Diet for Type 1 Diabetes
Nutrition for type 1 diabetes. Carb counting and insulin management.
Calorie calculation examples by profile
Sedentary woman, 35 years old, 143 lbs
Active woman, 35 years old, 143 lbs
Sedentary man, 35 years old, 176 lbs
Active man, 35 years old, 176 lbs
Understanding type 1 diabetes and diet
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas no longer produces insulin. Unlike type 2, it's not related to lifestyle. Diet plays a key role not to cure but to manage blood sugar daily. Precise carb counting allows insulin dose adjustment.
Carb counting: an essential skill
Each gram of carbohydrate raises blood sugar by about 3-5 mg/dL (varies by individual). Learn to count carbs at each meal to calculate your insulin dose. A typical insulin-to-carb ratio is 1 unit per 10-15g of carbs, but your doctor determines your personal ratio.
Regulating meals to stabilize blood sugar
Regular meals and consistent carb amounts make management easier. This doesn't mean eliminating carbs, but distributing them predictably. A meal plan helps anticipate insulin doses and avoids significant blood sugar spikes and drops.
Glycemic index as a complementary tool
The glycemic index (GI) indicates how fast carbs are absorbed. Low GI foods (legumes, whole grains) raise blood sugar more slowly. Combining carbs with protein, fiber, and fat slows absorption and facilitates insulin management.
Important
Never go below 1200 kcal/day (women) or 1500 kcal/day (men) without medical supervision. Too aggressive a deficit can be dangerous for your health and counterproductive for weight loss.
Dietary Guide for Type 1 Diabetes
Important: Consult your healthcare provider or endocrinologist for any questions about your treatment. This information is for educational purposes only. Never modify your insulin doses without medical advice.
Type 1 diabetes requires careful daily management, and diet is an essential tool for maintaining stable blood sugar.
Carb Counting Basics
What is a Carb Serving?
One “carb serving” typically represents 15g of carbohydrates:
- 1 slice of bread (1 oz)
- 1/3 cup cooked rice or pasta
- 1 small fruit
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup legumes
Calculating Your Insulin Dose
The basic formula:
Insulin dose = Meal carbs / Insulin-to-carb ratioFor example, with a 1:10 ratio and a 60g carb meal: 60g / 10 = 6 units of insulin
Low Glycemic Impact Foods
- Proteins: meats, fish, eggs, tofu
- Non-starchy vegetables: broccoli, spinach, zucchini
- Healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, nuts
- Whole grains: oats, quinoa
Mistakes to Avoid
- Guessing carbs randomly: Weigh and measure for accuracy
- Forgetting hidden carbs: Sauces, condiments, canned fruits
- Skipping meals: Can destabilize blood sugar
- Neglecting timing: Rapid insulin must be taken at the right time relative to meals
Why Voical Can Help You
With Voical, quickly log your meals and get instant carb counts. This precise tracking helps you calculate your insulin doses and better understand how different foods impact your blood sugar.