In Type 1 Diabetes, Any Substance In The Body That Is Uncharacteristic Of The Body Can Have An Adverse Effect

Author: Maryam Ayres Time for reading: ~3 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026

In this article, learn more about In Type 1 Diabetes, Any Substance In The Body That Is Uncharacteristic Of The Body Can Have An Adverse Effect. The diet in diabetes is based on the division of foods into 6 groups..

Type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent diabetes in which the pancreas produces too little or no insulin and must be taken daily from the outside. Insulin is the hormone that carries glucose to cells, where it is transformed into energy.

Patients with type 1 diabetes should eat a certain amount of food and be especially careful with carbohydrates to know how much insulin they need. Food increases the amount of glucose in the blood and insulin lowers it. By balancing food and insulin intake, blood sugar is kept within normal limits. Therefore, you should not consume a huge amount of food in one meal, but a moderate amount in several meals. It is very important not to miss breakfast, because it activates the metabolism, as well as not to eat late at night. We should have dinner at least 2-3 hours before bedtime so that the food can be evacuated from the stomach and we can go to bed peacefully. This also applies to people without diabetes. Alcohol is unacceptable for diabetics. You need to drink more water.

Blood sugar levels become optimal when a person with type 1 diabetes is also physically active. Carbohydrate intake raises blood sugar, and exercise and intense walking lower it.

- What specific recommendations do you give to your patients?

Because each organism is unique and has its own specific needs, each patient with type 1 diabetes must be prepared an individual diet that maintains normal blood sugar levels. It is also important for the patient to monitor when insulin starts to work in the body immediately after eating. He must follow two rules: eat at the same time of day and do not skip meals. Insulin must also be taken into the body at the same time. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels will give the necessary information to the doctor about whether to adjust the insulin dose.

The job of the nutritionist is to develop together with the patient his optimal diet. This means creating a human-specific balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The amount of food should be consistent with the weight, height, physical activity of the person and many other factors.

- What are the general recommendations for this disease?

The food pyramid in diabetes is divided into six food groups according to the content of carbohydrates and proteins. People with type 1 diabetes should eat more of the food at the bottom of the pyramid - cereals, beans, vegetables - than that at the top - fats and sugars.

Pasta, potatoes, chips and rice contain a high percentage of starch, ie. sugar, and sharply increase its level in the blood. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce their amount per day and not to eat foods from this group at the same time - such as potatoes, rice and bread.

Starchy vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, dark leafy vegetables, zucchini, eggplant, pumpkin, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beans, radishes and spinach can be eaten indefinitely. A medium-sized variety of salad provides the necessary fiber and a balanced intake of vitamins and trace elements.

The fruits are also very useful, especially raw and if possible with the peel. Of course, if it is not chemically treated. The bark adds extra cellulose, which contributes to the feeling of satiety, to a smoother increase in blood glucose levels and to the addition of minerals and vitamins. It is much better to eat the whole fruit than to make fruit juice from it. Purchased fruit juices are not recommended because they contain extra sugar, flavorings and preservatives. The diabetic should follow the origin of the food - it should be natural, non-canned.

Of the fats, it is preferable to use unrefined vegetable oil - cold pressed olive oil and linseed oil. Sunflower oil contains fewer beneficial ingredients.

It is good to eat fish at least three times a week. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely useful for diabetics.

With great reservations. If you check out the various sweeteners and foods for diabetics, you'll see how many additional chemical additives and E's are unknown to you on their labels. And any chemical that is uncharacteristic of the body can have an adverse effect on it. Special foods for diabetics are often high in calories and indirectly raise blood sugar. But each patient's choice is personal.

In Type 1 Diabetes, Any Substance In The Body That Is Uncharacteristic Of The Body Can Have An Adverse Effect

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