“Diabetes mellitus is not a phrase, but a way of life,” endocrinologists never tire of repeating this phrase.Compliance with a therapeutic diet is one of the fundamental points in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, which allows the patient to lead a full life.
Diet for diabetes is the main component of treatment.With this disease, there is a deficiency of insulin, a special pancreatic hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism.The main symptom of diabetes mellitus is an increase in blood sugar levels, but a violation of carbohydrate metabolism does not remain isolated, but leads to an imbalance in protein and fat metabolism.
The diabetes diet isn't just about limiting carbs.The patient's diet also includes foods that help normalize the functioning of other organs and systems usually affected by this endocrine disease.So, for example, in case of concomitant obesity, which happens quite often, the menu includes as many vegetables as possible that contain a small amount of calories but give a feeling of satiety: cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, peas, cabbage, lettuce.Since in many cases of diabetes the liver also suffers, the diet limits extractive substances (meat and fish broths), but always includes cottage cheese, soy and oatmeal, which have a beneficial effect on liver function.And the damage to the cardiovascular system requires limiting salt in the diet of diabetic patients.
The two existing types of diabetes require different dietary approaches.In type 1 diabetes, diet is not so important: treatment emphasizes insulin administration, which makes the diet of these patients less restricted.But in type 2 diabetes, diet is of paramount importance - at the initial stage of the disease, in many cases, it is possible to control blood sugar levels only by following therapeutic dietary recommendations without prescribing hypoglycemic drugs.
However, a diet for diabetes of any type has general principles, compliance with which allows you to stabilize carbohydrate metabolism to one degree or another.
Diet for diabetic patients: basic principles
- Meals are frequent, regular, at the same time - at least 4 times a day.
- Even distribution of caloric content and nutritional value of the diet between main meals.
- Variety, including a wide range of products recommended for diabetic patients.
- Use xylitol or sorbitol to sweeten foods.
- Monitoring the caloric content of the daily diet using special tables.
- Limit liquid to 1,200 ml, including starters.
- Inclusion in the diet of foods rich in vitamins: rosehip decoction, yeast, etc.
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar with dietary adjustments based on the results obtained.
Diet for type 2 diabetes
All treatment regimens in modern medicine are usually designated by numbers for ease of use.In the case of diabetes, the classic diet is diet number 9 - otherwise we say “table no. 9”.
What is diet number 9 for diabetes?
Recommended dishes:
- bread (with an emphasis on rye pastries) 200-300 g;
- vegetable broth soups;
- boiled or steamed meat and poultry;
- boiled or steamed lean fish;
- vegetables: white cabbage or cauliflower, lettuce, rutabaga, cucumbers, radishes, beets, carrots, potatoes;
- eggs – 2 pieces per day;
- unsweetened fruits and berries: Antonov apples, oranges, lemons, lingonberries, cranberries, red currants;
- kefir or yogurt – 200-400 ml per day;
- cottage cheese up to 200 mg per day;
- mild sauces, including milk sauces;
- starters: vinaigrette, salad, fish jelly;
- drinks: tomato juice, milk tea, unsweetened juices, sugar-free compotes;
- butter and vegetable oil – 40g per day.
Limited use:
- cereals, legumes and pasta are consumed in a limited way, while reducing the consumption of bread;
- soups with weak fish or meat broth - no more than 2 times a week;
- sugar and sweets for diabetics - on the recommendation of a doctor;
- milk - as recommended by a doctor;
- cheese, cream, sour cream – limited;
- coffee.
Forbidden :
- chocolate, sweets, cakes, pastries, honey, jams and the like;
- pork and lamb fat;
- spicy, salty and smoked dishes:
- sweet fruits: bananas, raisins, grapes;
- alcohol in any form.
Table No. 9 presents a diet for diabetics during the period of stabilization of the disease.If the patient's condition deteriorates for any reason, the diet usually becomes more limited.In any case, only a doctor can give definitive recommendations on the type 2 diabetes diet.
Diet for type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, diet is determined by insulin administration.These same recommendations are therefore generally followed by patients with type 2 diabetes who require insulin injections.
The composition of this menu is not much different from the diet for type 2 diabetes, but sugar is completely excluded.Despite this ban, patients receiving insulin are strongly recommended to always have a piece of sugar or candy with them, which may be necessary in case of a threat of hypoglycemic state - a state of hypoglycemia, the severity of which can lead to a serious condition - coma.
Modern glucose monitors and carbohydrate charts allow these patients to lead more nutritionally nourishing lives.The existing concept - one unit of bread (XU), equal to 12 g of carbohydrates - allows patients with diabetes mellitus receiving insulin to periodically eat even non-recommended foods or eat more carbohydrates.However, for this, the patient must measure blood sugar levels before each meal and, depending on the upcoming menu, expressed in XE, inject the required amount of short-acting insulin.To count grain units, use a special table.
All of the above does not mean that a patient with type 1 diabetes can eat anything, in any quantity: one meal should contain no more than 7-8 XE.For overweight patients, these restrictions are even stricter.
A special feature of the diet for type 1 diabetes is its high protein content.This requirement is especially relevant for patients with infectious complications and manifestations of trophic disorders of the limbs.
Only the attending physician should be involved in drawing up a detailed diet, alternating meals and hourly administration of insulin.
Weight loss diet for diabetes
Diabetic patients, especially type 2, often suffer from excess weight.Therefore, the question of limiting the caloric content of the diet of these patients may be particularly relevant.However, none of the “fast” mono-diets should be used in this case.This ban is explained by the high risk of developing a state of severe hypoglycemia (extremely low blood sugar) in case of violation of a balanced diet, and in patients with type 1 diabetes and moderate type 2 diabetes it is almost inevitable.
If you are overweight, a weight loss diet for diabetes involves correction of the usual therapeutic diet No. 9 with a reduced content of refined carbohydrates (sugar) and some restriction of fats.However, such decisions should not be made without consulting a doctor: only with a doctor can a patient create a safe diet with reduced calorie content.