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Diet for diabetes

Dietary foods that normalize blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus

A diabetic diet is not only a recommendation to improve the quality of life, but also a necessity. All patients should follow nutritional advice. This is necessary to minimize the risk of acute complications, as well as the deterioration of the general condition.

A balanced diet allows the creation of metabolic processes in the body, which is extremely important when diagnosing diabetes. The disease is 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 effect 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 comes from the Hellenic period. Of course, the ancient Greeks did not have diagnostic skills and did not know the nature of disease. But already in those days (IV-I centuries BC) doctors tried to systematize information about symptoms and therapy.

According to the WHO, the disease affects about 4% of people today and claims 3 million lives each year, surpassing AIDS.

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

Etiology of diabetes:

  • overweight;
  • injuries - physical and mental;
  • viral diseases causing complications;
  • aggravated heredity;
  • autoimmune disease.

Provocative factors include prolonged frequent stress and bad eating habits. People who often overeat are at risk if they include excessive amounts of carbohydrates and sugar in their diet.

The main role in the pathogenesis is played by the disruption of the pancreatic islet system, as a result of which insulin is produced in abnormally small amounts 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 require mandatory therapy. It is impossible to fight the symptoms of diabetes with folk remedies. It is necessary to see a doctor, and the earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis. In addition to medication, a rational nutritional system is needed.

Disease classification and the role of nutrition

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

The disease can be classified as follows:

  1. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is 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 regular injections, which is why the term "insulin dependence" is also used. A diet aimed at reducing glucose levels improves well-being and avoids the risk of hypoglycemia.
  2. The II. diabetes occurs in 90% of cases. It often develops in overweight, sedentary people who do not pay attention to their diet and eat a lot of foods that increase glucose levels (flour, potatoes, sweets). The diet should be structured in such a way that the body weight gradually returns to a normal level. Moderate physical activity is recommended for such patients.
  3. Gestational diabetes is a disease that can develop in pregnant women, especially in the case of severe toxicosis in the second trimester. A gestational diabetes diet should include sufficient dietary supplements and careful weight control. In most cases, the state of health returns to normal after the end of pregnancy, but there is a risk of developing type II diabetes. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to follow the recommended diet after giving birth.

Another type of disease develops in 1% of cases: latent, steroid, neurogenic, renal, MODY, bronze and prediabetes. The diet of a type of diabetes that falls into one of these categories is determined by the attending physician, taking into account a number of factors.

Types of diabetes diet

In the treatment of diabetes mellitus, the basis of therapy is a drug course 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. Excess body weight is often 15 percent or more above the normal level. With the normalization of body weight, the general condition of the patients noticeably improves: blood pressure stabilizes, the functioning of the nervous system improves, the level of chronic fatigue decreases, and the feeling of well-being improves. But with such a diagnosis, extreme methods of quickly getting rid of extra pounds are strictly contraindicated, and many, even the most popular, diets are not suitable for diabetics. You cannot choose an energy system based on the opinions of friends or even the recommendations of experts found on the Internet. Experimenting with "proven" diets, such as the Kremlin or Dukan, can lead to the metabolism becoming even worse. Efforts should be devoted to restoring the normalization of metabolic processes.

Types of nutrition programs

  1. The purpose of the protein diet is to reduce 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 forbidden, instead fish, lean poultry, dairy products, and protein-rich beans and cereals.
  2. A low-carbohydrate diet for diabetes is based on vegetables and fruits containing complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are prohibited, proteins must be taken in limited quantities. This nutritional system is considered strict and is used when the blood sugar level rises significantly - 3 times or more.
  3. A low-carb diet is gentler and suitable for people with type I and type II diabetes.
  4. The buckwheat diet is used to normalize metabolic processes and saturate the body with vitamins, macro- and microelements.
  5. The preventive diet is based on replacing red meat with lean, protein-rich foods, proper cooking methods, and fiber consumption.
  6. The Bernstein diet is recommended for type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as prevention. This is not just a menu, but an integrated approach to organizing a balanced diet that can be taught even to small children.

Carbohydrate counting

The bread unit is a concept known to all diabetics. It is a traditional unit (XU) that corresponds to 10-13 g of carbohydrates and is used to calculate the calorie content of foods. The patient can take 4-6 XE per meal.

1 XE corresponds to:

  • 1 tablespoon. l. sugar or honey;
  • 150 ml fruit juice;
  • 130 g of orange;
  • 60 g of bananas;
  • 100 g of melon;
  • Porridge - 2. 5 tbsp. l. raw cereals;
  • milk and fermented milk drinks - 250 ml;
  • 20 g of dried fruit.

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

Diet for type 1 diabetes

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

Diet principles:

  1. Fractional feeding of the patient: 5-6 meals a day.
  2. The maximum daily calorie content is 2000 kcal.
  3. Carbohydrates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  4. Minimal snack at night.
  5. Fast carbohydrates are prohibited.
  6. Refusal of 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 a priority.

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

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

Diet for one week for insulin-dependent overweight people

One day

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

2 days

  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, steamed cabbage.
  6. Biscuit.

3 days

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

4 days

  1. Porridge, cheese, boiled eggs, 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 and rose hips.
  6. Bread.

5 days

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

6 days

  1. Egg, lightly salted salmon, tea.
  2. Cottage cheese, carrots.
  3. Borscht with sorrel, vegetarian cabbage roll, lavash.
  4. Kefir, bread.
  5. Steamed eggplant with chicken fillet and fresh green peas.
  6. Biscuits.

7 days

  1. Porridge with ham and tea.
  2. Salad with tuna and vegetables, whole grain bread.
  3. Cabbage soup, steamed vegetables with meat, bread.
  4. Cottage cheese, plums.
  5. Sliced cuttlefish, canned.
  6. Milk.

Diet in type 2 diabetes

The point is to reduce animal fats and simple carbohydrates. It is recommended to take a break of no more than 4 hours between meals. This nutrition program is called "9. It is called "diet No. 9" or "Table No. 9" and is suitable not only for patients, but also for all those who normalize their diet.

Diet for every day in case of type 2 diabetes

One day

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

2 days

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

3 days

  1. Mirrored egg with cheese, tomato and herbs.
  2. Steamed vegetables with hummus.
  3. Pastey vegetable soup, chicken slices, fresh peas.
  4. Pear and almond.
  5. Salmon with spinach and yogurt.

4 days

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

5 days

  1. Orange, soft cheese, cereal bread, fruit tea.
  2. Beet salad with walnuts and butter.
  3. Steamed fish, rice, grapefruit.
  4. Berries with cream.
  5. Cuttlefish slice, rosehips.

6 days

  1. Carrot-curd souffle.
  2. Roasted broccoli.
  3. Lenten borscht, fried chicken fillet, leafy greens, tangerine.
  4. Berry mousse.
  5. Fish with steamed vegetables.

7 days

  1. Baked apple with raisins, oatmeal and walnuts.
  2. Salad with vegetables and shrimps.
  3. Polenta, boiled fish, greens, kiwi.
  4. Strawberries with cream cheese.
  5. Cucumber and herb salad, tea.

Diet for gestational diabetes

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

  • It excludes products containing flour, baked goods, store-bought sweets, semolina and sugar.
  • BJU norm: 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.
  • Organization of 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 herbs for reducing sugar into your diet: linden flower, cranberry leaf, lilac bud, and celery root decoction.

A low-carbohydrate diet is not suitable for pregnant women. The norm of daily calorie consumption is 2000-2500 kcal.

Recommended menu for expectant mothers with high blood sugar levels

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

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

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

Diet for insulin-dependent diabetes in children

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

Diet for diabetes in children

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

  • Sweets, sweets, baked goods, sweet soda are prohibited. Sugar must be completely excluded from the diet.
  • Fresh vegetables and fruits are allowed, but be aware of the exceptions. A child with diabetes should not be given bananas, dates, persimmons, raisins, grapes or figs.
  • You have to organize 6 meals and feed the child strictly according to the clock. The difference cannot exceed 20 minutes. If you can't eat a full meal, give your baby fruit, bread or toast. Insulin-dependent children cannot starve at all.
  • Track fructose consumption and use this indicator as a basis when calculating the amount of sweetener allowed.
  • A hypoglycemic attack can be stopped with a piece of dark chocolate. We recommend that an accompanying adult always carry this product.
  • Diet is important. The daily norm is calculated by the treating endocrinologist depending on the child's age and body size.

In general, it is necessary to organize the right lifestyle. The child must be able to move and be physically active. Continuous monitoring of the glucose level and regular consultation with the doctor are also necessary.

Healthy recipes for diabetes

The diet recipes are not only suitable for the diet of diabetics, but also for everyone who wants to balance the menu, including healthy foods. The recommended dishes are made from simple ingredients, but they are spectacular and rich in taste.

Vegetarian cream soup

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

Green salad

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

Cuttlefish slice with onion

Put the squid fillet (400 g) through a meat grinder, add 25 g of breadcrumbs to the minced meat. Cut the leek (50 g) and an onion into small pieces and fry them half in a pan. Cut the greens - spinach, dill, parsley - into small pieces. Mix the ingredients, knead the minced meat and shape into slices. Brush each one with egg, roll in breadcrumbs and fry for 2 minutes on both sides.

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, and 150 g of blueberries. Carefully add 200 g of rye flour, 0. 5 tsp. soda and 2 tbsp. l. sesame oil. Fry the pancakes on both sides in a non-stick pan.

Cauliflower zrazy

Boil 500 g of cauliflower florets for 10 minutes, cool and chop with a blender. Add 4 tbsp. l. rice flour, salt, let it cook for 30 minutes to dissolve the fibers. Boil and chop 2 eggs, add chopped green onions. Form flat cakes from the vegetable mass, add the egg and onion filling 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 cut 600 g of pears: finely dice half of it, grate the other half. Mix the pears with the curd mass, let it cook for 30 minutes. Place in a silicone mold, spread with sour cream, bake for 45 minutes at 180 degrees.

Cottage cheese and carrot souffle

Grind 200 g of cottage cheese, add 300 g of grated carrot. Grind 50 g of walnuts, 3-4 sprigs of parsley and add to the mixture. Add 2 yolks, then 2 beaten egg whites. The mass is poured into silicone muffin molds, filled to 2/3. Bake for 20 minutes.

Preparing the patient's menu must be done responsibly. It should not only be balanced, but also varied to avoid unhealthy food breakdowns or refusal to eat. A systematic approach helps to preserve health, prevent deterioration and significantly improve the quality of life.