Type 1 diabetes is a condition where your body stops making insulin. You then obtain the necessary insulin you need each day through a pump or insulin shots. In addition to this, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels. Exercise and diet also play an important part in keeping blood sugar levels stable.
Making healthy food choices is good not only for controlling blood sugar, but it also lowers your risk of developing kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart disease. It is important to eat a well-rounded diet that consists of carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, protein, fiber, whole grains, and healthy fats.
For someone with Type 1 Diabetes, incorporating the following tips into your diet will be beneficial in leading a healthier lifestyle.
Limit your intake of unhealthy fat
Too much-saturated fat is not good for individuals with type I diabetes. These foods include bacon, ground beef, as well as full-fat dairy products such as whole milk and butter. When you consume a diet that is high in unhealthy fats, you end up raising your chance of getting heart disease. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to get heart disease. In order to combat these risks, it is important to make healthy food choices.
Consume an adequate amount of fiber
Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, as well as be beans and whole grains. Soluble fiber can help slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels. With this in mind, Diabetics are encouraged to eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day.
Monitor your carbs
Speaking with your doctor or dietician and learning how to read food labels will help you control the number of carbs your putting in your body. Carbs raise blood sugar levels more than any other foods. Carbs are the main fuel and energy source for your body. Carbs are found in foods such as sugars, fruits, dairy products, pasta, bread, etc. Knowing the type of carbohydrates, as well as how much you’re consuming, is important in monitoring your blood sugar levels.
Super Foods for Diabetes
There are specific foods that are low on the glycemic index, which are excellent for Type I diabetes. The glycemic index (GI) measures how fast blood sugar will rise after eating. High GI foods will have a score of 70 or more, while low GI foods will rate 55 or below. Lower GI foods are a good choice not only because of its low score, but these foods are often quite nutritious. These foods contain nutrients and vitamins such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, among others. A few low GI favorites include tomatoes, sweet potatoes, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and berries.