Diet for diabetes, what you can and can not eat?

The importance of diet therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Therefore, it is safe to say that in some cases of this disease, diet therapy may be the only correct method of treatment.

The diet for diabetes mellitus should be aimed at reducing carbohydrates in the diet, which are quickly absorbed, as well as fats, which are easily converted into carbohydrate components or compounds that aggravate the course of diabetes and its complications. If these basic conditions are met, this will partially or completely normalize metabolic processes and blood glucose levels. This will eliminate hyperglycemia, which is the main pathogenetic link in the development of manifestations of diabetes mellitus.

What do people with diabetes eat?

The very first interest of most diabetic patients is to ask the doctor about foods that can be consumed daily. It is necessary to focus on vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy products. After all, if you exclude the use of glucose as the main source of fast energy, this will lead to a rapid depletion of the body’s natural reserves of energy substances (glycogen) and protein breakdown. To prevent this from happening in the diet, there should be a sufficient amount of protein food, vitamins and trace elements.

Beans for diabetes

Refers to one of the most powerful sources of these substances. Therefore, the main emphasis should be placed on it as the main donor of protein and amino acid components. Especially it is worth noting the healing properties of white beans. Many diabetics are very indifferent to it, because they do not know how many interesting dishes can be prepared from this product. They will be not only useful, but also tasty. The only restriction for the use of beans can be considered its ability to powerful gas formation in the intestines. Therefore, if a person has a similar tendency, it is better to use beans as a nutritious product in a limited way or combine them with the intake of enzyme preparations, which will almost completely eliminate gas formation.

With regard to the amino acid composition of beans, its most valuable components are tryptophan, valine, methionine, lysine, threonine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine. Some of these amino acids are essential (those that are not synthesized in the body and must be supplied with food). Among the trace elements, the main importance belongs to vitamins C, B, PP, zinc, potassium, phosphorus and iron. All of them are very important for the normal functioning of the body in conditions of high blood glucose levels. Beans also have a positive effect on carbohydrate metabolism, since these compounds are mainly represented by fructose and sucrose.

Porridge for diabetes

The densest place in the diet of a diabetic belongs to buckwheat. It is consumed in the form of milk porridge or as a component of the second course. The peculiarity of buckwheat is that it practically does not affect carbohydrate metabolism, since it maintains the level of glucose at a constant level, and does not cause it to rise abruptly, as happens with the use of most products.

Other cereals that are recommended for diabetes are oatmeal, wheat, corn and pearl barley. In addition to the richest vitamin composition, they are very easily digested and processed by digestive enzymes. As a result, a positive effect on carbohydrate metabolism with the normalization of glycemic levels. In addition, they are a good energy substrate and an indispensable source of ATP for cells.

What fruits can you eat with diabetes?

This group of foods in diabetes should have a special place. After all, it is in fruits that the most fiber, vital vitamins and minerals are concentrated. Their concentration is several times higher than that in other foods. Carbohydrates are represented mainly by fructose and sucrose, they practically do not contain glucose.

With regard to specific fruits that are recommended for diabetes, it is worth pointing out the special value of only a few of them. After all, not everything is allowed to be consumed. The favorite fruits of diabetics include grapefruit, lemon, orange, apples, apricots and peaches, pears, pomegranates, dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes, dried apples), berries (cherries, gooseberries, blueberries, all kinds of currants, blackberries). Watermelon and sweet melon contain slightly higher carbohydrate components, so should be consumed in moderation.

Tangerines, grapefruit and lemon

Firstly, they are all very rich in vitamin C. This compound is one of the most important in the functioning of enzyme systems and strengthening the vascular wall.

Secondly, all citrus fruits have a very low glycemic index. This means that the content of carbohydrate components in them, which affect blood glucose levels, is very small.

Their third advantage is the presence of the strongest antioxidant abilities, which prevents the negative effect of hyperglycemia on the cells of the body, slowing down the progression of complications of diabetes.

Regarding tangerines, there are small remarks for their consumption. First of all, the fruits must be fresh. They are used raw or fresh is prepared from them. It is better not to buy juices, especially in regular stores, as they contain sugar and other carbohydrate components that can increase glycemic levels. Lemon and grapefruit are also consumed as a separate product or freshly squeezed juice, which is added to water or other foods.

What can not be eaten with diabetes?

The most important thing that every diabetic should remember is what he should not eat as a food product. It is better not to use those that are not known to be safe. Otherwise, such actions can lead to the development of hyperglycemia with the transition to hyperglycemic and other types of coma, or accelerate the progression of complications of diabetes. The list of prohibited foodstuffs is clearly shown in the form of a table.

Is it possible to honey, dates and coffee with diabetes?

These foods are among the favorites of many people. Naturally, with the development of diabetes, it is very difficult to give up those irreplaceable “life partners” that accompanied a person every day. Therefore, it is very important to shed light on the true impact of coffee, honey and dates on the course of diabetes.

Honey

First of all, it is worth dwelling on the role of honey in carbohydrate metabolism and its effect on glucose levels. A lot of contradictory and ambiguous data is published in various publications and articles. But it is worth noting the main points from which logical conclusions will follow. By itself, honey contains a very large amount of fructose. This carbohydrate component does not have the ability to greatly affect glucose levels. It should also be noted that for the absorption and metabolism of fructose, insulin is needed, which in type 2 diabetes is unable to fully fulfill its main function. This can lead to an increase in glycemia in diabetics, which is not characteristic of a healthy person.

dates

Dates are another controversial food for a diabetic diet. On the one hand, the high content of easily digestible carbohydrates and the high calorie content of this food product should cause a strict refusal to use them. On the other hand, a rich vitamin composition, especially vitamin A and potassium, are very important for preventing diabetic complications.

Therefore, in relation to dates, the following recommendations can be made:

1. You should not use them at all for diabetics with a severe course of this disease;

2. With a mild course of diabetes or its good adjustment with a diet and tableted hypoglycemic drugs, a limited number of dates is allowed;

3. The daily number of fruits in the case of permitted intake should not exceed 100 grams.

Coffee

Its useful properties no one can dispute. But we must not forget about its harm. It is better to give up coffee with diabetes at any stage of the development of this disease. First of all, this applies to a strong drink or any concentration of it in severe diabetes during insulin therapy.

And although coffee practically does not directly affect carbohydrate metabolism, it stimulates the vasomotor center and has a direct relaxing effect on the vascular wall, which leads to the expansion of the vessels of the heart, skeletal muscles and kidneys, while the tone of the cerebral arteries increases (causes vasoconstriction of the brain, which accompanied by a decrease in cerebral blood flow and oxygen pressure in the brain). The use of weak coffee in a small amount of great harm to the body with moderate diabetes will not bring.

Nuts for diabetes

There are foods that are literally a concentrator of certain nutrients. Nuts are one of them. They contain fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D-3, calcium and a lot of potassium. In the treatment of diabetes, these substances occupy a special place, as they directly affect carbohydrate metabolism, reducing the level of glycemia.

In addition, under their action, the damaged cells of the internal organs are restored, which stops the progression of complications of diabetes. Therefore, any nuts are vital foods for diabetes. It is advisable to consider the influence of certain types of nuts on this disease.

Walnut

 It is an essential nutrient for the brain, which is deficient in energy compounds in diabetes. After all, glucose, which is the main source of energy for brain cells, does not enter them.

Walnut is enriched with alpha-linolenic acid, manganese and zinc. These trace elements play a major role in lowering blood sugar levels. Essential fatty acids slow down the progression of diabetic angiopathy of internal organs and atherosclerotic lesions of the lower extremities.

A meager carbohydrate composition in general should close all questions about the advisability of eating walnuts in diabetes. You can eat them as an independent dish, or include them in various vegetable and fruit salads.

Peanut

This nut is distinguished by a particularly concentrated amino acid composition. However, it is known that vegetable proteins are characterized by an insufficient content of essential amino acids, and especially lysine, threonine and tryptophan, which makes them insufficiently complete to ensure the synthesis of the body’s own proteins. The only exceptions are the proteins of legumes and algae, where these amino acids are still present.

Therefore, the use of peanuts in diabetes can partially fill the body’s daily need for proteins and amino acids. The proteins contained in peanuts are quickly included in metabolic processes and are used for the synthesis of high-density glycoproteins in the liver. They remove cholesterol from the vessels and contribute to its breakdown.

Almonds

It is literally the champion in calcium content among all nuts. Therefore, it is indicated for progressive diabetic osteoarthropathy (damage to the bones and joints). The use of 9-12 almonds per day will bring various microelements to the body, which have a beneficial effect on carbohydrate metabolism and the course of diabetes in general.

Kedrovыe walnuts

Another interesting product for a diabetic diet. First, they have very interesting taste qualities. In addition to this, they have very useful properties due to the high content of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B and D, ascorbic acid.

The protein composition of pine nuts, as well as walnuts, is very relevant for correcting the complications of diabetes. A powerful immunomodulatory effect of this food product was recorded, which is important for the prevention of colds and suppurative processes on the lower extremities in people with diabetic foot syndrome and microangiopathy.

What is the glycemic index of foods?

Every person with diabetes, especially type XNUMX, must be aware of the concept of the glycemic index. This term should be correlated with nutrition after such a diagnosis. It is a measure of the ability of specific foods to cause an increase in blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Of course, it is very difficult and tiring to sit and calculate what you can afford to eat and what you have to refrain from. If with mild diabetes such a procedure is less relevant, then with its severe forms with the difficulty of selecting corrective doses of insulin, it becomes simply vital. After all, diet is the main tool in the hands of people with type XNUMX diabetes. Don’t forget about it.

Therefore, all high GI foods should be excluded from the diet! The only exceptions are those products that, in addition to influencing carbohydrate metabolism, have good healing properties in the treatment of complications of diabetes. In this case, despite the glycemic index, which is slightly above average, their use is not prohibited, but only limited. At the same time, it is advisable to reduce the overall glycemic index of the diet at the expense of other, less important products.

According to the generally accepted classification of the glycemic index, it can be divided into the following types:

1. Low – the indicator is from 10 to 40 units;

2. Medium – fluctuation of numbers from 41 to 70 units;

3. High – the index numbers are above 70 units.

Thus, thanks to the glycemic index, you do not need to deal with nutritionists and endocrinologists for a long time to select the right nutrition. Now each diabetic, with the help of specially designed tables, which indicate the glycemic index of each food product, is able to choose the diet that suits him specifically. This will take into account not only the benefits for the body, but also the desire of the patient to eat a particular food product at a certain moment.

A person himself can regulate his diet, taking into account the indicators of the glycemic index and the increase in blood glucose levels against the background of their use. After all, diabetes is not a disease of one day, but of a lifetime. You need to be able to adapt to it, primarily through the correct selection of dietary nutrition.

Table (list) of products with a high and low glycemic index

Low Glycemic Index Foods

Foods with an average glycemic index

Foods with a high glycemic index

Diet number 9 for diabetes

The basic diet for type 2 diabetes is table number 9 according to Pevzner. The main purpose of its appointment is the correction of carbohydrate metabolism, the prevention of deviations in lipid and protein metabolism in the body against the background of elevated glucose levels.

The general characteristics of diet number 9 look like this:

1. Reducing the calorie content of food by reducing carbohydrates and lipids (fats) of animal origin;

2. High content of vegetable fats and proteins;

3. Exclusion of sweets and sugar as the main sources of easily digestible carbohydrates;

4. Limiting the use of kitchen salt and spices;

5. Preference for boiled and stewed dishes instead of fried and smoked ones;

6. Dishes should not be too hot or cold;

7. Fractional and most importantly regular meals at the same time;

8. Use of sweeteners: sorbitol and xylitol;

9. Moderate fluid intake (daily amount 1300-1600 ml);

10. The clear use of permitted foods and the exclusion of prohibited foods, taking into account their glycemic index.

Recipes for diabetes

In fact, there are so many of them that a separate book is needed to describe them. But some of them can be stopped in the framework of the introductory article.

In fact, there is no need to resort to any standardized dishes. After all, you can invent them yourself. The main thing is that they are prepared from approved food products.

Approximate weekly menu for diabetes

Be healthy!