When it comes to managing diabetes (of any type), it is undeniable that diet composition is a big variable in optimizing blood glucose management. So, what kind of diet is best for people with type 1 diabetes when it comes to preventing blood glucose excursions?

Many feel that there is no one-size-fits-all diet, and the American Diabetes Association also promotes an individualized approach.

Recently, a new study reported on findings of what macronutrient distribution was associated with improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes. The data was published in the journal Diabetic Medicine earlier this month.

Study Design

In this observational, cross-sectional study, researchers evaluated detailed records about “energy and nutrient intakes, and the mean and coefficient of variation of self‐monitored blood glucose measurements” from 1,000 patients with type 1 diabetes. Then, they utilized a common statistical approach (generalized linear regression) to determine the associations between different dietary intakes and measures of glycemic control.

Major Findings

The authors found that a higher intake of fiber was associated with lower average blood glucose values. In contrast, a higher intake of carbohydrate, alcohol, and monounsaturated fat was negatively associated with glycemic control (these patients typically experienced more variability in their blood glucose levels). Finally, the analysis revealed that “substituting proteins for either carbohydrates, fats, or alcohol, or fats for carbohydrates, were all associated with lower variability in the measured blood glucose values.”

Conclusions

The researchers concluded that their study results indicate “that dietary fibre is associated with lower mean blood glucose concentrations in people with type 1 diabetes [and that] glycaemic excursions were reduced when protein was substituted for other macronutrients and when fat replaced carbohydrate, after adjusting for fibre intake.” In short, the study results indicate that patients with type 1 diabetes experienced more stable blood glucose levels if they focused on protein and fat as major sources of energy intake (as opposed to carbohydrate) and that dietary fiber intake can help lower average blood glucose levels.

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We would love to hear about how you approach your diet to help you manage your diabetes. Please share what works well for you in the comments!

Read more about American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes diet, diabetes management, Intensive management, low-carb diet, type 1 diabetes.