So food becomes a powerful ally for living well
The question
What is the correct diet for people with diabetes?
Answer: The diet for people with diabetes is not a 'punitive diet', but a balanced, varied, healthy and sustainable eating plan. There are no magic foods or absolute prohibitions, but conscious choices that help maintain stable blood glucose levels, prevent complications and improve quality of life.
The first goal is glycaemic control, but not only. A proper diet also helps manage body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is one of the main complications of diabetes.
The key word is balance. At the table, we do not need extreme solutions: we need to learn about foods, portions and their effect on glycaemia. Carbohydrates, which are often demonised, should not be eliminated, but chosen intelligently: it is better to favour those that are complex and rich in fibre (such as whole grains, pulses, vegetables and whole fruit) over those that are simple and high on the glycaemic index (such as sweets, sugary drinks, white bread and industrial snacks), which cause rapid rises in blood sugar levels.
Fibre plays an important role because it slows down the absorption of sugar and helps control postprandial blood sugar levels. A well-balanced meal should always contain a good share of vegetables, sources of lean protein (such as legumes, fish, eggs or white meat), good fats (such as extra virgin olive oil and dried fruit in small quantities) and a controlled portion of whole-grain carbohydrates.
The distribution of meals during the day is also crucial: dividing calorie intake into five meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks) helps to avoid spikes or drops in blood sugar. Skipping meals, as well as having meals that are too large, can cause imbalances in blood sugar values. Breakfast, in particular, should never be neglected: starting the day with a complete, balanced, low glycaemic index meal is a valuable ally for glycaemic stability.
Another important indication concerns drinks: water is the best choice. Sugary drinks, alcohol and fruit juices (even those 'with no added sugar') can cause significant rises in blood sugar levels. Alcohol should also be consumed with great moderation, on a case-by-case basis and always under medical advice, because it can interfere with some medications and with blood glucose itself.
Beware then of 'false friends': products labelled as 'sugar-free' or 'for diabetics' are not necessarily healthier. They often contain other types of sweeteners or fats that are not good for metabolic health. Here again, label reading and nutrition education are key tools for making informed choices.
A central role in the nutrition of the patient with diabetes is reserved for body weight control. Obesity, particularly visceral obesity (abdominal fat), is one of the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its complications. Even modest weight loss - 5-10% of body weight - can significantly improve glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity.
Finally, it is good to remember that there is no single diet that is valid for everyone. Each person has different nutritional needs, linked to age, gender, level of physical activity, drug therapy and the presence of any other pathologies. It is therefore important to rely on a diabetes team that includes a dietician to construct a customised diet plan that takes into account individual preferences and lifestyle.
For people with type 1 diabetes, knowing the amount of carbohydrates consumed at each meal is essential for correctly calculating the dose of insulin needed to keep blood sugar in balance. The goal is not only to prevent hyper- or hypoglycaemia, but also to ensure a full and active quality of life. It is therefore important that those living with type 1 diabetes - especially children and adolescents - receive adequate nutrition education, which also takes into account psychological and social needs, to foster autonomy, security and awareness.
Even for type 1, therefore, nutrition is an integral part of therapy: not a limitation, but a powerful tool for living well.