People with diabetes do not need to live in a state of deprivation for the rest of their lives, given that diabetes is a chronic condition they must learn to live with. Doctors stress that deprivation can make matters worse, often aggravating the condition and making it more difficult to manage the disease properly. However, educating people with diabetes about nutrition, which has a significant impact on their condition, is a priority that deserves particular attention. This highlights the importance of accurately calculating nutritional components and calorie intake, whether a person has type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
According to the dietary guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Health, it is important for people with diabetes, as well as everyone else, to plan their meals and make sure they eat a variety of foods throughout the day and every day of the week.
Eat a variety of healthy, home-cooked meals.
Eat three main meals a day without skipping any of them.
Have small snacks containing a limited amount of carbohydrates, such as a piece of fruit or plain yogurt, with less than 5 grams of carbohydrates. A small amount of fat and protein may also be added. Snacks may also be carbohydrate-free.
Eat snacks either before a main meal or two to three hours after it.
Include fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains.
Legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds help keep you feeling full for longer and regulate blood sugar.
Grains, bread, breakfast cereals, starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn, rice, pasta, lentils and legumes.
Sugars, including natural sugars found in fruit and milk, as well as added sugars in soft drinks, sweets, chocolate, biscuits and canned foods.
Fiber does not raise blood sugar levels in the same way as other carbohydrates. Instead, it helps regulate them. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and plant-based foods.
Give priority to non-starchy vegetables, as they are important for good health. They contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and water. Examples include tomatoes, cucumbers, mint and spinach. Juices also contain carbohydrates, at a rate of 5 grams.
Note: It is important to consume an adequate, controlled amount of carbohydrates, as they provide the brain with energy.
Non-starchy vegetables, which do not raise blood sugar levels, such as lettuce and spinach.
Small amounts of healthy fats, such as olive oil, soybean oil and canola oil.
Simple sugars, such as honey, help regulate blood sugar levels.
It is important to include complex carbohydrates and whole grains in meals.
Not all foods containing carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels in the same way.
According to the glycemic index, carbohydrate-containing foods do not all have the same effect on the body.
