Diabetes Type 1

Boost energy, reduce symptoms and risks with a steady carb intake for a stable blood sugar

Recommended For

Diabetes, Type 1, Diabetes, childhood onset, Diabetes, insulin dependent, Diabetes, juvenile.

Diet Goals

Steady carb intake, stable blood sugar

  • Distribute carbs evenly throughout the day
  • Fiber rich foods slow sugar absorption and stabilize blood sugar
  • Avoid simple sugars like pasta, cookies, pastry
The goal is to maintain a steady, normal blood sugar with diet & meds; high sugars damage blood vessels and cause heart attacks and strokes.

Food Recommendations

Foods to Eat

Whole grains: Whole wheat bread & pasta, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, brown rice
Beans, Legumes: Lentils, soy, black beans, peas, chickpeas
Fish 2 x week: Salmon, bass, cod, crab, scallops, shrimp
Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, shrimp, pork chops
Low fat dairy: Skim, 1% milk, yogurt, cheeses, buttermilk
Low sugar: Berries, greek yogurt, DIY fruit smoothie

Foods to Avoid

Alcohol: Beer, wine, liquor, canned alcohol drinks
High sodium: Deli meat, soup, cheese, pizza, salty nuts & snacks
Sugary drinks: Soda, coffee drinks, energy drinks, fruit juice, smoothies
Saturated fats: Beef, lamb, pork, full fat dairy, butter, pastry, pie, biscuits
High sugar: Fruit yogurt, granola, energy bars; raisins, ketchup, pasta sauce
Processed foods: Fast or fried foods, packaged foods, frozen dinners, cakes

Diet Rules

Additional Information

Research

Research shows even carb distribution at meals linked to more stable blood sugar; check blood sugar or continuous monitoring to verify; HbA1c every 3-6 mo
Studies show that people with T1 diabetes with better blood sugar control lived longer than those with poorer blood sugar control.
Diabetics are twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke; walking 2 hrs/wk cut risk; 3-4 hrs/wk cut risk even further.

Caveats

HbA1c shows 2-3 mo avg blood sugar; may not capture daily fluctuations which can increase risk of complications.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) can help user identify blood sugar trends and effects of diet, exercise; help determine number of carbs needed.
Veggies (3 srvgs/d), Fruit (2 srvgs/d); natural sugars in fruit don't spike blood sugar like added sugars; limit high sugar fruits (watermelons, dates, pineapples, bananas).
Fats don't affect blood sugar but raise risk of heart disease; eat a moderate amount of healthy fats like avocado, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds
Protein provides steady energy w/little effect on blood sugar if kidneys healthy (moderate amount of meat, low-fat diary, eggs, beans, oats, seeds, nuts).

References

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