Healthy Foods for Type 1 Diabetes

Most foods can contain natural sugars, so finding foods that are not high in fat or contain sugars can be quite difficult at times. With great insulin management and a good diet regime, there are healthy foods that can provide a Type 1 diabetic with a vast menu of interesting and healthy foods.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates found in foods like rice, pasta, potatoes, breads and wheats can provide a Type 1 diabetics with slow-acting sugars. This helps to keep blood sugar on an even level for a longer amount of time and helps provide food nourishment for the body during exercise and daily routines without experiencing regular blood sugar lows.

Fruits

Although many fruits contain high levels of natural sugars, it is very important for a Type 1 diabetic to receive the vitamins and minerals that many fruits provide. Bananas, apples, grapes, melons and oranges can all increase blood sugar levels but with your diabetic specialist there to guide you, you can alter your insulin to balance your blood sugar levels correctly.

Cakes and Biscuits

Avoid purchasing shop-bought diabetic products. The Diabetic Foundation and the Food Standards Agency are trying to prevent these foods from being labeled for diabetics, as they are not healthier for Type 1 diabetic individuals. You can make your own cakes and biscuits without using any sugar and you can remove the sour taste by adding natural fruit, like sultanas and raisins.

Protein

Protein is a natural part of any healthy diet. Eggs, fish and chicken can be cooked without using oils that can damage your body long term and can still taste great.

Oils & Butter

Type 1 diabetics can suffer from the loss of limbs, blindness, diabetic foot and other ailments if their diet is not kept healthy for long periods of time. If you need to use oil or butter at times for food preparation, you can either use a healthy oil spray option or use olive or soya oil and olive oil butter or soya butter. Olives and soya are scientifically proven to be healthier for the body, rather than using sunflower products and similar types.

Milk

Milk has a high level of natural sugars and can be good to use if your blood sugar levels are decreasing. Semi-skimmed milk and low-fat dairy products can provide you with the calcium and vitamins that your body requires with a less sugar and saturated fat intake.