You Can Eat Your Favorite Foods

Diabetes meal plans have changed quite a bit from the early advice that people with type 1 diabetes had to follow rigid eating patterns. Rich foods like pizza and ice cream were strictly off-limits. The timing, amount, and kind of food were restricted, and the food had to match the insulin dose.

Luckily, things are a little more flexible now. Since the availability of rapid-acting insulin (such as lispro), 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 1 or 2 units of insulin. Two slices of pizza, a glass of milk, and ice cream might require 10 units.

Type 2 diabetics can find that they can eat some of their favorite foods in moderation.

With training from your diabetes care team and a little 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 change your therapy to the food you eat.