Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease are autoimmune diseases that share a genetic background, leading to between 8-10 percent of people with diabetes suffering from celiac disease, too.
If you thought it was hard to maintain the low sugar and carbohydrate diet required for type 1 diabetics, imagine being unable to eat gluten as well. But you can and really, without a lot of trouble.
Processed foods and refined sugars promote massive swings in blood sugar for diabetics that can lead to serious health complications. Yet most dietitians will tell you that a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates can cause problems for even the healthiest among us.
No sugar and no gluten – you might wonder what is left to eat? Plenty, if you plan your meals right. Be sure to:
- Balance the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats in your meals
- Eat whole fruits and vegetables to maximize vitamins and minerals
- Consume enough fiber, at least 25 grams a day, (hurray for gluten-free oatmeal!) to help maintain normal blood sugar levels
- Reduce the amount of sweets and sugar you eat
You can still have a gluten-free goodie like a cookie or pizza, just make sure they’re an occasional treat, not a daily staple.