Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease that requires proper nutrition, non-observance of which can lead to serious problems. As the number of patients with diabetes mellitus is constantly growing (by 5-7% per year), a special diabetics diet is very popular today for every day.
The main principles of diet
A low-carb diet for diabetics suggests a strict calculation of carbohydrates , which are the main source of glucose. Carbohydrates are digestible (increase the level of glucose in the blood) and not digestible (normalize the process of the gastrointestinal tract).
To correctly enter the doses of insulin, which is necessary for the assimilation of carbohydrates, nutritionists recommend using a concept such as XE - the bread unit, which is equal to 12 grams of carbohydrates. For the assimilation of 1 XE, an average of 1.5-4 units of insulin is needed - this depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.
Sample menu for the day
People with diabetes need to eat fractional - 5-6 times a day. The menu for a day with a diet for a diabetic can be very different, for example:
- breakfast : oatmeal porridge boiled on water or skimmed milk (butter is allowed in the amount of 5 grams, but no more);
- second breakfast : 1 medium-sized apple or 1 orange;
- dinner : soup with fresh mushrooms with the addition of pearl barley, vegetable salad, seasoned with lemon juice, boiled fish with pumpkin puree, 1 green apple;
- afternoon snack : a sandwich with black bread, mushrooms and tomatoes;
- dinner : buckwheat porridge with boiled beef and a slice of black bread with cheese;
- for 2-1,5 hours before sleep : 1 cup of skimmed yogurt.
This diet is suitable not only for diabetics, but also for losing weight to those people who are prone to fatness. Before you start, it is very important to consult with a specialist.