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Diet for diabetes

Dietary foods that normalize blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus

A diet for diabetes is not only recommended to improve the quality of life, but also necessary. Each patient should follow the nutritional recommendations. This is necessary to minimize the risks of acute complications, as well as to worsen the general condition.

A balanced diet allows you to establish metabolic processes in the body, which is extremely important when diabetes is diagnosed. The disease poses a potential threat to life, as it can be accompanied by critical conditions: ketoacidosis, failure of internal organs, hypoglycemia, etc. For the sake of their own health, the patient should 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 dates back to the Hellenistic period. Of course, the ancient Greeks did not have diagnostic capabilities and did not know the nature of the disease. But already in those days (IV-I centuries BC) doctors tried to systematize information about symptoms and therapy.

According to the World Health Organization, today this disease affects about 4% of people, and it kills 3 million people a year, which exceeds the rates of AIDS.

The disease has many 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 causing complications;
  • aggravated heredity;
  • autoimmune diseases.

Precipitating factors include long-term frequent stress and bad eating habits. People who often overeat are at risk by including excessive amounts of carbohydrates and sugar in their menu.

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

Symptoms of diabetes:

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

The disease is one of those requiring mandatory treatment. It is impossible to fight the symptoms of diabetes with folk remedies. It is necessary to consult a doctor, and the sooner the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis. In addition to the drug course, a rational nutritional system is required.

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 is 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 inject regularly, so the term "insulin dependence" is used. A diet aimed at reducing glucose levels helps improve well-being and prevent 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, who do not watch their diet and eat a lot of foods that increase glucose levels (flour, potatoes, sweets). The diet should be designed in such a way that the weight is gradually normalized. Moderate physical activity is recommended for such patients.
  3. Gestational diabetes is a disease that can develop with severe toxicosis in pregnant women, especially in the second trimester. Diet for gestational diabetes should include a sufficient amount of dietary supplements and careful control of body weight. In most cases, health returns to normal after 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 the disease develop: latent, steroid, neurogenic, renal, MODY, bronze and prediabetes. The diet for the type of diabetes included in one of these categories is determined by the attending physician, taking into account many factors.

Types of diet for diabetes

The basis of therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is a drug course 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, excess body weight exceeds normal levels by 15 percent or more. When the weight is normalized, the general condition of the 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, even the most popular diets are not suitable for patients with diabetes. You cannot choose a power system based on the reviews of friends and even the recommendations of experts on the Internet. For example, experimenting with "proven" diets, such as Kremlin or Dukan, can cause the metabolism to worsen. Namely, efforts should be focused on 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 that stimulates the production of biologically active substances. Vegetable and animal proteins are included in the diet in equal proportions. Red meat is off limits, 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 that contain complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are prohibited, and proteins are given in limited quantities. This nutritional system is considered serious and is used when the blood sugar level increases significantly - 3 times or more.
  3. A low-carb diet is gentler and suitable for people with type I and type II diabetes.
  4. Buckwheat diet is shown 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 proper 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 that can be taught even to small children.

Calculation of carbohydrates

A unit of bread is a concept familiar to every diabetic. This is a conventional unit of measurement (CHU) that corresponds to 10-13 g of carbohydrates and is used when calculating the caloric content of foods. The patient can take 4-6 XE per meal.

1 XE fits:

  • 1 tablespoon. l. sugar or honey;
  • 150 ml juice;
  • 130 g of oranges;
  • 60 g of bananas;
  • 100 g of melon;
  • porridge - 2. 5 tbsp. l. raw grain;
  • 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, some diets allow limited amounts of low-fat fish fillets, but fatty canned fish are prohibited for all patients.

Diet for type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes requires a diet that will keep the blood glucose level at 3. 5-5. 5 mmol/l.

Diet principles:

  1. Fractional nutrition of the patient: 5-6 meals a day.
  2. The maximum daily calorie intake is 2000 kcal.
  3. Carbohydrates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  4. A minimum snack at night.
  5. Fast carbohydrates are prohibited.
  6. Rejection of sugar, replacement with safe analogues (stevia, synthetic sweetener).
  7. Long-acting insulin preparations are given before meals, and short-acting insulin preparations are given after meals.
  8. The maximum amount of XE per meal is 8.
  9. Natural products are a priority.

Yeast-free bakery products, 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 dishes and fried foods, fatty meat and fish, smoked meats, pasta and fast food are prohibited. Alcohol, especially red wine, is strictly prohibited.

A one-week diet for overweight insulin-dependent people

Day #1

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

Day #2

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

Day #3

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

Day #4

  1. Porridge, cheese, boiled eggs, tea.
  2. Toast with soft cheese, boiled turkey.
  3. Vegetable puree soup, meat cooked with vegetables, bread.
  4. Tea with cookies.
  5. Chicken breast, green beans with thighs.
  6. Bread.

Day #5

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

Day No. 6

  1. Egg, lightly salted salmon, tea.
  2. Cottage cheese, carrots.
  3. Sour borscht, vegetarian cabbage rolls, pita bread.
  4. Kefir, bread.
  5. Eggplant baked with chicken fillet, fresh green peas.
  6. Crackers.

Day #7

  1. ham, porridge with 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

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 "Diet No. 9" or "Table No. 9" and is suitable not only for patients, but also for all those who want to normalize their diet.

Diet for every day for type 2 diabetes

Day #1

  1. Omelet with asparagus and quail eggs.
  2. Hazelnut, apple and boiled squid salad.
  3. Beet soup, baked eggplant.
  4. Avocado, cocoa.
  5. Salmon steak with salmon.

Day #2

  1. Oatmeal, yogurt, apple.
  2. Smoothies.
  3. Meat cooked with vegetables (veal).
  4. Cottage cheese stew.
  5. Vegetable salad with avocado.

Day #3

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

Day #4

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

Day #5

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

Day No. 6

  1. Souffle with carrot curd.
  2. Baked broccoli.
  3. Lenten borsch, baked chicken fillet, leafy greens, tangerine.
  4. Berry mousse.
  5. Fish with a side dish of steamed vegetables.

Day #7

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

Diet for gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs as a result of a violation of the pancreas during pregnancy. The expectant mother should follow the following nutritional principles:

  • Exclude flour, bakery products, any store sweets, semolina and any products with sugar.
  • BJU norm: 20 |30 |50 %. Based on these indicators, you should balance your diet.
  • Include fruits, dairy products and starchy foods in your diet.
  • Strictly follow the drinking regime. It is necessary to consume 1, 8-2 liters of drinking water during the day.
  • Have 3 main meals and 2 snacks per day.
  • Minimize coffee and tea consumption (no more than 2 cups per day).
  • Take special vitamin complexes recommended by your doctor.
  • To reduce sugar, include herbal remedies in your diet: 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 expectant mothers with high blood sugar

To control the level of glucose, it is recommended to set a menu according to the following scheme.

  • Breakfast: porridge (oatmeal, millet, buckwheat), cereal bread, tea or dried fruit compote.
  • Second breakfast: unsalted cheese, toast with apples.
  • 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.

You can drink a glass of yogurt or kefir 3 hours before going to bed. 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 the disease more than adults, and the frequency of type 1 diabetes in this age group is higher - up to 80%. Children at risk (family members with diabetes) require careful monitoring of their health conditions from birth.

Diet for diabetes in children

For children who are dependent on insulin, the rules of nutrition are stricter than for adults. Approximate diet for a child:

  • Confectionery, sweets, baked goods, sweet soda are prohibited. Sugar should be completely eliminated from the diet.
  • Fresh vegetables and fruits are allowed, but be aware of exceptions. A child with diabetes should not be given bananas, dates, dates, raisins, grapes, figs.
  • You need to organize 6 meals and feed the child strictly according to the clock. The deviation should not exceed 20 minutes. If it is not possible to eat a full meal, you should give your baby a snack of fruit, bread or toast. Insulin-dependent children should never go hungry.
  • Monitor your fructose consumption and take this indicator as a basis when calculating the permissible amount of sweetener.
  • A hypoglycemic attack can be stopped with a piece of dark chocolate. Accompanying adults are advised to carry this product with them at all times.
  • 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 a proper lifestyle. The child should be able to move and be physically active. Constant monitoring of glucose levels and regular consultation with a doctor is also necessary.

Healthy recipes for diabetes

Diet recipes are suitable not only for the diet of a diabetic patient, but also for anyone who wants to balance the menu, including healthy foods. The recommended dishes are made from simple ingredients, but the presentation looks and tastes rich.

Vegetarian cream soup

Prepare and chop an onion, 100 g of spinach, 300 g of broccoli and 200 g each of celery and zucchini. Mix in 500 ml of water for 15 minutes, make a puree using a blender. Add 200 ml of milk and 100 ml of cream to the herbal mass, bring to a boil, adjust the salt.

Vegetable salad

Chop 200 g of cabbage. 2 cucumbers are cut into half rings, 2 tomatoes are cut into slices. Mix the vegetables, add salt, 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 leeks (50 g) and an onion, fry in a pan until half cooked. Finely chop greens - spinach, dill, parsley. Mix the ingredients, knead the minced meat, make schnitzels. Brush each with egg, roll in breadcrumbs and fry for 2 minutes on each side.

Pancakes with blueberries in rye flour

Pour 2 g of stevia into a glass of boiling water and 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 on both sides in a non-stick 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, brew for 30 minutes so that the fiber dissolves. Boil 2 eggs and chop them finely, add chopped green onions. Make flat cakes from the vegetable mass, put egg and onion filling inside, decorate with zrazy. Roll the rice in flour and fry in a pan.

Cottage cheese and pear stew

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

Cottage cheese and carrot souffle

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

Preparation of the patient's menu should be approached responsibly. It should not only be balanced, but also varied to prevent unhealthy food disorders or refusal to eat. A systematic approach will help to maintain health, prevent deterioration and significantly improve the quality of life.