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Diet for diabetes

Dietary foods help normalize blood sugar levels in diabetes

A diabetes diet is not just a recommendation to improve quality of life, it is also a necessity. Every patient should follow nutritional advice. This is necessary to minimize the risk 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 diagnosed with diabetes. The disease is potentially life-threatening because it can be accompanied by critical conditions: ketoacidosis, organ failure, hypoglycemia, and others. For their own health, patients must not only understand the nature of the disease but also understand its harmful effects on the body. This will help you organize your menu, develop healthy habits, and learn how to take your doctor's prescriptions seriously.

Cause and pathogenesis

The first information about diabetes known to science dates back to Greek times. Of course, the ancient Greeks did not have the ability to diagnose and did not know the nature of this disease. But even in those times (IV-I centuries BC), doctors tried to systematize information about symptoms and treatment.

According to WHO, today the disease affects about 4% of the population and kills 3 million people each year, far exceeding the figures for AIDS.

The disease has many causes and is accompanied by many different symptoms. It is based on insulin deficiency, which can be absolute or relative.

Causes of diabetes:

  • overweight;
  • trauma – physical and mental;
  • viral diseases causing complications;
  • hereditary aggravation;
  • autoimmune diseases.

Triggers include frequent, prolonged stress and poor eating habits. People who regularly overeat are at risk of including too many carbohydrates and sugars in their menu.

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

Symptoms of diabetes:

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

This disease is one of the diseases that requires mandatory treatment. It is impossible to fight the symptoms of diabetes with folk remedies. Seeing a doctor is necessary, the earlier the diagnosis, the more favorable the prognosis. In addition to the medication process, a reasonable nutritional system is needed.

Classification of diseases and the role of nutrition

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

Diseases are classified as follows:

  1. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease and a relatively rare form. It is characterized by extremely low levels of 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 dependent" is also used. A diet aimed at reducing blood sugar levels helps improve health and avoid the risk of hypoglycemia.
  2. Diabetes II occurs in 90% of cases. It often develops in people who are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle, do not monitor their diet and consume a lot of foods that increase glucose levels (flour, potatoes, sweets). The diet should be structured so that weight gradually returns to normal. Moderate physical activity is recommended for such patients.
  3. Gestational diabetes is a disease that can develop in pregnant women, especially in severe toxemia during the second trimester. Diet for gestational diabetes should include adequate amounts of complementary foods and careful control of body weight. In most cases, after the end of pregnancy, health will return to normal but there is still a risk of type II diabetes. To avoid this, you should follow the recommended diet after giving birth.

In 1% of cases, other types of diseases develop: latent, steroid, neurological, renal, MODY, copper and prediabetes. Diet for diabetes of one of these types is determined by the treating doctor, taking into account many factors.

Types of diets for diabetes

The basis of diabetes therapy is a course of medication 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. Typically, excess body weight exceeds normal levels by 15% or more. When weight is normalized, the patient's general condition improves markedly: blood pressure stabilizes, the function of the nervous system improves, the level of chronic fatigue decreases, and well-being improves. But with such a diagnosis, harsh methods to quickly get rid of excess pounds are strictly contraindicated, and many diets, even the most popular ones, are not suitable for the disease. diabetics. You cannot choose an electrical system based on friends' reviews or even the recommendations of experts on the Internet. Testing "proven" diets, such as Kremlin or Dukan, can lead to even more metabolic malfunctions. In particular, efforts should be directed toward restoring the normalization of metabolic processes.

Types of nutrition programs

  1. Protein diets are aimed at suppressing appetite by providing the body with large amounts of protein, stimulating 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 replaced with fish, lean poultry, dairy products, beans and protein-rich grains.
  2. Low-carbohydrate diet for diabetes, based on vegetables and fruits containing complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are prohibited and proteins are included in limited quantities. This system of nutrition is considered strict and is used when blood sugar levels increase significantly - by 3 times or more.
  3. Low-carbohydrate diets are gentler and suitable for people with type I and type II diabetes.
  4. Buckwheat diet is indicated to normalize metabolic processes and saturate 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, as well as for prevention. This is not just a menu, but also an integrated approach to organizing a balanced diet, which can be taught to even young children.

Count carbohydrates

Bread units are a familiar concept to every diabetic. This is a common unit of measurement (XU), which corresponds to 10-13 g of carbohydrates and is used when calculating the calorie content of foods. Patients can take 4-6 XE per meal.

1 XE corresponds to:

  • 1 tbsp. I. Sugar or Honey;
  • 150 ml juice;
  • 130 g orange;
  • 60 g banana;
  • 100 g melon;
  • porridge - 2. 5 tablespoons. I. coarse grains;
  • milk and fermented milk drinks – 250 ml;
  • 20g 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 high-fat canned fish are prohibited for all patients.

Diet for type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes requires a diet to maintain blood glucose levels at 3. 5-5. 5 mmol/liter.

Dietary principles:

  1. Patient's nutritional intake: 5-6 meals/day.
  2. The maximum daily calorie content is 2000 kcal.
  3. Carbohydrates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  4. Minimal nighttime snack.
  5. Fast carbohydrates are prohibited.
  6. Refuse sugar, replace it with safe analogues (stevia, synthetic sweeteners).
  7. Long-acting insulin preparations are taken before meals, short-acting insulin preparations are taken after meals.
  8. Maximum number of CARS per meal is 8.
  9. Natural products are preferred.

Unleavened baked goods, soy cheese and milk, unsweetened green tea, dried fruit juices, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and cereals are allowed. Many vegetarian dishes are suitable for any diet.

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

One-week diet for insulin-dependent and overweight people

Day number 1

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

Day number 2

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

3rd day

  1. Lavash, coffee, cabbage rolls.
  2. Strawberries, yogurt.
  3. Pasta, salad, steamed fish.
  4. Orange, compote.
  5. Cheese casserole.
  6. Kefir.

Day number 4

  1. Porridge, cheese, boiled eggs, tea.
  2. Toast with soft cheese, boiled turkey.
  3. Pureed vegetable soup, vegetable stew, bread.
  4. Tea with cookies.
  5. Green beans, chicken breast, rose hips.
  6. Bread.

Day number 5

  1. Cheese with kefir.
  2. Pumpkin seeds, raisins.
  3. Potatoes, salad, compote.
  4. Roasted pumpkin, rosehip.
  5. Salads, pancakes on rye flour.
  6. Kefir.

Day number 6

  1. Eggs, lightly salted salmon, tea.
  2. Cheese, carrots.
  3. Borscht with sorrel, vegetarian cabbage rolls, pita.
  4. Kefir, bread.
  5. Eggplant stewed with chicken fillet, fresh green beans.
  6. Crunchy biscuits.

Day number 7

  1. Porridge with ham, tea.
  2. Salad with tuna and vegetables, whole grain bread.
  3. Cabbage soup, meat stew, bread.
  4. Cheese, plums.
  5. Squid schnitzel, compote.
  6. Milk.

Diet for type 2 diabetes

The point is to reduce animal fats and simple carbohydrates. You should rest 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.

Daily diet for type 2 diabetes

Day number 1

  1. Asparagus, quail eggs.
  2. Salad of nuts, apples and boiled squid.
  3. Beetroot soup, grilled eggplant.
  4. Butter, cocoa.
  5. Salmon steak with sauce.

Day number 2

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

3rd day

  1. Fried eggs with cheese, tomatoes and herbs.
  2. Steamed vegetables with hummus.
  3. Pureed vegetable soup, chicken cutlets, fresh peas.
  4. Pears and almonds.
  5. Salmon with spinach, yogurt.

Day number 4

  1. Baked apple.
  2. Toast with green leafy vegetables and tuna.
  3. Steak, vegetable salad, parmesan cheese.
  4. Fruit ice cream.
  5. Broccoli Casserole.

Day number 5

  1. Orange, soft cheese, cereal bread, fruit tea.
  2. Beet salad with nuts and avocado.
  3. Steamed fish, rice, grapefruit.
  4. Berries with cream.
  5. Squid schnitzel, rosehip.

Day number 6

  1. Curd carrot soufflé.
  2. Grilled broccoli.
  3. Vegetarian borscht, grilled chicken fillet, green vegetables, tangerines.
  4. Strawberry mousse.
  5. Fish served with steamed vegetables.

Day number 7

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

Diet for gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs due to disruption of the pancreas during pregnancy. Future mothers should adhere to the following nutritional principles:

  • Exclude flour, baked goods, store-bought sweets, semolina porridge and any products containing sugar.
  • BJU norm: 20 |30 |50 %. You need to balance your diet based on these indicators.
  • Include fruits, milk and starchy foods in your diet.
  • Strictly follow 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 your coffee and tea consumption (no more than 2 cups per day).
  • Take special vitamin complexes as recommended by your doctor.
  • Include herbal treatments in your diet to reduce sugar: decoction of linden flowers, blueberry leaves, lilac buds, celery root.

Low-carbohydrate diets are not suitable for pregnant women. The norm of calorie consumption per day is 2000-2500 kcal.

Recommended menu for expectant mothers with high blood sugar

To control glucose levels, the menu should be built according to the following diagram.

  • Breakfast: porridge (oatmeal, millet, buckwheat), cereal bread, tea or dried fruit.
  • Second breakfast: toast with unsalted cheese, apple.
  • Lunch: porridge, vegetable salad, stew (beef or chicken).
  • Afternoon snack: 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 walk, warm up if possible and do simple exercises at home or with a trainer.

Diet for insulin-dependent diabetes in children

Children get sick 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 have diabetes) need to have their health condition carefully monitored from birth.

Diet for diabetes in children

The principles of organizing nutrition for insulin-dependent children are even stricter than for adults. Approximate diet for children:

  • Confectionery, sweets, baked goods, sweet soda are prohibited. Sugar should be completely eliminated from the diet.
  • Fresh vegetables and fruits are allowed, but you need to be aware of exceptions. Children with diabetes should not be given bananas, dates, persimmons, raisins, grapes or figs.
  • You should organize 6 meals and feed children on time. Deviation should not exceed 20 minutes. If you can't eat a full meal, you should give your baby a snack of fruit, bread or toast. Insulin-dependent children should absolutely not be starved.
  • Monitor your fructose consumption and use this as a baseline when calculating your sweetener allowance.
  • A hypoglycemic attack can be prevented with a piece of dark chocolate. Accompanying adults should always carry this product with them.
  • Diet is very important. The daily norm is calculated by the treating endocrinologist depending on the age and body size of the child.

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

Healthy recipes for diabetes

The diet recipe is not only suitable for diabetics' diets, but also suitable for anyone who wants to balance the menu, including healthy foods. The recommended dishes are made from simple ingredients but look beautiful and have rich flavors.

Vegetarian cream soup

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

Vegetable salad

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

Squid meat with onions

Pass the squid fillet (400 g) through a 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. Chop the greens - spinach, dill, parsley. Mix the ingredients, knead the minced meat, form a schnitzel. Brush each egg, roll in breadcrumbs and fry each side for 2 minutes.

Pancakes with blueberries on rye flour

Pour 2 g of stevia into a cup of boiling water and bring to a boil. Mix 200 g cheese, stevia tincture, 1 egg, 150 g 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.

Zrazy cauliflower

Boil 500 g of cauliflower inflorescences for 10 minutes, cool and chop with a blender. Add 4 tbsp. I. rice flour, salt, leave for about 30 minutes until the fibers dissolve. Boil and mince 2 eggs, add chopped green onions. Form flat cakes from vegetable mass, place egg and onion filling inside and decorate with zrazy. Roll in rice flour and fry in a frying pan.

Cheese and pear stew

Mix 600 g of low-fat cheese, 2 eggs and 2 tbsp. I. rice flour, knead thoroughly. Peel and chop 600 g of pears: half finely cut, half into cubes, the other half shredded. Mix pears with curd mass, ferment for 30 minutes. Put in a silicone mold, spread with sour cream, bake for 45 minutes at 180 degrees.

Cheese and carrot soufflé

Grind 200 g of cheese, add 300 g of shredded carrots. Grind 50 g of walnuts, 3-4 sprigs of parsley, and add to the mixture. Add 2 yolks, then 2 whipped whites. Pour the batter into the silicone muffin mold, filling it 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes.

Preparing menus for patients should be done responsibly. Not only does it need to be balanced, but it also needs to be varied to prevent weakness caused by unhealthy foods or skipping meals. A systematic approach will help maintain health, prevent deterioration and significantly improve quality of life.