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Diet for diabetes

Diet foods that normalize blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus

A diabetes diet is not just a recommendation to improve quality of life, but a necessity. Every patient must follow nutritional guidelines. This is necessary to minimize the risks of acute complications, as well as worsening of the general condition.

A balanced diet allows you to establish metabolic processes in the body, which is extremely important when diagnosing diabetes. The disease represents a potential threat to life, as it can be accompanied by critical conditions: ketoacidosis, failure of internal organs, hypoglycemia and others. For the sake of his own health, the patient must understand not only the essence of the disease itself, but also its effects on the body. This will help you organize a rational menu, develop healthy habits and learn to take your doctor's prescriptions seriously.

Etiology and pathogenesis

The first information about diabetes known to science dates back to the Hellenic period. It is clear that the ancient Greeks did not have the ability to diagnose and did not know the nature of the disease. But already at that time (IV-I centuries BC) doctors were trying to systematize information about symptoms and therapy.

According to the WHO, today the disease affects around 4% of people and claims 3 million lives per year, which exceeds the figures for AIDS.

The disease has multiple etiologies and is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms. It is based on insulin deficiency, which can be absolute or relative.

Etiology of diabetes:

  • overweight;
  • injuries – physical and mental;
  • viral diseases that caused complications;
  • aggravated heredity;
  • autoimmune diseases.

Provoking factors include frequent prolonged stress and poor eating habits. People who frequently overeat are at risk of including excessive amounts of carbohydrates and sugar in their menu.

In pathogenesis, the main role is played by disruption of the islet apparatus of the pancreas, as a result of which insulin is produced in abnormally small quantities or not produced at all.

Diabetes Symptoms:

  • general weakness;
  • weight loss;
  • increased urine production, frequent urination;
  • slow wound healing;
  • decreased libido;
  • itchy mucous membranes;
  • deterioration of hair and nails;
  • increased appetite, constant thirst.

The disease is one of those that requires mandatory therapy. It is impossible to combat the symptoms of diabetes with folk remedies. It is necessary to consult a doctor and the sooner the diagnosis is made, the more favorable the prognosis will be. In addition to the medication course, a rational nutritional system is necessary.

Disease classification and the role of nutrition

The diet is determined by the degree of inhibition of the pancreas itself.

The disease is classified as follows:

  1. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease and a relatively rare form. It is characterized by an extremely low level of insulin production; In some cases, the patient's body does not produce this hormone. Patients are required to take injections regularly, which is why the term "insulin dependence" is also used. A diet that aims to reduce glucose levels helps improve well-being and avoid the risk of hypoglycemia.
  2. Diabetes II occurs in 90% of cases. It often develops in overweight people with a sedentary lifestyle, who do not take care of their diet and consume a lot of foods that increase glucose levels (flour, potatoes, sweets). The diet must be structured so that the weight gradually returns to normal. Moderate physical activity is recommended for these patients.
  3. Gestational diabetes is a disease that can develop in pregnant women, especially with severe toxicosis in the second trimester. The diet for gestational diabetes should contain sufficient amounts of dietary supplements and careful control of body weight. In most cases, after pregnancy ends, health returns to normal, but there is a risk of developing type II diabetes. To avoid this, you must follow the recommended diet after giving birth.

In 1% of cases, other types of the disease develop: latent, steroid, neurogenic, renal, MODY, bronze and prediabetes. The diet for a type of diabetes included in one of these categories is determined by the attending physician, taking into account several factors.

Types of diets for diabetes

The basis of therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is a course of medication aimed at reducing glucose levels and restoring normal insulin levels. At the same time, doctors insist on the importance of moderate physical activity and proper nutrition.

About 80% of patients are overweight. Often, excess body weight exceeds normal levels by 15% or more. When weight is normalized, the general condition of patients improves noticeably: blood pressure stabilizes, the functioning of the nervous system improves, the level of chronic fatigue decreases and well-being improves. But with this diagnosis, extreme methods of quickly getting rid of extra pounds are strictly contraindicated, and many diets, even the most popular ones, are not suitable for patients with diabetes. You cannot choose a power system based on reviews from friends or even recommendations from experts on the Internet. Trying "proven" diets, such as, for example, the Kremlin or Dukan, can cause your metabolism to deteriorate even more. Namely, efforts should be directed towards restoring the normalization of metabolic processes.

Types of Nutrition Programs

  1. The protein diet aims to suppress appetite, providing the body with a large amount of protein, which stimulates the production of biologically active substances. Proteins of plant and animal origin are introduced into the diet in equal proportions. Red meat is prohibited; it is replaced by fish, lean poultry, dairy products, and protein-rich beans and grains.
  2. A low-carb diet for diabetes based on vegetables and fruits containing complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are prohibited and proteins are introduced in limited quantities. This nutritional system is considered strict and is used when the blood sugar level increases significantly - 3 times or more.
  3. A low-carb diet is gentler and suitable for those suffering from type I and type II diabetes.
  4. The buckwheat diet is recommended to normalize metabolic processes and saturate the body with vitamins, macro- and microelements.
  5. A preventive diet is based on replacing red meat with lean, protein-rich foods, using appropriate cooking methods and consuming fiber.
  6. The Bernstein diet is indicated for type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as for prevention. This is not just a menu, but an integrated approach to organizing a balanced diet, which can be taught even to young children.

Carb Count

The bread unit is a concept familiar to every diabetic patient. This is a conventional unit of measurement (XU), which corresponds to 10-13 g of carbohydrates and is used to calculate the calorie content of food. The patient can take 4-6 XE per meal.

1XE corresponds to:

  • 1 Tbsp. I. sugar or honey;
  • 150ml of juice;
  • 130g orange;
  • 60g banana;
  • 100g of melon;
  • porridge – 2. 5 tbsp. I. raw cereals;
  • milk and fermented milk drinks – 250 ml;
  • 20g of dried fruit.

It is also important to consider the type of food and how it is prepared. For example, low-fat fish fillets are allowed in limited quantities in some diets, but canned fatty fish are prohibited for all patients.

Diet for type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes requires a diet that maintains blood glucose levels between 3. 5-5. 5 mmol/liter.

Diet principles:

  1. Fractional nutrition of the patient: 5-6 meals per day.
  2. The maximum daily calorie content is 2, 000 kcal.
  3. Carbohydrates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  4. Minimal evening snack.
  5. Fast carbohydrates are prohibited.
  6. Refusal of sugar, replacement with safe analogues (stevia, synthetic sweetener).
  7. Long-acting insulin preparations are administered before meals, short-acting insulin preparations are administered after meals.
  8. The maximum amount of XE per meal is 8.
  9. Natural products are a priority.

Yeast-free baked goods, soy cheese and milk, unsweetened green tea, dried fruit compotes, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and cereals are allowed. Many vegetarian dishes are diet-friendly.

Rich first courses and roasts, fatty meat and fish, smoked meats, pasta and fast food are prohibited. Alcohol, especially red wine, is strictly prohibited.

Diet for a week for overweight insulin dependents

Day #1

  1. A slice of bread, porridge, soft cheese, tea.
  2. Orange, pistachio.
  3. Borscht, salad, stewed cabbage, cutlet, pita bread.
  4. Rosehip, cottage cheese, fruit jelly.
  5. Steamed cauliflower, salad.
  6. A glass of milk.

Day #2

  1. Steamed veal, tomatoes, wholemeal bread, tea.
  2. Cheese, half a ripe pear.
  3. Chicken breast, pumpkin puree, salad.
  4. Grapefruit, kefir.
  5. Boiled fish, boiled cabbage.
  6. Cookie.

Day #3

  1. Lavash, coffee, cabbage rolls.
  2. Strawberries, yogurt.
  3. Solid pasta, salad, steamed fish.
  4. Orange, jam.
  5. Cottage cheese casserole.
  6. Kefir.

Day #4

  1. Porridge, cheese, boiled egg, tea.
  2. Toast with soft cheese and cooked turkey.
  3. Vegetable puree soup, meat stewed with vegetables, bread.
  4. Tea and biscuits.
  5. Green beans with chicken breast, rose hips.
  6. Bread.

Day #5

  1. Cottage cheese with kefir.
  2. Pumpkin seeds, raisins.
  3. Potatoes, salad, jam.
  4. Roasted pumpkin, Rosehip.
  5. Salad, pancakes with rye flour.
  6. Kefir.

Day #6

  1. Egg, lightly salted salmon, tea.
  2. Cottage cheese, carrots.
  3. Borscht with sorrel, vegetarian cabbage rolls, lavash.
  4. Kefir, bread.
  5. Eggplants stewed with chicken fillet, fresh peas.
  6. Cookies.

Day #7

  1. Porridge with ham, tea.
  2. Salad with tuna and vegetables, wholemeal bread.
  3. Cabbage soup, vegetables cooked with meat, bread.
  4. Cottage cheese, prunes.
  5. Squid schnitzel, jam.
  6. Milk.

Diet for type 2 diabetes mellitus

The goal is to reduce animal fats and simple carbohydrates. It is recommended to leave an interval of no more than 4 hours between meals. This nutritional program is called "Diet No. 9" or "Table No. 9" and is suitable not only for patients, but also for all those who seek to normalize their diet.

Daily diet for type 2 diabetes

Day #1

  1. Asparagus, quail egg omelet.
  2. Salad of walnuts, apples and boiled squid.
  3. Beetroot soup, roasted eggplant.
  4. Avocado, cocoa.
  5. Salmon steak with sauce.

Day #2

  1. Oatmeal, yogurt, apple.
  2. Beaten.
  3. Roast meat (veal) with vegetables.
  4. Cottage cheese casserole.
  5. Vegetable salad with avocado.

Day #3

  1. Fried egg with cheese, tomato and herbs.
  2. Steamed vegetables with hummus.
  3. Vegetable soup puree, chicken cutlets, fresh peas.
  4. Pear and almond.
  5. Salmon with spinach, yogurt.

Day #4

  1. Baked apples.
  2. Toast with green leaves and tuna.
  3. Steak, vegetable salad, parmesan.
  4. Fruit ice cream.
  5. Broccoli casserole.

Day #5

  1. Orange, soft cheese, wholemeal bread, fruit tea.
  2. Beetroot salad with walnuts and butter.
  3. Steamed fish, rice, grapefruit.
  4. Berries with cream.
  5. Squid schnitzel, rosehip.

Day #6

  1. Carrot curd soufflé.
  2. Roasted broccoli.
  3. Lenten borscht, baked chicken fillet, green leaves, tangerine.
  4. Red fruit mousse.
  5. Fish with a side of steamed vegetables.

Day #7

  1. Baked apple with raisins, oats and nuts.
  2. Salad with vegetables and shrimp.
  3. Polenta, boiled fish, vegetables, kiwi.
  4. Strawberries with cream cheese.
  5. Cucumber and herb salad, tea.

Diet for gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs due to rupture of the pancreas during pregnancy. The expectant mother must adhere to the following nutritional principles:

  • Exclude flour, baked goods, store-bought sweets, semolina porridge and any products with sugar.
  • BJU Norm: 20 |30 |50%. You need to balance your diet based on these indicators.
  • Include fruits, dairy products and starchy foods in your diet.
  • Strictly observe the drinking regime. It is necessary to consume 1. 8-2 liters of drinking water per day.
  • Organize 3 main meals and 2 snacks per day.
  • Minimize coffee and tea consumption (no more than 2 cups per day).
  • Take special vitamin complexes as recommended by your doctor.
  • Introduce herbal remedies into your diet to reduce sugar: decoctions of linden flowers, lingonberry leaves, lilac buds, celery root.

Low-carb diets are not suitable for pregnant women. The norm of calorie consumption per day is 2, 000 to 2, 500 kcal.

Recommended menu for pregnant women with high blood sugar

To control glucose levels, it is recommended to build a menu based on the following scheme.

  • Breakfast: porridge (oatmeal, corn, buckwheat), grain bread, tea or dried fruit compote.
  • Second breakfast: toast with unsalted cheese, apple.
  • Lunch: porridge, vegetable salad, stew (meat or chicken).
  • Afternoon snack: cottage cheese, biscuits, orange.
  • Dinner: vegetable side dish, boiled meat, juice, biscuits or pita bread.

3 hours before bed, you can drink a glass of yogurt or kefir. In addition to your diet, it is important to take walks, warm up if possible and do simple exercises at home or with a trainer.

Diet for insulin-dependent diabetes in children

Children suffer more severely from the disease than adults, and the incidence of type 1 diabetes in this age group is higher - up to 80%. Children at risk (whose family members have diabetes) need careful monitoring of their health status from birth.

Diet for diabetes in children

The rules for organizing nutrition for insulin-dependent children are even stricter than for adults. Approximate diet for a child:

  • Confectionery, sweets, baked goods and sweet soft drinks are prohibited. Sugar must be completely eliminated from the diet.
  • Fresh vegetables and fruits are allowed, but you need to be aware of exceptions. A child with diabetes should not eat bananas, dates, persimmons, raisins, grapes or figs.
  • You must organize 6 meals and feed the child strictly according to the schedule. The detour must not exceed 20 minutes. If it is impossible to eat a full meal, you should give your baby a snack consisting of fruit, bread or toast. Insulin-dependent children should absolutely not starve.
  • Monitor your fructose consumption and use this indicator as a basis for calculating the allowable amount of sweetener.
  • A hypoglycemia attack can be stopped with a piece of dark chocolate. It is recommended that an accompanying adult carry this product with you at all times.
  • Diet is important. The daily norm is calculated depending on the age and body size of the child by the treating endocrinologist.

It is necessary to organize a correct lifestyle in general. The child must be able to move and be physically active. Constant monitoring of glucose levels and regular consultations with a doctor are also necessary.

Healthy recipes for diabetes

Diet recipes are recommended not only for the diet of a patient with diabetes, but also for those who want to balance their menu, including healthy foods. The recommended dishes are prepared from simple ingredients, but have a presentable appearance and rich taste.

Vegetarian cream soup

Prepare and chop one onion, 100 g of spinach, 300 g of broccoli and 200 g of celery and 200 g of zucchini. Blanch for 15 minutes in 500 ml of water and blend in a blender. Add 200 ml of milk and 100 ml of cream to the vegetable mass, bring to the boil, adjust the salt.

Vegetable salad

Chop 200 g of cabbage. Cut 2 cucumbers into half rings and 2 tomatoes into slices. Mix vegetables, add salt, season with olive oil.

Squid schnitzel with onion

Pass the squid fillet (400 g) through a meat grinder, add 25 g of breadcrumbs to the minced meat. Chop the leek (50 g) and one onion, fry in a frying pan until half cooked. Chop the greens - spinach, dill, parsley. Mix the ingredients, knead the minced meat, form schnitzels. Brush each one with egg, coat in breadcrumbs and fry for 2 minutes on each side.

Pancakes with blueberries on rye flour

Pour 2 g of stevia into a glass of boiling water and let it brew. Mix 200 g of cottage cheese, stevia tincture, 1 egg, 150 g of blueberries. Carefully add 200 g of rye flour, 0. 5 tsp. soda and 2 tbsp. I. Sesame oil. Fry the pancakes in a non-stick pan on both sides.

Crazy Cauliflower

Boil 500 g of cauliflower inflorescences for 10 minutes, cool and chop in a blender. Add 4 tbsp. I. rice flour, salt, let it brew for 30 minutes so that the fiber dissolves. Boil and finely chop 2 eggs, add chopped chives. Form flat cakes from the vegetable dough, put the egg and onion filling and decorate with zrazy. Coat in rice flour and fry in a frying pan.

Cottage cheese and pear casserole

Mix 600 g of low-fat cottage cheese, 2 eggs and 2 tbsp. I. rice flour, knead well. Peel and chop 600 g of pears: finely chop half into cubes and grate the other half. Mix the pears with the curd mass, let it brew for 30 minutes. Place in a silicone mold, grease with cream and bake for 45 minutes at 180 degrees.

Cottage cheese and carrot soufflé

Grind 200 g of cottage cheese, add 300 g of grated carrots. Grind 50 g of walnut kernels, 3-4 sprigs of parsley and add to the mixture. Add 2 egg yolks and then 2 beaten egg whites. Pour batter into silicone muffin tins, filling 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes.

The preparation of the patient's menu must be done responsibly. It should not only be balanced, but also varied in order to avoid eating unhealthy foods or refusing to eat. A systematic approach will help maintain health, prevent deterioration and significantly improve quality of life.