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Diet for Insulin Dependent Diabetes

If you suffer from Type I diabetes, also known as childhood diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, eating a balanced, healthy diet is vital to your well-being. Limit processed foods whenever possible, and eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables and whole grains to keep your diabetes under control.

  1. Low GI Foods

    • Foods that have a low glycemic index, or GI, will release glucose from carbohydrates at a slower pace than foods with a high GI. This helps regulate the amount of blood sugar. A healthy diet for people with Type I Diabetes is made up of low-GI foods, including dairy products, fresh legumes, non-starchy vegetables like cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, asparagus, peppers, celery, lettuce and mushrooms and some fruits, including cherries, citrus fruits, peaches, apples, pears or plums.

    Low Cholesterol

    • Foods that are low in trans-fats, cholesterol and saturated fats will help to reduce high triglyceride levels in the body and keep the blood sugar levels balanced. These foods include whole grains, fruits, legumes and other foods that are high in fiber and starches. Consume lean protein, such as white meat chicken breasts, white pork, lamb or fish along with starchy carbohydrate foods to slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood.

    Limit Alcohol

    • Limit or eliminate alcohol from your diet if you suffer from Type I diabetes, as it breaks down into sugars quickly and offers little or no valuable nutrients in the diet. If you drink, try to consume no more than a glass of red wine or beer daily, and be sure to eat a healthy meal with your alcoholic beverage to help slow the sugar absorption into your bloodstream.

    Antioxidants

    • Be sure to include plenty of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet, as these are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals and valuable nutrients important to good health. Eat vegetables or fruits in their raw form whenever possible, as processed foods have a higher GI count than fresh foods. Beans and peas should be dried and fresh-cooked when available, and carbohydrates should be eaten in small portions throughout the day, rather than all at once.

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