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Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. It requires not only taking medication, but above all a conscious approach to everyday eating habits. A proper diet is one of the most important elements in diabetes therapy - it helps maintain a stable blood sugar level, avoid sudden glucose spikes, and prevent long-term complications, such as damage to the kidneys, eyes or circulatory system.
In this article, we will discuss the principles of a diabetic diet, indicate which products are worth including in your daily menu and which ones should be avoided. Additionally, we will explain what medical food is and how it can help people with diabetes improve their health, especially in cases of malnutrition. Read on to learn how proper nutrition can help control diabetes and improve the quality of life.
What is a diet for a person with diabetes? What should you not eat?
A diabetic diet is a nutritional plan that aims to maintain normal blood sugar levels and support diabetes management. The main principles are based on choosing foods with a low glycemic index (GI), which means that these foods cause a slow and gradual increase in glucose levels, rather than a sudden spike, as in the case of simple carbohydrates.
A diabetic diet is extremely important for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but also for women with gestational diabetes and people with insulin resistance - a condition that often precedes the development of type 2 diabetes. In addition, people at risk of type 2 diabetes, i.e. those who are overweight, have a sedentary lifestyle or are genetically predisposed, can also benefit from the principles of a diabetic diet to prevent the development of the disease.
A low GI diet is also effective in the process of weight loss because by stabilizing blood sugar levels, it helps avoid hunger pangs and excessive snacking, which promotes effective weight loss.
Recommendations and principles of a diabetic diet
A diabetic diet is not just a set of restrictions – it is a way to eat healthily and balanced, which has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Diabetics who want to maintain stable blood glucose levels should implement several principles into their daily lives. A diabetes diet should be based on:
1. Avoiding simple carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates, such as sugars, white bread, sweets, and sweetened drinks, cause blood sugar levels to spike. Therefore, avoid them and choose low-glycemic foods such as whole-grain bread, brown rice, whole-grain cereals, and whole-grain pasta instead.
2. Regularity of meals during the day
People with diabetes should take care to eat meals regularly at fixed times to maintain stable glucose levels. It is recommended to eat 3 to 5 meals a day, with equal intervals of time - every 3-4 hours. It is crucial to eat breakfast no later than 1.5 hours after waking up, and dinner about 2-3 hours before bed.
3. Proper hydration
Hydration is of great importance for the proper functioning of the body, especially in diabetics, who are more susceptible to dehydration due to elevated blood sugar levels. Every day, you should drink 1.5-2 liters of water, avoiding sweetened beverages. The right amount of fluids also helps to lower high blood pressure, which often accompanies diabetics. Unfortunately, hypertension is often a comorbidity regardless of the type of diabetes, so it is worth taking care not only of a proper diet, but also hydration and physical activity.
These simple rules can significantly improve your well-being and control your diabetes. The key is to avoid simple carbohydrates, introduce regular meals and ensure you drink enough fluids.
The most important nutrients in a diabetic diet
A diabetic diet is not just about restrictions – it is also about consciously choosing products rich in nutrients that support health. The most important ingredients that cannot be missing from a diabetic diet are:
Complex carbohydrates
- The basis of a diabetic diet are complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread, brown rice, groats and whole grain pasta. Thanks to their low GI value, these products cause a gradual increase in blood sugar levels, which allows for better glycemia control.
Protein
- Protein is extremely important because it helps rebuild tissues without causing sudden spikes in glucose. It is worth choosing lean meats, such as poultry or fish, as well as legumes, which provide plant protein.
Unsaturated fats
- Healthy fats are important in everyone's diet, especially for diabetics. Unsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, nuts, avocados, and oily fish (e.g. salmon), support cardiovascular health and help maintain healthy blood lipid levels.
Division of the plate
To ensure a balanced diet of nutrients in diabetes, it is worth using the principle of dividing the plate. Half of the plate should be filled with vegetables and fruits with a low GI, 1/4 of the plate should contain sources of complex carbohydrates, and the rest should consist of protein and healthy fatty acids.
Diabetes Diet and the Glycemic Index. What Cannot a Diabetic Eat and What Can?
The main determinant of the diet and what to avoid in the case of diabetes is the glycemic index value. The glycemic index (GI) is an indicator that determines how quickly and to what extent a given food product raises blood glucose levels after its consumption. Products with a high GI cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, which is unfavorable for people with diabetes, because it can lead to sudden glucose spikes. On the other hand, products with a low GI cause a slower and
a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels, which promotes better glycemic control. For diabetics, it is crucial to choose foods with a low or moderate GI to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Diabetic Menu - What to Eat and What to Avoid When Suffering from Diabetes?
| Product Group | Recommended | Moderate | Contraindicated |
| Vegetables and fruits | Tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, chicory, avocado, strawberries | Steamed potatoes, peas, broad beans, parsley (root), beetroot | Overcooked potatoes, French fries, cooked carrots, bananas, watermelon, grapes, dried |
| Cereal products | Wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, oatmeal | Whole wheat bread, pumpernickel, and dumplings | White bread, instant cereals, wheat flour, overcooked pasta |
| Meat and fish | Lean meat (turkey, veal, chicken), fish: cod, flounder, pollock, trout | Pork loin, tenderloin, canned fish, salmon, herring, mackerel | Fatty meat (pork, lamb, duck), fatty cold cuts, fried fish, offal |
| Fats | Vegetable oils (olive oil, rapeseed oil) | Soft low-fat margarines | Hard margarines, butter, lard, animal fats |
| Dairy | Low-fat cottage cheese, natural yogurt, kefir | Semi-skimmed milk, semi-skimmed cheeses | Full-fat cheeses, sweetened yogurts, homogenized cheeses |
| Sweets | Lack | Dark chocolate, sugar-free jams, sugar-free jellies | Sweets, honey, bars, cakes with filling, milk chocolate, wafers |
| Drinks | Mineral water, filtered coffee, weak tea, herbal infusions | Sugar-free fruit juices | Sweetened carbonated drinks, alcohol, fruit juices with sugar |
The above table does not of course include all possible products that should be included in the diabetic diet and those that should be avoided. It should also be remembered that all fast food products and dishes are also contraindicated.
Medical Foods for Diabetics as an Aid in Malnutrition in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Medical foods are specialized food products that are used in situations where a standard diet does not provide enough nutrients or when there is a need to support nutritional therapy. In the case of diabetics, medical foods can be especially helpful in malnutrition states that may result from diabetes complications or problems with consuming adequate amounts of food. Products such as RECODIAB have been developed specifically for patients with diabetes. RECODIAB provides essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals, while having a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. This type of medical food is easy to consume, well-digestible and can be used as a dietary supplement when standard meals are insufficient or difficult to compose. Thanks to medical foods, diabetics can better control their weight, improve their overall health and prevent nutritional deficiencies, while maintaining stable blood glucose levels.
A properly selected diet is extremely important for people with type 2 diabetes and others who care about the correct glycemic index. However, we remind you that a balanced diabetic diet is not everything - we encourage you to constantly contact your doctor and consult a dietician, as well as to take care of the appropriate level of physical activity.
A low glycemic index diet – the perfect diet for diabetes
Proper nutrition plays a key role in managing diabetes and maintaining health. A properly composed diet, based on products with a low glycemic index, rich in protein, healthy fats and vegetables, allows not only to better control blood sugar levels, but also to prevent dangerous complications. For diabetics, it is particularly important to avoid simple carbohydrates and processed foods, as well as to ensure regular meals. Additionally, in cases of malnutrition or difficulties in maintaining a proper diet, medical food such as RECODIAB can provide effective support. Taking care of a healthy, balanced diet not only makes everyday life with diabetes easier, but also has a positive effect on overall well-being and quality of life.
