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Diet for diabetes

Dietary foods that normalize blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus

A diabetes diet is not just a recommendation to improve your quality of life, but a necessity. Every patient should follow nutritional advice. This is necessary to minimize the risks of acute complications and to worsen the general condition.

A balanced diet allows you to establish metabolic processes in the body, which is extremely important when diagnosed with 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 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 on diabetes known to science dates back to the Hellenic period. Of course, the ancient Greeks had no diagnostic capabilities and did not know the nature of the disease. But already in those times (4th-1st century BC) doctors were trying to systematize information on symptoms and therapy.

According to the WHO, today the disease affects around 4% of people and claims 3 million victims a year, a figure higher than that of 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 inheritance;
  • Autoimmune diseases.

Provoking factors include frequent prolonged stress and poor eating habits. People who often overeat take risks by including excessive amounts of carbohydrates and sugars in their menu.

In the 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 at all.

Diabetes Symptoms:

  • general weakness;
  • weight loss;
  • increased urine output, frequent urination;
  • slow healing of wounds;
  • 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 consult a doctor and the earlier the diagnosis is made, the more favorable the prognosis. In addition to the therapeutic course, a rational nutritional system is needed.

Disease classification and 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 at all. Patients are forced to take injections regularly, which is why the term "insulin dependence" is also used. A diet aimed at lowering 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 who lead a sedentary lifestyle, who do not observe their diet and consume many foods that increase glucose levels (flour, potatoes, sweets). The diet should 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 a sufficient amount of nutritional supplements and careful control of body weight. In most cases, at the end of pregnancy, health returns to normal, 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 included in one of these categories is determined by the treating doctor, taking into account many factors.

Types of diets for diabetes

The basis of therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is a course of drugs 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 significantly: blood pressure stabilizes, the functioning of the nervous system improves, the level of chronic fatigue decreases, and well-being improves. But with such a 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 can't choose a fuel system based on reviews from friends or even expert advice on the Internet. Experimenting with "proven" diets, such as the Kremlin or Dukan, can lead to the fact that the metabolism goes even more wrong. Namely, efforts should be directed at restoring the 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 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 fruits and vegetables 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 is suitable for those suffering from type I and type II diabetes.
  4. The buckwheat diet is indicated 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 fibre.
  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.

Carbohydrate counting

The bread unit is a concept familiar to every diabetic patient. This is a conventional measurement unit (XU), which 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 of juice;
  • 130 g of orange;
  • 60 g of bananas;
  • 100 g of melon;
  • porridge – 2, 5 tablespoons. 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 how it is prepared. For example, in some diets lean 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 blood glucose levels at 3. 5-5. 5 mmol/liter.

Dietary principles:

  1. Fractional 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 snack in the evening.
  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, cheese and soy 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 a week for insulin-dependent people with excess weight

Day no. 1

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

Day no. 2

  1. Steamed veal, tomato, cereal 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 no. 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 no. 4

  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 biscuits.
  5. Green beans with chicken breast, rose hips.
  6. Bread.

Day no. 5

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

Day no. 6

  1. Egg, lightly salted salmon, tea.
  2. Ricotta, carrots.
  3. Borscht with sorrel, vegetarian cabbage rolls, lavash.
  4. Kefir, bread.
  5. Stewed aubergines with chicken fillet, fresh peas.
  6. Cracker.

Day no. 7

  1. Porridge with ham, tea.
  2. Salad with tuna and vegetables, wholemeal bread.
  3. Cabbage soup, stewed vegetables with meat, bread.
  4. Ricotta, plums.
  5. Calamari cutlet, compote.
  6. Milk.

Diet for type 2 diabetes mellitus

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 nutritional program is called "Diet No. 9" or "Table No. 9" and is suitable not only for patients, but also for everyone trying to normalize their diet.

Daily diet for type 2 diabetes

Day no. 1

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

Day no. 2

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

Day no. 3

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

Day no. 4

  1. Cooked apples.
  2. Toast with leafy vegetables and tuna.
  3. Beef steak, vegetable salad, parmesan.
  4. Fruit sorbet.
  5. Broccoli stew.

Day no. 5

  1. Orange, soft cheese, cereal bread, fruit tea.
  2. Beetroot salad with nuts and butter.
  3. Steamed fish, rice, grapefruit.
  4. Berries with cream.
  5. Squid cutlet, dog rose.

Day no. 6

  1. Carrot and ricotta soufflé.
  2. Baked broccoli.
  3. Lenten borscht, baked chicken fillet, leafy vegetables, mandarin.
  4. Mousse of mixed berries.
  5. Fish with a side of steamed vegetables.

Day no. 7

  1. Baked apple with raisins, oatmeal 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 rupture of the pancreas during pregnancy. The expectant mother should adhere to the following nutritional principles:

  • Exclude flour, baked goods, store-bought sweets, semolina porridge and all products with sugar.
  • BJU norm: 20 |30|50%. You need to balance your diet according to these indicators.
  • Include fruits, dairy products and starches in your diet.
  • Strictly observe the alcohol consumption regime. It is necessary to consume 1. 8-2 liters of drinking water per day.
  • Plan 3 main meals and 2 snacks a 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, blueberry leaves, lilac buds, celery root.

Low-carb diets are not suitable for pregnant women. The norm of daily calorie consumption is 2000-2500 kcal.

Recommended menu for future mothers with high blood sugar

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

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

3 hours before going to sleep 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 from this disease more seriously than adults and the incidence of type 1 diabetes in this age group is higher, up to 80%. Children at risk (whose family members suffer from diabetes) need careful monitoring of their health 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 and sweet drinks are prohibited. Sugar should be completely eliminated from the diet.
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables are permitted, but you should be aware of the exceptions. A child with diabetes should not be given bananas, dates, persimmons, raisins, grapes or figs.
  • You should organize 6 meals and feed the baby strictly by time. The detour must not exceed 20 minutes. If it is impossible to eat a full meal, you should give your child a snack of fruit, bread or toast. Insulin-dependent children should absolutely not starve.
  • Monitor your fructose consumption and use this indicator as the basis for calculating the allowable amount of sweetener.
  • An attack of hypoglycemia can be stopped with a piece of dark chocolate. We recommend that an accompanying adult carry this product with them at all times.
  • Diet is important. The daily norm is calculated based on the age and body size of the child by the attending 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 consultation with a doctor are also necessary.

Healthy recipes for diabetes

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

Creamy vegetarian soup

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

Vegetable salad

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

Squid cutlet with onions

Pass the squid fillet (400 g) through the meat grinder, add 25 g of breadcrumbs to the minced meat. Chop leeks (50 g) and one onion, fry in a pan until half cooked. Finely chop the vegetables: spinach, dill, parsley. Mix the ingredients, knead the minced meat, form cutlets. Brush them with egg, coat them in breadcrumbs and fry them 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. L. sesame oil. Fry the pancakes in a non-stick pan on both sides.

Cauliflower is crazy

Boil 500 g of cauliflower inflorescences for 10 minutes, cool and chop with a blender. Add 4 tbsp. L. rice flour, salt, let it brew for 30 minutes so that the fiber dissolves. Boil and finely chop 2 eggs, add chopped green onions. Form the focaccia with the vegetable mixture, place the egg and onion filling inside and decorate with zrazy. Pass in the rice flour and fry it in a pan.

Ricotta and pear casserole

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

Ricotta 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, add to the mixture. Add 2 egg yolks, then 2 beaten egg whites. Pour the mixture into the silicone muffin molds, filling them 2/3 full. Cook for 20 minutes.

Preparing a patient's menu should be taken responsibly. It should not only be balanced, but also varied to avoid interruptions in unhealthy foods or refusal to eat. A systematic approach will help maintain health, prevent deterioration and significantly improve the quality of life.