consumption regimen recommended by the doctor.
A sensible and balanced approach to nutrition is the foundation for good health in diabetes. Don't forget moderate physical activity and weight loss. They will help you feel better and live longer.