“Diabetes mellitus is not a sentence, but a way of life,” endocrinologists never tire of repeating this phrase.Compliance with a therapeutic diet is one of the fundamental points in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, which allows the patient to lead a full life.
The diabetes diet is the main component of treatment.In this disease there is a deficiency of insulin, a special pancreatic hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism.The main symptom of diabetes mellitus is an increase in blood sugar, but the disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism does not remain isolated, but leads to an imbalance of both protein and fat metabolism.
The diabetes diet is not just about limiting carbohydrates.The patient's diet also includes those foods that help normalize the functioning of other organs and systems that are usually affected by this endocrine disease.So, for example, in case of concomitant obesity, which occurs quite often, the menu includes as many vegetables as possible, which contain a small amount of calories but give a feeling of satiety: cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, peas, cabbage, lettuce.Taking into account that in many cases of diabetes the liver also suffers, the diet limits extractive substances (meat and fish broths), but always includes cottage cheese, soy and oats, which have a beneficial effect on liver function.And damage to the cardiovascular system requires limiting salt in the diet of patients with diabetes.
The two existing types of diabetes require different dietary approaches.In type 1 diabetes, diet is not as important: the emphasis in treatment is on insulin administration, which makes the diet of these patients less limited.But with type 2 diabetes, diet is of utmost importance: at the initial stage of the disease, in many cases it is possible to control blood sugar levels only by following therapeutic dietary recommendations without prescribing glucose-lowering drugs.
However, a diet for diabetes of any type has general principles, compliance with which makes it possible to stabilize carbohydrate metabolism to one degree or another.
Diet for patients with diabetes: basic principles.
- Meals are frequent, regular and at the same time, at least 4 times a day.
- Uniform distribution of calorie content and nutritional value of the diet between main meals.
- Variety, including a wide range of products recommended for patients with diabetes.
- Using xylitol or sorbitol to sweeten foods.
- Monitoring the calorie content of the daily diet using special tables.
- Limit liquid to 1200 ml, including first courses.
- Inclusion in the diet of foods rich in vitamins: rosehip decoction, yeast, etc.
- Periodic control of blood sugar levels with dietary adjustments based on the results obtained.
Diet for type 2 diabetes
All therapeutic diets in modern medicine are usually designated with numbers for ease of use.In the case of diabetes, the classic diet is number 9;otherwise, they say "table number 9".
What is diet number 9 for diabetes?
Recommended dishes:
- bread (with an emphasis on rye cakes) 200-300 g;
- vegetable broth soups;
- boiled or steamed meats and poultry;
- boiled or steamed lean fish;
- vegetables: white cabbage or cauliflower, lettuce, kohlrabi, cucumbers, radishes, beets, carrots, potatoes;
- eggs – 2 pieces per day;
- unsweetened fruits and berries: Antonov apples, oranges, lemons, lingonberries, cranberries, red currants;
- kefir or yogurt – 200-400 ml per day;
- cottage cheese up to 200 mg per day;
- mild sauces, including dairy sauces;
- appetizers: vinaigrette, salad, fish jelly;
- drinks: tomato juice, tea with milk, unsweetened juices, unsweetened compotes;
- Butter and vegetable oil: 40 g per day.
Limited use:
- cereals, legumes and pasta are consumed on a limited basis, reducing bread consumption;
- soups with weak fish or meat broth - no more than 2 times a week;
- sugar and sweets for diabetics, on the recommendation of a doctor;
- milk, as recommended by a doctor;
- cheese, cream, sour cream – limited;
- coffee.
Forbidden:
- chocolate, candies, cakes, pastries, honey, jams and the like;
- pork and lamb fat;
- Spicy, salty and smoked dishes:
- sweet fruits: bananas, raisins, grapes;
- alcohol in any form.
Table No. 9 is a diet for diabetics during the period of stabilization of the disease.If the patient's condition for some reason worsens, as a rule, the diet becomes more limited.In any case, only a doctor can give final recommendations on diet for type 2 diabetes.
Diet for type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the diet is determined by the administration of insulin, so these same recommendations are usually followed by those patients with type 2 diabetes who require insulin injections.
The composition of this menu is not much different from the diet for type 2 diabetes, but sugar is completely excluded.Despite this prohibition, patients receiving insulin are strongly recommended to always carry a piece of sugar or candy with them, which may be necessary in case of threat of a hypoglycemic state - a state of low blood sugar, the severity of which can lead to a serious condition - coma.
Modern glucometers and carbohydrate tables allow these patients to lead a more nutritionally nutritious lifestyle.The existing concept, one bread unit (XU), equivalent to 12 g of carbohydrates, allows patients with diabetes mellitus receiving insulin to periodically eat even non-recommended foods or eat more carbohydrates.However, to do this, the patient must measure his or her blood sugar level before each meal and, depending on the upcoming menu, expressed in XE, inject the necessary amount of short-acting insulin.To count grain units, use a special table.
All of the above does not mean that a patient with type 1 diabetes can eat everything in any quantity: one meal should not contain more than 7-8 XE.For overweight patients, these restrictions are even stricter.
A special feature of the type 1 diabetes diet is its high protein content.This requirement is especially relevant for patients with infectious complications and manifestations of trophic disorders of the extremities.
Only the treating doctor should be involved in drawing up a detailed diet, alternating meals and administering insulin every hour.
Weight loss diet for diabetes.
Patients with diabetes, especially type 2, often suffer from excess weight.Therefore, the issue of limiting the calorie content of the diet of these patients may be especially relevant.However, in this case none of the “quick” monodiets should be used.This prohibition is explained by the high risk of developing a state of severe hypoglycemia (critically low blood sugar level) if a balanced diet is disturbed, and in patients with type 1 diabetes and moderate type 2 diabetes, this is almost inevitable.
If you are overweight, a weight loss diet for diabetes involves a correction of the usual therapeutic diet No. 9 with a reduced content of refined carbohydrates (sugar) and some restriction of fats.However, these decisions should not be made without consulting a doctor: only together with a doctor can the patient create a safe diet with a reduced calorie content.