Indian Diet Plan for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus ( Type 1 DM diet )

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, or by a combination of both. This insulin dependent Type 1 diabetes is caused when there is insufficient insulin produced in the body. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is widely known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. Read on to know more about Indian diet plan for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus ( Type 1 DM diet ).

Body uses insulin produced by the pancreas to utilise the sugars in the blood. In type 1 diabetes pancreas in the body is deficient in producing insulin in the body. Thus it has to be provided externally.

The insulin dose is directly related to the ingestion of glucose load, age, activity pattern and type of insulin used. Treatment of type 1 diabetes focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet and lifestyle to prevent complications.

Match the food with insulin action:

• It is advisable to eat a low glycaemic index food that releases the sugars in blood very slowly.

• If the food is less and insulin is more, an individual can go into hypoglycemic state. Or if the food load is more and insulin is less, it will lead to abnormally high sugars

Foods to avoid in Indian Diet Plan for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus :

• Sugary drinks
• Carbonated drinks
• Fruit juices
• High glycaemic index foods like bakery products, refined sugars, refined flours
• High fat foods – fried or extra cheesy

Know more about Glycemic Index – 1500 calorie diabetic diet plan.

Match the meal timings with insulin action:

• Mostly for type 1 diabetes, the table insulin or the short acting insulin is apt.
• You need to adjust the dose according to the food eaten and physical activity of the individual.
• It is advisable to eat a low glycaemic index food that releases the sugars in blood very slowly.
• You must avoid any high sugar foods from surging the sugars in blood.
• If the food is less and insulin is more, the child can go into hypoglycaemic state. Or if the food load is more and insulin is less, it will lead to abnormally high sugars.

Nutritional composition of Indian Diet Plan for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus :

Carbohydrates:

Most Type 1 diabetic Indians are in a growing age or are teens. The requirement of energy is more in both the age groups. Accordingly the carbohydrates requirement also increases. Type of carbohydrates is what is important in type 1 diabetes. Try incorporating more of complex carbohydrates. Opt for foods with low glycaemic index. Include whole wheat flour, millets, flours with bran, multigrain flours, whole vegetables, fresh fruits, pulses and dals. Use as many vegetables as you can in each and every recipe preparation. Generally kids are fussy with food, thus parents need to try lots of innovative nutritious recipes.

Read – Indian foods rich in complex carbs 

–  Top 10 low carb Indian recipes 

Fiber:

Fiber intake is as important as any other nutrient. The fiber helps to control the sugar surge in the blood. It regulates the blood sugar and prevents frequent hypoglycemic episodes. You can include fiber in form of salads, unstrained soups or eating fresh fruits instead of juices. Incorporation of vegetables in each recipe also increases the fiber content of food. Even nuts are good source of fiber. If the fiber requirement is not fulfilled by natural foods then it can be provided in supplement form.

Read – Health benefits of Psyllium husk / isabgol

Proteins:

Protein is a very important part of the meal. Try to include protein in each and every meal. Proteins help to steadily release the glucose in blood. Proteins also lead to a low glycaemic load in a meal. For better utilization of carbs, proteins are a very vital nutrient. Also the kid in growing state requires proteins as they are known to be building blocks of the body. For better growth, maintenance, metabolism and sugar control keep the diet sufficient in proteins. Include low fat milk and products, egg and poultry, chicken, fish, nuts and dry fruits.

Read – Fruits and vegetables allowed in diabetes

Fats:

Fat plays an important role in utilization of insulin. If body fat is more there is more resistance in insulin action. Thus, keep the fat intake as per requirement of the individual. Restrict excess use of butter, cheese, cream or mayo in the foods. Opt for olive or rice bran oil for cooking.

Read – Benefits of badaam on diabetes.

– Benefits of Chia seeds on diabetes.

Vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin and mineral requirements are directly proportional to the energy requirements. Fulfil the vitamin and mineral requirement via vegetables and fruits in each and every recipe. Include soups and vegetable puree wherever possible. If an individual is eating less than it has to be provided by supplements. Nuts are also rich in minerals. Use nuts as and when required.

Read – Benefits of Vitamin E 

Indian Diet Plan for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Here is a sample of Indian Diet Plan for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. This diet plan will help you understand the premise of how your day to day diet should be .

Is exercise beneficial for an individual with type 1 diabetes mellitus?

With prolonged use of insulin sometimes you get resistant to low insulin dose. Exercise helps to avoid that situation. It improves the blood circulation, insulin and sugar interaction and helps better utilization of sugars. Exercise helps in glucose uptake by insulin and also decreases the body’s need for insulin.

30-45 minutes of brisk walking and yoga is really helpful in maintaining blood sugar. Various researches shows yoga helps in better control of sugars with type 1 diabetes.

The only care to be taken is to adjust the insulin dose according to the type of exercise you involve in. So with excess dose of insulin, the person might go into hypoglycemia while exercising. Other exercises a type 1 individual can do is jogging, swimming, mild resistance training or cycling.

End note:

Life doesn’t stop as soon as you start taking insulin. It’s manageable. A proper balance of food, insulin and exercise is the key to healthy living. A proper guidance from a certified diabetes educator, a doctor and dietitian makes your journey with diabetes easy. All you need is confidence in your professional, dedication from your side and determination to lead a normal healthy life. Hope this Indian Diet Plan for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus helps you in managing your blood sugar levels . We are open to your questions and queries , you can comment below and ask us .