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Diet for diabetes

Diet foods that normalize blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus

A diet for diabetes is not just a recommendation to improve quality of life, but a necessity. Every patient should follow the nutritional recommendation. This is necessary in order to minimize the risk of acute complications and a deterioration in general condition.

A balanced diet allows the development of metabolic processes in the body, which is extremely important when diagnosing diabetes. The disease poses 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 impact 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. Of course, the ancient Greeks did not have diagnostic skills and did not know the nature of the disease. But even then (4th - 1st centuries BC) doctors tried to systematize information about symptoms and therapy.

According to the WHO, the disease now affects about 4% of people, and 3 million people die from the disease every year, which is higher than the number of AIDS.

The disease has multiple causes and is accompanied by a variety of symptoms. There is an underlying insulin deficiency, which can be absolute or relative.

Etiology of Diabetes:

  • obesity;
  • Injuries – physical and mental;
  • viral diseases that caused complications;
  • aggravated heredity;
  • Autoimmune diseases.

Provoking factors include prolonged frequent stress and poor eating habits. People who often overeat are at risk if they include too many carbohydrates and sugar in their diet.

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

Symptoms of diabetes:

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

The disease is one of those that requires compulsory therapy. It is impossible to combat the symptoms of diabetes with folk remedies. A visit to the doctor is necessary and the earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis. In addition to taking medication, a rational nutritional system is required.

Classification of the disease and the role of nutrition

Nutrition 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 extremely low insulin production; in some cases, the patient's body does not produce this hormone at all. Patients are forced to take injections regularly, which is why the term "insulin dependence" is used. A diet to lower glucose levels helps to improve well-being and avoid the risk of hypoglycemia.
  2. Diabetes II occurs in 90% of cases. It often occurs in people who are overweight and sedentary, who do not pay attention to their diet and eat a lot of foods that increase blood sugar levels (flour, potatoes, sweets). The diet should be designed so that the weight gradually returns to normal. Moderate physical activity is recommended for such patients.
  3. Gestational diabetes is a disease that can occur in pregnant women, especially with severe toxicosis in the second trimester. Diet for gestational diabetes should include a sufficient amount of nutritional supplements and careful control of body weight. In most cases, health returns to normal after the end of pregnancy, but there is a risk of developing type II diabetes. To avoid this, you should follow the recommended diet after giving birth.

In 1% of cases, other types of disease develop: latent, steroidal, neurogenic, renal, MODY, bronze and prediabetes. The diet for a type of diabetes that falls into one of these categories is determined by the treating doctor taking many factors into account.

Types of diets for diabetes

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

About 80% of patients are overweight. Often the excess weight exceeds the normal value by 15 percent or more. When the weight normalizes, the general condition of patients noticeably improves: blood pressure stabilizes, the functioning of the nervous system improves, chronic fatigue decreases and well-being improves. However, with such a diagnosis, extreme methods of quickly losing extra pounds are strictly contraindicated and many, even the most popular, diets 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. Experimenting with "proven" diets, such as the Kremlin or Dukan diet, can cause metabolism to go even further wrong. In fact, efforts should be directed at restoring normalization of metabolic processes.

Types of Nutrition Programs

  1. A protein diet is aimed at suppressing appetite by providing the body with a large amount of protein, which stimulates the production of biologically active substances. Proteins of plant and animal origin are included in the diet in equal proportions. Red meat is banned and is replaced with fish, lean poultry, dairy products and protein-rich beans and grains.
  2. A low-carbohydrate diet for diabetes based on vegetables and fruits that contain complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are banned and proteins are introduced in limited quantities. This nutritional system is considered strict and is used when blood sugar levels rise significantly - by three times or more.
  3. A low-carbohydrate diet is gentler and suitable for people suffering from type I and type II diabetes.
  4. The buckwheat diet is suitable for normalizing metabolic processes and saturating the body with vitamins, macro- and microelements.
  5. A preventative 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 and for prevention. This is not just a menu, but a holistic approach to organizing a balanced diet, which can also be taught to young children.

Carbohydrate counting

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

1 XE corresponds to:

  • 1 TBSP. l. sugar or honey;
  • 150 ml juice;
  • 130g orange;
  • 60 g banana;
  • 100 g melon;
  • Porridge – 2. 5 tbsp. l. raw grains;
  • Milk and fermented milk drinks – 250 ml;
  • 20 g dried fruits.

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

Diet for type 1 diabetes

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

Nutrition principles:

  1. Partial nutrition of the patient: 5-6 meals per day.
  2. The maximum daily calorie content is 2000 kcal.
  3. Carbohydrates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  4. Minimal evening snack.
  5. Fast carbohydrates are forbidden.
  6. Avoid sugar, replacing it 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 the focus.

Yeast-free baked goods, soy cheese and milk, unsweetened green tea, dried fruit compote, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and muesli are permitted. Many vegetarian dishes are suitable for the diet.

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

Diet for a week for insulin-dependent people who are overweight

Day #1

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

Day #2

  1. Steamed veal, tomato, grain bread, tea.
  2. Cheese, half a ripe pear.
  3. Chicken breast, pumpkin puree, salad.
  4. Grapefruit, kefir.
  5. Boiled fish, stewed cabbage.
  6. Cracker.

Day #3

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

Day #4

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

Day #5

  1. Cottage cheese with kefir.
  2. Pumpkin seeds, raisins.
  3. Potatoes, salad, compote.
  4. Baked pumpkin, rose hips.
  5. Salad, pancakes on 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. Braised eggplant with chicken fillet and fresh green peas.
  6. Cracker.

Day #7

  1. Porridge with ham, tea.
  2. Salad with tuna and vegetables, whole grain bread.
  3. Cabbage soup, stewed vegetables with meat, bread.
  4. Cottage cheese, prunes.
  5. Squid schnitzel, compote.
  6. Milk.

Diet for type 2 diabetes mellitus

It's about reducing animal fats and simple carbohydrates. It is recommended to take a break 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 everyone who wants to normalize their diet.

Diet for every day for type 2 diabetes

Day #1

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

Day #2

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

Day #3

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

Day #4

  1. Baked apples.
  2. Toast with leafy greens and tuna.
  3. Beef steak, vegetable salad, parmesan.
  4. Fruit sorbet.
  5. Broccoli stir fry.

Day #5

  1. Orange, soft cheese, grain bread, fruit tea.
  2. Beet salad with nuts and butter.
  3. Steamed fish, rice, grapefruit.
  4. Berries with cream.
  5. Squid cutlets, rose hips.

Day #6

  1. Carrot and curd soufflé.
  2. Baked broccoli.
  3. Lenten borscht, baked chicken fillet, leafy vegetables, tangerine.
  4. Berry mousse.
  5. Fish with a side dish of steamed vegetables.

Day #7

  1. Baked apple with raisins, oat flakes and nuts.
  2. Salad with vegetables and shrimps.
  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 a disruption of the pancreas during pregnancy. The expectant mother should adhere to the following nutritional principles:

  • Excluded are flour, baked goods, store-bought sweets, semolina porridge and all products with sugar.
  • BJU standard: 20 |30 |50%. Based on these indicators, you need to balance your diet.
  • Include fruits, dairy products and starchy foods in your diet.
  • Strictly adhere to 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.
  • Include herbal remedies in your diet to reduce sugar: decoctions of linden flowers, blueberry leaves, lilac buds, celery root.

Low-carbohydrate diets are not suitable for pregnant women. Calorie consumption per day is 2000-2500 kcal.

Recommended menu for expectant mothers with high blood sugar

To control glucose levels, it is recommended to create a menu according to the following scheme.

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

3 hours before bedtime you can drink a glass of yogurt or kefir. In addition to 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 from the disease than adults, and the incidence of type 1 diabetes is higher in this age group - up to 80%. Children at risk (whose family members suffer from diabetes) must be carefully monitored for their health from birth.

Diet for diabetes in children

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

  • Confectionery, sweets, baked goods and sweet sodas are prohibited. Sugar should be completely eliminated from the diet.
  • Fresh vegetables and fruits are allowed, but you must note the exceptions. Bananas, dates, persimmons, raisins, grapes, or figs should not be given to a child with diabetes.
  • You should organize 6 meals and feed the child strictly by the hour. The deviation should not exceed 20 minutes. If it is not possible to eat a full meal, consider giving your baby a snack of fruit, bread, or toast. Insulin-dependent children should definitely not starve.
  • Monitor your fructose consumption and use this indicator as a basis for calculating the allowable amount of sweetener.
  • An attack of hypoglycemia can be stopped with a piece of dark chocolate. An accompanying adult is recommended to carry this product with them at all times.
  • Nutrition is important. The daily norm is calculated by the attending endocrinologist depending on the age and height of the child.

It is necessary to organize a correct lifestyle in general. The child must be able to move and be physically active. In addition, constant monitoring of blood sugar levels and regular consultation with a doctor are necessary.

Healthy recipes for diabetes

Diet recipes are suitable not only for the diet of a diabetic, but also for anyone who wants to balance the menu with healthy foods. Recommended dishes are prepared from simple ingredients, but look presentable and have a rich taste.

Vegetarian cream soup

Prepare and chop an onion, 100 g spinach, 300 g broccoli and 200 g each of celery and zucchini. Blanch in 500 ml of water for 15 minutes and puree with a blender. Add 200 ml milk and 100 ml cream to the vegetable mixture, bring to the boil, add salt.

vegetable salad

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

Squid schnitzel with onions

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 and fry in a pan until half cooked. Finely chop the vegetables – spinach, dill, parsley. Mix the ingredients, knead the minced meat, form cutlets. Brush each with egg, roll in breadcrumbs and fry for 2 minutes on each side.

Pancakes with blueberries on rye flour

Add 2g of stevia to a glass of boiling water and let it steep. Mix 200 g of cottage cheese, stevia tincture, 1 egg and 150 g of blueberries. Gently add 200 g of rye flour and 0. 5 tsp. soda and 2 tbsp. l. Sesame oil. Fry the pancakes on both sides in a non-stick frying pan.

Cauliflower zrazy

Boil 500 g of cauliflower inflorescences for 10 minutes, cool and chop with a blender. Add 4 tbsp. l. Rice flour, salt, let sit for 30 minutes so that the fiber dissolves. Boil 2 eggs and chop finely, add chopped green onions. Form flat cakes from the vegetable mixture, put the egg and onion filling in them and decorate with zrazy. Roll in rice flour and fry in a pan.

Cottage cheese and pear casserole

Mix 600 g of low-fat cottage cheese, 2 eggs and 2 tbsp. l. Rice flour, knead thoroughly. Peel and chop 600 g pears: cut half of them finely into cubes, grate the other half. Mix the pears with the curd mixture and let it steep for 30 minutes. Place in a silicone mold, grease with sour cream, bake at 180 degrees for 45 minutes.

Cottage cheese and carrot soufflé

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

The preparation of a patient's menu should be done responsibly. It should not only be balanced, but also varied to prevent mishaps with unhealthy foods or refusal to eat. A systematic approach helps maintain health, prevent deterioration and significantly improve quality of life.