What is a type 1 diabetic? A type 1 diabetic is dependent on medical insulin because their body does not make enough for them to survive. Insulin is the hormone which helps to convert sugar into energy. Without it blood sugar levels build up in the system and cause harm to the internal body. A type 1 diabetic used to be known as a juvenile diabetic, because this type of diabetes was thought to only occur in children and adolescents. We now know that it can occur at any age, although it still commonly begins in childhood.
A type 1 diabetic cannot take their life for granted like some of the rest of us do. They must constantly thrive to keep their blood sugar levels balanced at all times. Simply, skipping a meal can send a type 1 diabetic into a seriously dangerous state. In order to manage their blood sugar levels a diabetic (type 1) should monitor them carefully, exercise regularly, and keep a healthy diet.
Type 1 Diabetic Diet Plan
Every type 1 diabetic should learn how food affects the body. This will help them to keep their body operating at optimal levels. If you have the disease, taking your time to learn about it will allow you to relax and enjoy a variety of different meals, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). There is a lot of conflicting information out there. So, Diabetes.org provides some healthy guide lines for a diabetic diet for type 1 diabetes. It is recommended that you:
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, choosing from a large assortment of colors to ensure variety.
- Eat mostly non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, and green beans
- Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products, such as brown rice or whole wheat spaghetti
- Include fish in your meals several times a week
- Choose lean meats and remove the skin from chicken and turkey
- Choose non-fat dairy products such as skim milk and non-fat cheese
- Drink water and calorie-free diet drinks
- Cut back on high calorie snack foods
- Cook with liquid oils because they are not high in saturated or trans fats
- Watch your portion sizes, as even healthy foods can make you gain weight if you eat too much
Consulting with a dietician or nutritionist can help you develop a meal plan that is right for you. If you are a diabetic type 1, then the times of day that you eat and the times that you take your medication must be well coordinated, so it is best to get a professional’s help when planning a type 1 diabetic’s diet. If you have not already met with a professional dietician, ask your doctor to refer one to you.
