Diabetes is a disease that we all are familiar with, irrespective of what sector we are into. According to online publications, 11.3 % of the American population was positive for diabetes. The count makes it a total count of 37.3 million diabetic patients only in America. Approximately 22% of the total population present with the problem of Type 1 diabetes were not diagnosed.
Diabetes is a health condition in which the sugar levels of blood exceed the standard levels. There are many causes corresponding to different types of diabetes. Some of the primary factors that can lead to higher sugar levels in your blood are genetic factors and the way you are leading your life. Resistance to insulin, obesity and no activity of the body are a few other reasons that can accelerate the conditions. Diabetes is more associated with how our bodies metabolize sugar. The two main types of diabetes are diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. Let us explore type 1 diabetes in depth.
Type 1 Diabetes: What is it? What causes it?
A journal published in 2020 claimed that 15 in 10,000 people were affected by type1 diabetes. With type 1 diabetes being a rapidly increasing health condition, it becomes crucial to gain insight into it. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the sugar levels in blood and cells. Sugar from our blood is stored in cells of our body, which can be later extracted when there arises a need. The primary role of insulin in the bloodstream is to carry sugar to the cells. People with type 1 diabetes produce very little (sometimes no insulin), which results in an accumulation of sugar in their bloodstream.
High sugar levels in the blood can have adverse effects on our bodies. High sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves. Diabetic people also suffer from considerable weight loss and dehydration. If you are looking for signs of diabetes, they include increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, tiredness, and frequent urination. If you think you might have the condition, we advise you to seek a diagnosis from professional health facilities.
Our diet is crucial for maintaining our health. Can certain food items help in eliminating type 1 diabetes? A particular diet can not entirely make type 1 diabetes disappear, but a few food items can effectively help in your recovery from type 1 diabetes. Let us take a look over food items that can provide a shield against type 1 diabetes.
1. Fish
Fishes are of great benefit for people with type 1 diabetes. Fishes are a great source of protein. Being rich in omega-3, fish can be very useful for the health of your heart. Vitamin D levels are declining in diabetic people, and fish can help in combating the problem. The best varieties of fish for diabetes are Salmon, Herring, Tilapia, Sardines, Mackerel, Cod, and Tuna.
2. Sweet potatoes
Diabetic people have to be very cautious about their diet. One of the safest foods that keep your sugar level in control is sweet potatoes. But if you are consuming sweet potatoes, the amount you are taking should be regulated. The method of cooking sweet potatoes also should be monitored. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Sweet potatoes are a safer option for type 1 diabetes.
3. Nuts
For a type 1 diabetic patient, diet is crucially important. Nuts offer a lot of health benefits and help in limiting the adverse effects of type 1 diabetes. A variety of nuts have been promised to be beneficial for people with diabetes. Salted nuts are recommended not to be consumed. Nuts are good sources of fiber, proteins, and other necessary nutrients. Some of the best nuts for your condition of type 1 diabetes are almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, and peanuts.
4. Citrus fruits
Citrus foods are one of the healthiest choices to include in your diet. They contain nutrients, fiber, and water in abundance. Fruits are high in sugars, which might make it troublesome for people suffering from type 1 diabetes. But citrus fruits can be beneficial in maintaining a balanced level of sugar in the blood.
A few citric fruits you should include in your diet if you are a type 1 diabetic patient are orange, lime, and grapefruit. Even though citric fruits have no harmful effects on diabetes, their intake should be monitored.
5. Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables consist of a plethora of antioxidants that make them one of the best foods. Green vegetables contain ample amounts of fiber in them. Consuming them restricts change in sugar levels.
Three highly recommended green vegetables are spinach, cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Vegetables like kale take a longer time for their digestion which limits any rise in sugar levels.
6. Whole grains
If you are adding whole grains to your diet, it can help you in managing diabetic conditions. Being a food item with a lower glycaemic index, they do not cause a quick change in sugar levels. Whole grains are also rich in fiber and nutrients.
One study claimed the affirmative results of consuming whole grains with the sensitivity of insulin. The fiber-rich whole grain diet is very useful in controlling your sugar levels. Grains that are recommended to be added to your diet are brown rice, millets, quinoa, and whole grain pasta & bread.
7. Beans
If you are a diabetes patient, beans are a good choice of food for you. A variety of beans are available for type 1 diabetes patients, like chickpea, black beans, or kidney beans. Beans are an excellent food choice for type 1 diabetic patients because they cause no significant rise in sugar levels after their consumption.
The reason why beans are a superfood for type 1 diabetic patients can be confErred by the complex polysaccharides structure of beans. The complex nature attributes to its digestion is slow. Beans are also a fiber-rich diet. You can add kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and adzuki beans to your diet.
8. Chia seeds
Chia seeds have multiple benefits for the human body. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fats. Chia seeds have shown confirmative results and can be included in your diet in conditions of type 1 diabetes.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes cause no surge in sugar levels in the blood; hence any diabetic patient can add it to their diets. Tomatoes lack starch and pose no threat to people with type 1 diabetes. Tomatoes have low levels of sugar in them; they offer minimal sugar to our bodies.
Tomatoes are rich in fiber and can help in regulating sugar levels in the blood. Tomatoes are also rich in other essential nutrients that have health benefits for our bodies.
10. Berries
Berries are a food choice that can help in controlling the sugar levels in your blood. Berries are a perfect combination of fiber and antioxidants. Berries are rich in fiber content, which slows down digestion because our body fails to efficiently break and absorb fiber. Berries are also rich in polyphenols that have properties of antioxidants and are active against inflammation.
Foods to avoid if you are a Type 1 diabetic patient
Your diet can be very important in regulating the conditions of your diabetes. Choices of your diet can help you to tackle the symptoms of diabetes type 1. Processed carbohydrates and sugars should be avoided as it results in an alteration of blood sugar levels. Ice creams, chips, cookies, etc., should be avoided as well. Drinks like flavored milk, juices, and energy drinks also should not be consumed.
White pasta, white rice, and white bread should be avoided. Patients with type 1 diabetes should limit their carbohydrate intake. Saturated and trans fats can also worsen diabetic conditions. Refined sugar, too, can make conditions tricky. Combating refined sugars and their sources should be completely avoided.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing a healthy diet for people with type 1 diabetes can be a little confusing. If you are planning a diet for controlling your diabetic condition, you should focus on lowering your sugar intake. As type 1 diabetes also involves inflammation, suppressing your inflammation should also be considered. Balancing your diet according to your complications and filtering a diet can help in controlling the sugar levels in your system.