Type 1 Diabetes Diet And Food List

Type 1 diabetes is marked by the non production of insulin by the pancreas. Insulin is needed to regulate blood sugar levels by converting glucose into energy for the cells to use as fuel.

Persons diagnosed with Type 1 must monitor their blood glucose levels daily and take multiple insulin injections. In diabetic care, what you are essentially doing is just replacing the insulin your body is not making. Not only does the Type 1 diabetic need to take insulin, they must also adhere to a special diet to help control their blood sugar levels.

The main goal in diabetes is to control blood sugar levels to avoid complications of the disease. When successfully managed, one can live a full life in spite of diabetes and eating the right diet can help reach this goal.

Diet for Type 1 Diabetes:

Type 1 requires a diet that is low in fats and sodium and counting carbohydrates. Insulin can be adjusted according to the amount of carbohydrates you will be eating. Remember, the goal is to keep glucose levels within normal limits, therefore regular daily blood glucose testing before meals and at bedtime are crucial.

• Fresh fruits: It is recommended to eat five servings of fruit daily. One banana counts as two servings.


• Fish. Fish contains Omega3 oils that are beneficial for the heart. Eating fish three times per week is suggested.


• Grains and starches. Select 4 to 11 servings daily, according to caloric requirements. When reading labels, the first ingredient listed is what there is the most of. If a label lists some 100-letter chemical as it's first ingredient, then that is what there is the most of in that food. No health benefit can be gotten that way.


• Green Vegetables: Intake at least five servings a day. Salad greens are considered "free food" that can be eaten as often as you like.


• Dairy: Low fat or skim milk 2-3 times daily


• Meat protein: Four to six ounces daily is sufficient. Protein can also be found in non-meat foods such as tofu, eggs, beans, and cheeses.

Some Cooking Points of Value:

It is best to avoid fried foods. Alternatively, you can broil, bake, roast or steam foods, which helps to retain vitamins and minerals.

Use fat free or low fat salad dressings on salads. Eating low fat foods help to decrease and maintain weight.

When planning meals times, it is best to eat at the same times each day to give your body some continuity. You don't want your blood sugar levels to do great fluctuations throughout the day. The most important thing in managing your Type 1 diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits continually. This will help prevent exacerbation of the disease, as well as avoid complications and problems. The Type 1 diabetes diet and food list is healthy for anyone to eat, with or without the presence of diabetes.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT