Tailored Treatment for Type 1
Diabetes meal plans have changed quite a bit in the last decade. In the past, people with type 1 diabetes were told to follow strict eating patterns. Rich foods like pizza and ice cream were strictly off limits. The timing, amount, and kind of meals people could eat were restricted, and the food you ate had to be matched to your insulin dose.
Luckily, things are a little more flexible now. Since rapid-acting insulin became readily available, people with type 1 diabetes can follow a normal, balanced diet. Insulin can be matched to your daily lifestyle, instead of the other way around. For example, a salad with chicken strips and a diet cola might require one or two units of insulin. Two slices of pizza, a glass of milk, and ice cream might require 10 units.
With training from your diabetes care team and a little personal experience, you can learn how much insulin you need to control your blood glucoses for different types of meals. If you are using the old-style therapy of pattern control, talk to your diabetes care team about how to adapt your dosage to the food you eat. You may also contact the American Association of Diabetes Educators at (800) 832-6874 to find someone who can help you with your diabetes meal plans.
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