What are the top diabetic meal delivery services in 2023. How do these services cater to the specific dietary needs of people with diabetes. Which factors should you consider when choosing a diabetic meal delivery service.

Understanding Diabetic Meal Delivery Services

Diabetic meal delivery services have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient and tailored solution for individuals managing diabetes. These services provide pre-prepared meals that are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of people with diabetes, helping them maintain stable blood sugar levels and overall health.

Why are diabetic meal delivery services beneficial? They eliminate the need for meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, which can be time-consuming and challenging for those with busy lifestyles. Additionally, these services ensure that meals are properly portioned and balanced, taking the guesswork out of managing carbohydrate intake and other essential nutrients.

Key Features of Top Diabetic Meal Delivery Services

When evaluating diabetic meal delivery services, several key features stand out among the top providers:

• Customizable meal plans
• Portion-controlled servings
• Low glycemic index ingredients
• Balanced macronutrients
• Controlled carbohydrate content
• Low sodium options
• Fresh and high-quality ingredients

How do these features benefit individuals with diabetes? Customizable meal plans allow users to tailor their food choices to their specific dietary requirements and preferences. Portion-controlled servings help manage calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for diabetes management. Low glycemic index ingredients and balanced macronutrients help prevent blood sugar spikes, while controlled carbohydrate content enables easier tracking and management of carb intake.

Top 12 Diabetic Meal Delivery Services in 2023

Based on comprehensive research and customer reviews, here are the top 12 diabetic meal delivery services in 2023:

1. MagicKitchen.com
2. BistroMD
3. Sunbasket
4. Diet-to-Go
5. HelloFresh
6. Blue Apron
7. Nutrisystem
8. Factor
9. Home Chef
10. Green Chef
11. Mom’s Meals
12. Purple Carrot

Each of these services offers unique features and benefits tailored to individuals managing diabetes. Let’s explore some of them in more detail.

MagicKitchen.com: A Comprehensive Diabetic Meal Solution

MagicKitchen.com stands out as a leading provider of diabetic meal delivery services. What makes their offerings particularly suitable for individuals with diabetes?

• Dietitian-approved menus
• Low-sugar diabetic recipes
• Controlled carb meals (20-45 grams per serving)
• Low sodium options (fewer than 700 mg sodium in most meals)
• Balanced nutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and fat)
• Portion-controlled meals (350-550 calories per complete meal)
• Affordable pricing (complete meals start at $10-$15, weekly plans from $75-$85)

MagicKitchen.com offers flexibility in delivery options, allowing customers to choose weekly, monthly, or customized delivery schedules. Their meals are designed to be easily reheated in the oven or microwave, providing a convenient solution for quick and healthy meals.

MagicKitchen.com’s Menu Variety

How diverse is MagicKitchen.com’s menu for diabetics? The service offers a wide range of options, including:

• Continental favorites
• Italian entrees
• Mexican dishes
• Complete meals with entree and 1-2 side dishes

This variety ensures that customers can enjoy a range of flavors while adhering to their diabetic diet requirements.

BistroMD: Medically-Tailored Diabetic Meals

BistroMD offers a unique approach to diabetic meal delivery by providing medically-tailored meals designed by doctors and nutritionists. What sets BistroMD apart in the diabetic meal delivery market?

• Meals designed by endocrinologists and registered dietitians
• Precise macronutrient balance for blood sugar control
• No added sodium
• Gluten-free options available
• Over 150 meal options to choose from

BistroMD’s diabetic program focuses on providing meals with 25 grams or less of net carbohydrates per serving, helping individuals manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

Sunbasket: Organic and Diabetic-Friendly Meal Kits

Sunbasket offers a unique proposition in the diabetic meal delivery space by providing organic, diabetic-friendly meal kits. How does Sunbasket cater to the needs of individuals with diabetes?

• Diabetes-friendly meal plans approved by the American Diabetes Association
• Fresh, organic ingredients
• Meals with 20-70 grams of carbohydrates per serving
• High fiber content to help regulate blood sugar
• Option to choose between meal kits or pre-made meals

Sunbasket’s approach allows customers to enjoy the cooking process while ensuring their meals meet diabetic dietary requirements.

Diet-to-Go: Balanced Diabetic Meal Plans

Diet-to-Go offers a specialized Balance-Diabetes meal plan designed to help manage blood sugar levels and promote overall health. What features make Diet-to-Go a suitable option for individuals with diabetes?

• Meals designed to control blood sugar naturally
• Calorie-controlled portions (1200-1600 calories per day)
• Meals averaging 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving
• Low sodium content (less than 2,300 mg per day)
• Meals rotated every 5 weeks for variety

Diet-to-Go’s Balance-Diabetes plan is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to manage their diabetes while also focusing on weight management.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Diabetic Meal Delivery Service

When selecting a diabetic meal delivery service, several factors should be taken into account to ensure the best fit for individual needs and preferences:

• Nutritional content and macronutrient balance
• Meal variety and customization options
• Pricing and subscription flexibility
• Delivery frequency and coverage area
• Preparation and cooking requirements
• Special dietary accommodations (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian)
• Quality of ingredients
• Customer reviews and satisfaction ratings

How do these factors impact the effectiveness of a diabetic meal delivery service? Nutritional content and macronutrient balance are crucial for managing blood sugar levels. Meal variety and customization options ensure long-term adherence to the service. Pricing and subscription flexibility affect the service’s affordability and convenience. Delivery frequency and coverage area determine the service’s accessibility. Preparation and cooking requirements impact the convenience factor, especially for those with limited time or cooking skills.

Importance of Consulting Healthcare Professionals

While diabetic meal delivery services offer convenience and nutritional balance, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals before making significant changes to one’s diet. How can healthcare professionals assist in choosing the right meal delivery service?

• Assess individual nutritional needs based on health status and diabetes management goals
• Provide guidance on appropriate carbohydrate intake and macronutrient balance
• Offer insights on how meal delivery services can complement overall diabetes management strategies
• Help interpret nutritional information provided by different services

Collaborating with healthcare professionals ensures that the chosen meal delivery service aligns with an individual’s overall diabetes management plan.

The Impact of Diabetic Meal Delivery Services on Health Outcomes

Diabetic meal delivery services can have a significant positive impact on health outcomes for individuals managing diabetes. What are some of the potential benefits of using these services?

• Improved blood sugar control
• Weight management
• Reduced risk of diabetes-related complications
• Increased adherence to a healthy eating plan
• Stress reduction associated with meal planning and preparation
• Better overall nutrition

How do these benefits contribute to long-term diabetes management? Improved blood sugar control and weight management are fundamental to preventing diabetes-related complications. Increased adherence to a healthy eating plan supports overall health and well-being. Stress reduction can have positive effects on both mental health and blood sugar levels.

Research on Diabetic Meal Delivery Services

Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of meal delivery services for individuals with diabetes. What have these studies found?

• Improved glycemic control in participants using diabetic meal delivery services
• Significant weight loss in overweight or obese individuals with type 2 diabetes
• Increased adherence to dietary recommendations
• Improved quality of life and reduced diabetes-related distress

These findings suggest that diabetic meal delivery services can be an effective tool in comprehensive diabetes management strategies.

The Future of Diabetic Meal Delivery Services

As technology advances and consumer demands evolve, the future of diabetic meal delivery services looks promising. What trends and innovations can we expect to see in this industry?

• Integration with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices
• Artificial intelligence-driven meal recommendations
• Increased personalization based on individual health data
• Expansion of plant-based and sustainable meal options
• Enhanced meal tracking and nutrition analysis tools
• Collaboration with healthcare providers for more integrated care

How will these advancements benefit individuals with diabetes? Integration with CGM devices could allow for real-time meal adjustments based on blood sugar levels. AI-driven recommendations could provide more precise nutritional guidance. Increased personalization could lead to more effective diabetes management strategies. Expansion of plant-based options could cater to growing environmental and health concerns.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the potential benefits, the diabetic meal delivery industry faces several challenges. What are some of these challenges, and how might they be addressed?

• Cost and accessibility for lower-income individuals
• Environmental concerns related to packaging and food waste
• Ensuring consistent quality and freshness of delivered meals
• Adapting to diverse cultural and dietary preferences

Addressing these challenges presents opportunities for innovation and improvement in the industry. For example, companies could explore more sustainable packaging options or develop subsidized programs for lower-income individuals.

In conclusion, diabetic meal delivery services offer a convenient and effective solution for individuals managing diabetes. By providing nutritionally balanced, portion-controlled meals, these services can support better blood sugar control, weight management, and overall health. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more personalized and technologically integrated solutions that further enhance diabetes management strategies. When choosing a diabetic meal delivery service, it’s important to consider individual nutritional needs, preferences, and lifestyle factors, and to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure the chosen service aligns with overall diabetes management goals.

Prepared Meals for Diabetics Delivered

Diabetic Meals by MagicKitchen.com

Living with diabetes requires a commitment to healthy eating. Yet, cooking fresh and nutritious meals at home can be a challenge. Tasty diabetic meal delivery from MagicKitchen.com provides the perfect solution.

Our prepared diabetic meal delivery service makes healthy eating simple. You choose the diabetic-friendly meals that you love, and they arrive at your doorstep.

All of our menus for diabetics are dietitian approved and made using low-sugar diabetic recipes. And we offer delicious and nutritious options to suit everyone’s tastes – from Continental favorites, to Italian and Mexican entrees. Our tasty diabetic meals are delivered to your home in 2-3 days, after you place and order. And they’re ready to be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Using our prepared meals for diabetics, you can have a fresh, great-tasting home-cooked meal prepared in minutes. If you’re struggling to stick to a diabetic diet, meal delivery can help you lose weight, manage blood sugar and reach your healthy living goals. Our premade diabetic meals are:

• Controlled carb – Averaging 20-45 grams per serving
• Low sodium – Fewer than 700 mg sodium in most meals
• Balanced nutrients – A diabetic-friendly balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat in every meal
• Portion controlled – Just 350-550 calories per complete meal, which includes an entrée and 1-2 sides
• Affordable – Complete meals start at $10-$15, with weekly plans starting t $75-$85

Whether you’re looking for Type I or Type II friendly meals, or you want to stick to a diabetic diet, choose MagicKitchen.com for diabetic meal delivery. We offer menus for diabetics that fit – weekly, monthly, or
as you like delivery options are available – and we ship throughout the U.S.

Let us help you reach your healthy eating goals! Place an order or sign up for a meal plan today.

Our Menu of Diabetic Meals

Whether you want to lose weight, follow a diabetic diet, or eat more home-cooked meals, our diabetic meals help you save time in the kitchen. MagicKitchen.com offers a complete array of options.

MagicKitchen.com offers COMPLETE MEALS delivered to your home. Our complete diabetic meals feature an entrée and 1-2 side dishes. Perfect for healthy, filling home-cooked meal in minutes.

With so many options to choose, our diabetic meal delivery system offers options for everyone. Using MagicKitchen.com for meal delivery is perfect for:

• Adults living with Type I or Type II diabetics who want to stick to a low-carb, diabetic-friendly diet
• Pre-diabetic adults who would like to lose weight and lower their risks for Type II diabetes
• Adults looking to follow a healthy diet long-term
• Adults who want to always have a diabetic friendly meal waiting in the freezer

Diabetic Meals Delivered

Our Diabetic meal program features delicious, carb-controlled meals delivered right to your door.

MagicKitchen.com offers a variety of meals for delivery that fit a diabetic diet. Our meals are chef-designed and dietitian approved, and feature moderate carbohydrates, low sodium, and incredible flavor.

Select a meal plan today. Have your meals delivered in 1-3 business days anywhere in the continental U.S. And start eating healthy! No commitments or contracts. Try our diabetic food delivery!

Our Diabetic Meal Plans

A healthy diet is the most important tool for managing diabetes. In fact, proper nutrition has been shown to help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications, and ensure those with diabetes live happy, healthy lives.

MagicKitchen.com makes following a diabetic diet simple.

We deliver carb-controlled, dietitian-approved meals to homes throughout the U.S. Our meals taste great, are designed to fit a diabetic diet, and they’re easy to prepare. All of our diabetic menu options are:

• Moderate carbohydrate (20-45g, on average)
• Easy to reheat in the microwave or oven
• Low in sodium (fewer than 700mg per meal)
• Affordable and delivered to you

Place an order today! We accept orders online, by phone or via email.

Delicious and Diabetic Friendly – Delivered to Your Door

At MagicKitchen.com, we believe everyone should have access to delicious and nutritious food. We work hard to create diabetic-friendly meal plans that are full of flavor, easy to prepare, and that fit any special dietary requirements.

When ordering meals from MagicKitchen.com, you’re guaranteed:

• Affordability

We offer meal delivery plans to fit any budget. Choose 1, 2 or 3 meals per day, with meals costing about $12-$15
on average. Meal packages available, or order as many or few as
you’d like

• Nutritious Eating

Our home-cooked meals have been carefully designed to fit the diabetic diet: Moderate carbohydrate, low sodium, balanced portions, and all
complete meals feature an entrée and 1-2 side dishes.

• Homemade Quality

We take quality seriously. All of our meals are prepped in small batches, before being flash frozen, cooler-packed and shipped to you.

• Freshness

Our meals are flash frozen to lock in natural flavors and freshness. Drop them in your freezer when they arrive, and enjoy a tasty, home-cooked meal anytime.

• A Variety of Options

We offer menu options for every discerning diner: Mexican, American, Italian, French, Asian. Choose your favorite dishes.  

Meal Delivery Made Simple

Placing your order with MagicKitchen.com is easy and takes just a few minutes. Choose a meal package or one-time delivery, select your meals, and they arrive at your door. It’s that simple!

Ordering is fast and convenient, with just three steps:

• Place An Order

We accept orders online, by phone or email. Add meals to your online shopping cart (or let us know what you’d like by phone or email), pay online, and we get them to your door.

• Quick Shipping

MagicKitchen.com offers fast shipping throughout the continental U.S. Orders arrive, on average, in 1-3 business days. And they’re shipping in coolers packed with dry ice. When they arrive, just drop them in the freezer, until you’re ready to eat.

• Simple Food Prep

Our meals can be prepared in the microwave or oven. Just defrost overnight in the refrigerator, follow the reheating instructions, and enjoy a home-cooked meal in minutes.  

Start Eating Healthy with MagicKitchen.com

Meal delivery can help you keep to (and enjoy) a diabetic diet. Easy-to-prepare, great-tasting meals delivered right to your door. We’ve created all of our diabetic menu options to fit your special diet:

• Controlled carb – Averaging 20-45 grams per serving (with a maximum of 65 grams)
• Low sodium  — Fewer than 700 mg sodium in most meals
• Balanced nutrients – Protein, carbohydrate and fat in every meal
• Portion controlled – Just 350-550 calories per meal

We’re committed to helping you eat healthy. In addition to diabetic meals, we also offer – Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Low Fat and Renal Diet meals.

Place an order today. Or set up a recurring order!

Our Other Meal Options

Diet Meal Delivery
Low Carb Meal Delivery
Healthy Meal Delivery
Dialysis Meal Delivery
Gluten Free Meal Delivery
Diabetic Meal Delivery
1200 Calorie a Day Diet

Vegetarian Meal Delivery
Senior Meal Delivery
Affordable Meal Delivery
Weight Loss Meal Delivery
Gourmet Meal Delivery
Low Sodium Meal Delivery

Low Calorie Meal Delivery
Low Fat Meal Delivery
Kidney-Renal Meal Delivery
Home Cooked Meal Delivery
Frozen Meal Delivery
Weight Watchers Program

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12 Diabetic Meal Delivery Services That Make Life So Much Easier

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Mail order these meals right to your door.

By Erica Sweeney

January 9, 2022

Snap Kitchen

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes. That can sometimes make meal planning and cooking…complicated. One solution? Using a diabetic meal delivery service. Getting your meals delivered—and being able to see the nutrition label right on the package—helps take some of the guesswork out of figuring out how many grams of carbs, sugar, protein, and fats you’re eating, making it that much easier to manage your blood sugar.

As a rule of thumb for eating with diabetes, Sandra Arévalo, R.D.N., a certified diabetes educator, the director of community and patient education at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, and a spokesperson for the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, suggests following the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines, more or less. That means filling half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein such as grilled fish or beans, and a quarter with whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or whole wheat bread or tortillas. Being conscious of your intake of sugary foods and refined carbs, like white rice or white bread, which can raise your blood sugar quickly to high levels, is also important. This doesn’t at all mean that people with diabetes can never have these items—that probably wouldn’t be a sustainable (or enjoyable) way to live. It’s possible to incorporate foods you enjoy, even ones with sugar, into your eating habits with diabetes. It will likely just take some planning and preparation to do so in the safest way possible.

For instance, having protein at each meal helps slow the digestion of carbs and will keep your sugar levels under control, Arévalo says. It’s also a good idea to eat snacks that combine protein and carbohydrates in between meals to maintain your blood sugar, she explains. It’s a lot to keep track of, and finding recipes, then preparing breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners each day that adhere to all of these guidelines may seem daunting! Thus, diabetic meal delivery services and other meal delivery services that can be tailored to a diabetic-friendly eating style can make it all a little easier.

“If you are a person who doesn’t like to cook or doesn’t know how to cook balanced meals, having meals delivered is the way to go,” Arévalo says. Plus, diabetic meal delivery has a big advantage over eating out—not only is eating out expensive, but you don’t always know the nutritional composition of everything you’re eating, at least not to the extent that makes it easiest to know how what you’re eating may affect your blood sugar and diabetes symptoms.

An important note before we begin: Before kicking off any meal plan to manage your diabetes, please talk to your doctor or a certified diabetes educator or dietitian about your specific dietary needs and ensure you’re properly caring for your health. Don’t only talk to them about the physical, depending on your needs. It’s possible that a meal delivery service that focuses too much on restriction, calorie- or carb-counting, or diet-related language may be triggering to you. Emotional health is part of healthy eating as well, so be sure to look out for both your body and mind when deciding on something like a diabetic meal delivery service, and to talk about it with your care team if you need help navigating all of this.

Most Popular

Now, assuming you’ve got the go-ahead from your doctor or dietitian, here are 12 diabetic and diabetic-friendly meal delivery services that will make mealtimes a lot easier.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Nutrisystem

Why It’s Worth It: Nutrisystem D is specifically designed to help people manage their type 2 diabetes. Meals are created with this in mind, including the ideal balance of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and whole grain, low-glycemic carbs in each dish. It’s a whole-day plan, which includes frozen meals and snacks to eat every two to three hours to maintain steady blood sugar levels. There are hundreds of menu items to choose from, like a turkey sausage and egg muffin for breakfast, a grilled chicken sandwich lunch and apple slices, and almond butter to snack on.

Cost: Plans range from $9.99 to $13.74 a day.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Buy at Nutrisystem D

BistroMD

Most Popular

Why It’s Worth It: This diabetic meal delivery is designed by registered dietitians specifically to help people with diabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Each meal is chef-prepared and contains 25 grams or fewer of net carbohydrates (and, of course, follows guidelines for people with diabetes). You can choose from hundreds of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners each week, including entrées like beef with red wine sauce and barley, shepherd’s pie, or apple cinnamon oatmeal with scrambled eggs. Meals are delivered frozen.

Cost: Several plans are available, including one that is just lunch and dinner, and one that offers seven days a week of three meals per day. Prices start at about $7 per meal.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Buy at BistroMD

Diet-to-Go

Why It’s Worth It: Diet-to-Go offers a Balance-Diabetes meal plan with each entrée containing fewer than 45 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein. (This setup can also be well-suited to folks with prediabetes.) The meals are frozen and you just zap them in the microwave. You can customize your menu with items like waffles with blueberry cream cheese, chicken pesto salad, or blackened salmon.

Cost: Five- and seven-day meal plans are available; prices start at about $10 per meal.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Buy at Diet-to-Go

Metabolic Meals

Most Popular

Why It’s Worth It: Metabolic Meals isn’t created especially for people with diabetes, but it is a diabetic-friendly service thanks to the plethora of options that is available. Each week offers a different menu with items like teriyaki grass-fed beef with broccoli or shepherd’s pie, and you’ll get to choose from a variety of options crafted by expert chefs and nutrition experts to make eating a balanced, healthy diet a snap. (You can even build your own meals by picking proteins and sides.)

Cost: Meals are about $12 per serving.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska.

Buy at Metabolic Meals

Freshly

Why It’s Worth It: Though not specifically a diabetic meal delivery, Freshly is a subscription service that offers meals easy to make with diabetic nutrition guidelines, as the entrées offer a balance of complex carbs, healthy fats, high-quality proteins, and nutrient-dense ingredients. There are gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, or soy-free meals too. Menu items include a turmeric bowl, a chipotle-chicken stew, Thai basil beef, and lots more.

Cost: $8.99 to $11. 79 per meal, depending on whether you choose 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 meals per week.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Buy at Freshly

Pete’s Paleo

Most Popular

Why It’s Worth It: Pete’s Paleo is for anyone interested in the paleo style of eating, but the meals are gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free and each has at least 5 ounces of protein and 7 ounces of veggies. (It’s worth noting that these meals are higher in fat than typical diabetes meal plans might be, but some recent research has shown that eating this way may be beneficial for blood sugar control. Check with your doctor or a registered dietitian you’re working with if you’re not sure whether this will work for you.) Dishes are prepared with seasonal ingredients and menus rotate weekly, so you’ll always have a fresh slate of meals to choose from.

Cost: $98 for a five-meal-per-week plan; $191 for 10 meals a week, and $251 for 14 meals per week.

Availability: Nationwide.

Buy at Pete’s Paleo

Sunbasket

Why It’s Worth It: If you like to cook, Sunbasket might be a great diabetic-friendly meal delivery option for you. The subscription service ships fresh, healthy ingredients to your door, with instructions for preparing the meal. The company features diabetes-friendly meals approved by the American Diabetes Association, low-carb entrées with 25–35 grams or less, and gluten-free options. Menu options include chicken meatballs with tomato salad and asparagus, stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey and black beans, and lots more.

Cost: Plans start at about $10 per serving.

Availability: Most U.S. ZIP codes, except for Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, and parts of New Mexico.

Buy at Sunbasket

Factor

Most Popular

Why It’s Worth It: Designed by dietitians and prepped by chefs, Factor’s meals arrive ready to heat and eat. The entrées—including things like steak with garlic cauliflower mash, creole shrimp jambalaya, mustard salmon, and more—are made with fresh ingredients and are free from refined sugars, antibiotics, and hormones. Filters for low-carb and plant-based options make the subscription service a great option for diabetic meal delivery. Menus are updated weekly, so you’ll always have a fresh group of choices.

Cost: $11.50 per meal for 12 meals a week, $12.38 each for eight meals, and $12.83 each when you order six meals.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Buy at Factor

Magic Kitchen

Why It’s Worth It: Magic Kitchen’s diabetic-friendly meals are designed by dietitians to meet all the needs of people with diabetes. Meals like balsamic-glazed chicken with roasted potatoes and green beans and tilapia with brown rice and minted carrots contain less than 700 milligrams of sodium, and most have 20–45 grams of carbs. Each entrée comes with a main course and one or two sides, and you can purchase à la carte items like soups or individual side dishes. Everything arrives frozen, and you just need to heat it up.

Cost: Prices start at $10 per serving.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Buy at Magic Kitchen

Trifecta Nutrition

Most Popular

Why It’s Worth It: This meal delivery service offers a range of plans that can work to fit a diabetic lifestyle. Its Clean Meal Plan features plates centered around proteins, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, and most meals clock in with around 38 grams of protein and 42 grams of carbs. The meals labeled “keto” contain just 9 grams of carbs on average; there are paleo, vegan, and vegetarian plans available too. Options include chicken pesto pasta or beanless chili con carne.

Cost: Prices start at about $15 per meal.

Availability: Nationwide.

Buy at Trifecta Nutrition

Purple Carrot

Why It’s Worth It: Embracing a plant-based diet? Purple Carrot features high-protein, gluten-free, and veggie-packed meals that ship either precooked or ready to prepare. If you like to cook, opt for a meal kit with everything you need to make a healthy entrée. If not, choose from fresh, ready-made dishes that you just have to heat up. Lemon pepper tofu, roasted butternut squash pilaf, West African peanut stew, and lots more are featured on the weekly menus. You can have three or four meals delivered each week, with two or four servings each.

Cost: $12.99 per serving for prepared meals; meal kits start at $9.99 per serving.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Buy at Purple Carrot

Snap Kitchen

Why It’s Worth It: Snap Kitchen’s dietitian-planned meals are well-matched for a diabetic eating plan. You can filter the rotating menu by low-carb, high-protein, or Whole30-friendly, such as a chicken burrito bowl with avocado salsa and cod piccata with garlic-roasted cauliflower. Most dishes contain about 40 grams of carbs or fewer.

Cost: $10.50 per meal for 12 meals a week; $12 per meal for six meals a week.

Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Buy at Snap Kitchen

Related:

• 10 Signs of Type 2 Diabetes That Are Important to Recognize
• How Being Diagnosed With Diabetes Changed My Relationship With Food
• 5 Myths About Diabetes That Can Be Harmful

Erica Sweeney is a freelance journalist based in Little Rock, AR. She covers health, wellness, business, and many other topics. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Good Housekeeping, HuffPost, Parade, Money, Insider, and more.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Topicsdiabetesmeal prepShoppingtype 2 diabetes

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Top 12 Diabetic Food Delivery Services in 2022 – Drink-Drink

We include products that we think are good for our readers. If you make a purchase through the links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here is our process.

If you have diabetes, a nutritious diet that promotes healthy blood sugar levels is critical.

However, it can be difficult to stock your refrigerator and pantry with the food you need to prepare diabetes-friendly meals. In addition, many people do not have enough time, which makes cooking and planning much more difficult.

Fortunately, many food delivery services offer diabetes-friendly options, such as low-carb, plant-based, paleo, and keto options. Research shows that all of these eating patterns can promote healthy blood sugar control.1, 2, 3, 4).

Here are the top 13 food delivery services for people with diabetes.

Best Diabetic Food Delivery Services at a Glance

• Best Low Carb: Sun Basket, Snap Kitchen, Freshly
• Best Paleo: Nutrition Trifecta
• Best Keto: Green Chef, 518 Cuisine
• Best Vegetable: Factor Purple Carrot
• The best fully prepared meals: Magic kitchen, Mosaic, Spoon, Diet takeaway

How to choose the best diabetic food delivery service

There are many factors to consider when choosing a diabetic food delivery service, including:

• Nutritional value. Meals should be low in refined carbohydrates and added sugar, and high in fiber, protein and healthy fats to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Time commitment. If you love to cook, you may prefer a meal kit delivery service that provides pre-cooked ingredients and simple recipes. On the other hand, if you’re short on time, look for a company that delivers fully prepared meals.
• Household needs. Some companies offer meals for one person, which is the best choice for people living alone or looking for light meals. Other services offer catering for multiple people, which is generally suitable for couples or families.
• Dietary needs. If you’re on a particular diet, have any allergies or special food preferences, it’s important to find a food delivery service that caters to your needs.
• Budget. The cost of food delivery services can vary greatly, so be sure to consider your budget when looking for the service that’s right for you.

How We Selected

The food delivery companies on this list were selected based on the following criteria:

• The quality of the ingredients. Companies supply high quality ingredients and some use organic and pasture-raised meat.
• Suitable for people with diabetes. Food rich in vegetables rich in fiber, protein and healthy fats.
• Check. All products included have been tested to meet medical and business drink-drink standards.

Best Delivery Services for People with Diabetes

Best Low Carb Meal Delivery Options

Many people with diabetes follow a low carb diet to control their blood sugar levels. In particular, a low-carb, high-protein diet may help lower blood fat levels and speed up weight loss in people with diabetes (5, 6, 7, 8).

The following food delivery companies offer low carb meals that are ideal for people with diabetes.

Sunbathing basket

• Price per serving: $11. 49-14.49 for meal kits, $9.99-12.99 for ready meals.
• Servings: 2 or 4 Serving Meal Sets, One Serving Ready Meals

Sunbasket offers a variety of nutrient rich food sets that are suitable for many diets, including low carbohydrate diets.

The Diabetes-Friendly Plan provides meals with at least 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and 20-70 grams or less of high-quality carbohydrates per serving.

It also offers vegetarian, paleo, pescatarian, Mediterranean and gluten-free options.

What’s more, Sunbasket uses mostly organic produce and wild-caught seafood. The company employs a team of certified dietitians who evaluate recipes to ensure they are fully nutritious.

Meals are delivered weekly and most can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Sunbasket also offers a wide variety of diabetes-friendly snacks such as egg chunks, bone broth, yogurt, protein bars, nuts, and jerky.

Here are a few examples of diabetic-friendly meals that Sunbasket offers:

• Spicy Balinese Chicken with Cucumber and Kale Salad
• with Spring Vegetables and Lemon Dill Aioli

Please note that Sunbasket does not currently offer shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, or certain areas of New Mexico.

Pros

• uses high quality ingredients, including wild-caught seafood and mostly organic eggs and products
• offers a large menu with a variety of meals and snacks to choose from
• offers both set meals and fully prepared meals

Snap Kitchen

• Price Per Serving: $11.34-$13.84
• Servings: single serving for people with diabetes. The company’s low-carb meals are approximately 30% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 40% fat.

  All meals are carefully selected by a team of certified nutritionists and prepared by our chefs.

  The service also offers many options for the paleo, gluten-free, keto, and high-protein diets.

  Examples of recent low-carb options include:

  • Spicy-crusted salmon with fried broccoli and feta
  • Chicken bowl with coconut curry and Thai basil
  • Turkey chile with beans and cheddar cheese 9 0018

  Snap Kitchen delivers most states in the US, though it’s best to check the company’s website to see if Snap Kitchen delivers to your area.

  Pros

  • meals are fully prepared and require minimal preparation
  • menu curated by a team of certified nutritionists
  • includes free delivery

  fresh

  • Servings: $8.99-$11.79
  • Servings: single serving

  Like Snap Kitchen, Freshly offers fully prepared meals that require no preparation or cooking and can be reheated in less than 3 minutes.

  On average, 8-10 meals on the weekly Freshly menu contain less than 20 grams of carbs, giving you a wide variety to choose from.

  Some of the service’s low carb options include:

  • Spicy Buffalo Chicken with Loaded Cauliflower
  • Super Greens and Roasted Cauliflower

  Fresh meals are gluten free, and some meals are also dairy and plant free.

  Since you can choose between 4-12 meals per week, Freshly is the perfect choice for those who only need a few ready meals at a time.

  Freshly is available in most of the continental US.

  Pros

  • Meals are fully cooked, reheated and enjoyed
  • Offers flexible ordering options based on your needs

  Best Paleo food delivery option

  The Paleo Diet promotes whole, rich foods nutrient dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, proteins and healthy fats, while excluding grains, dairy products and added sugar.

  Some research suggests that this dietary pattern can help with weight loss and improve some metabolic markers. However, studies have been small and longer-term studies are needed (7, 8).

  Trifecta Nutrition

  • Price Per Serving: $10.49-$15.86
  • Servings Per Container: single serving

  Trifecta Nutrition Offer Meals high protein, low sugar, gluten free, soy free, dairy free foods and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

  The company’s paleo plan includes grass-fed and organic dishes. It also has meal plans for vegan, vegetarian, and ketogenic diets.

  Some examples of products from Trifecta Nutrition’s paleo menu:

  • Grilled Chicken Breast with Asparagus
  • Sausage Egg Omelet with Sweet Potato
  • Korean Bulgogi Beef

  Although you can choose up to two items to exclude from your menu , you can’t select specific meals or customize your weekly order.

  You can also choose between a paleo plan and an à la carte menu, allowing you to choose your own sources of protein, vegetables and carbohydrates.

  Trifecta Nutrition ships to most areas in the continental United States.

  Pros

  • meals are fully cooked
  • all meals are gluten, soy, dairy and GMO free
  • offers breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • includes free delivery

  Cons

  • may not be suitable for families or large households
  • does not allow you to create your own menu

  Best keto meal delivery options with better blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

  On this diet, you should limit your carbohydrate intake to 50 grams per day (2).

  The popularity of this meal plan has prompted many food delivery companies to offer keto options.

  Green Chef

  • Price per serving: $11.99-$13.49
  • Servings: 2, 4 or 6 servings

  Green Chef is a certified organic food kit delivery service that will become a good choice for those who love to cook.

  Multiple meals at Green Chef Paleo and Keto Plan provide less than 15 grams of carbs per serving, making them keto-friendly.

  You can choose from delicious dishes such as:

  • Sesame-Ginger Barramundi with Coconut Rice, Lettuce and Cilantro
  • Creamy Chicken Cabbage Chimichurri with Cilantro, Roasted Bell Peppers and Roasted Zucchini
  • Moroccan Prawn Bisque with zucchini, tomatoes, feta, spicy yoghurt and almonds

  Green Chef uses organic ingredients and works with many local suppliers to provide high quality, sustainable ingredients for all of its recipes.

  In addition to their Keto + Paleo plan, Green Chef offers plant-based and Balanced Living meal plans.

  Green Chef ships to most areas in the US except Alaska and Hawaii.

  Pros

  • uses organic products and organic ingredients
  • offers many menus for several dietary patterns

  Cons

  • more expensive than some other meal kits
  • no ready-made options
  • can only be ordered from your chosen meal plan

  Kitchen 518

  • Price per serving: $7.49-$18.99
  • 9 0016 Number of servings: Single serving

  518 Kitchen specializes on gluten-free keto meals made with high quality ingredients such as pasture-raised meats, organic eggs and responsibly sourced seafood.

  All recipes are developed by the company’s in-house nutrition team, and nutrition statistics such as macronutrient ratios are always available to customers.

  You can choose from keto breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as keto bread.

  Some sample dishes from the 518 Kitchen menu:

  • Keto Chicken Pot Pie
  • Chimichurri Pork Tenderloin

  You can also filter the menu to find low carb, vegetarian, dairy free, nut free options ov and without pork .

  518 Cuisine available throughout the country.

  Pros

  • uses high quality, organic ingredients
  • meals are delivered fully cooked
  • may be more affordable than some services depending on the items you choose
  • no subscription required

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  • limited options for certain dietary restrictions
  • may not be suitable for families or large households

  Best plant-based meal delivery options

  Research shows that plant-based eating patterns, such as vegetarian and vegan diets, improve many aspects of health. In fact, a plant-based diet may help people with diabetes lower their blood sugar levels and achieve or maintain a moderate weight. 9, 10).

  factor

  • Price per serving: $11-$15
  • Number of servings: single serving

  Factor offers a variety of meal plans, including fully cooked plant-based meals. The company’s ingredients are fresh, never frozen, free of gluten, refined sugar and GMOs.

  The Plant Based Meal Plan menu is filled with delicious dishes such as:

  • Peanut Buddha Bowl
  • Falafel Spice Chickpea Bowl

  shaft body with essential nutrients.

  It also offers other meal plans, including the Keto menu, Calorie Smart, and Chef’s Choice.

  What’s more, drink-drink editor Kelly McGrain, MS, RD, has recently tried a number of ready-to-eat delivery services and Factor has become her favorite for its high-quality ingredients and vibrant flavor.

  Factor currently delivers to all 48 contiguous states.

  Pros

  • offers a large menu with several diabetes-friendly options to choose from
  • offers balanced gluten-free meals prepared with fresh ingredients
  • all meals are fully prepared

  Cons

  • may not be suitable for families or large households
  • limited options for certain dietary restrictions
  • expensive, especially with delivery

  Purple Carrot

  • Price Per Serving: $9. 99-$12.99
  • Servings: One serving ready meals, 2 or 4 serving sets

  If you love trying new ingredients and flavor combinations, you should try Purple Carrot, a 100% plant-based meal delivery service that offers a new menu every week.

  Choose from several plant-based options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including:

  • Beans and Green Stew with Swiss Chard and Chili Garlic Yogurt

  Meals are easy to prepare and come with pre-made ingredients and recipe cards.

  Purple Carrot also offers a selection of fully cooked, plant-based meals that you can simply reheat and enjoy.

  Pros

  • provides both meal kits and ready meals
  • offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options
  • includes free shipping

  Cons

  • limited options for other diets
  • can be relatively expensive depending on how many meals you order

  Best ready meal delivery options

  There are many ready meal delivery services available that offer fresh or frozen meals that don’t require any cooking or preparation .

  Many of these services offer low-carb, plant-based, or high-protein meals to help stabilize blood sugar and save time on food preparation.

  Magic Kitchen

  • Price per serving: $10-14 per serving for a full meal
  • Number of servings: per serving or family

  Magic Kitchen is a food delivery service that provides full prepared frozen meals adapted to a variety of dietary patterns and offers a wide range of low carb and diabetes-friendly options.

  You can purchase either set meals, sets or individual products, including appetizers and desserts.

  Most items on the Magic Kitchen diabetic menu contain 20-45 grams of carbs per serving and less than 700 mg of sodium.

  Here are some examples of diabetes-friendly meals:

  • Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
  • Crab Cake, Brown Rice and Mixed Vegetables
  • Eggplant Parmigian and Polenta with Spinach and Roasted Peppers

  You can also filter items on the menu to find options that are low-fat, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sodium, vegetarian, or suitable for people with kidney disease.

  Magic Kitchen is available in all areas of the continental United States.

  Pros

  • provides a variety of meals and snacks for different diet patterns
  • allows you to order full meals, sets or individual meals
  • meals are frozen and fully cooked

  Cons

  • shipping can be expensive
  • little information on provenance or as ingredients

  Mosaic Food

  • Price per serving: $ $ 4.99 11.99-
  • Servings: per serving or family

  delivered frozen and ready for heating and use.

  The service offers both single and family meals, each of which consists of four servings.

  Meals contain at least 10-20 grams of vegetable protein per serving and are rich in high-fiber vegetables that help better control blood sugar levels.

  All dishes are also prepared without any artificial ingredients or preservatives, and many dishes are even free of nuts, wheat and added sugar.

  Here are some examples of dishes currently on the menu:

  • Coconut Chickpea Curry
  • Vegetarian Sausage and Gouda Oats
  • Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta

  Mosa ic delivers goods to most areas in the east and west USA. You can check if they ship to your area by entering your zip code on the Mosaic Foods website.

  Pros

  • provides both single meals and family meals
  • meals are fully prepared
  • meals do not contain artificial ingredients and preservatives

  Cons

  • smaller menu than at some other services
  • Not in all areas
  • limited options for certain diet patterns

  Magnificent Spoon

  • Serving Price: $ $ 9.33 14-
  • Servings Per Container: Single Serving

  Splendid Spoon specializes in providing plant-based ready meals, smoothies, soups and snacks to help you save time in the kitchen while increasing the nutritional content of your diet.

  In addition to choosing gluten-free, non-GMO, and high-protein foods, you can also filter Splendid Spoon’s menu to find options that contain less than 20 grams of carbs per serving to keep your blood sugar stable.

  Here are some examples of low carb foods:

  • Vegetable Bologna Cereal Bowl
  • Cauliflower Tikka Soup
  • Red Beet Quinoa Cereal Bowl

  All items fully prepared and individually packaged for added convenience.

  Splendid Spoon is currently available worldwide. adjacent United States.

  Pros

  • meals and smoothies are delivered fully prepared
  • offers smoothies, soups, snacks and meals
  • all products are vegan, gluten free and non-GMO

  Cons

  • does not fit all dietary restrictions
  • some plans can be somewhat expensive

  Diet-To-Go

  • Price per serving: $ $ 9.19 14.80-
  • Number of servings: single serving

  substances of meals designed to improve control blood sugar levels.

  They offer several different menus, including the Balance-Diabetes menu, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are low in carbs, sodium, fat, and cholesterol.

  They also have various other rotating menus that include an assortment of vegetarian, low carb or low calorie options.

  Diet-to-Go also allows you to customize the menu based on your food preferences and dietary restrictions when placing an order.

  Here are some examples of menu items that are good for diabetes:

  • Greek Quinoa Chicken
  • Baked Salmon with Herbs and Vegetarian Blend
  • Cinnamon Walnut Flakes

  individual packaging, which makes this option convenient for those who live alone.

  Pros

  • offers a rotating menu with fully cooked meals
  • offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options
  • Menu can be customized based on personal preference

  Cons

  • May not be suitable for families or large households
  • Shipping costs may be expensive
  • Not suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions or food allergies

  Food delivery services comparison

  Here’s a quick overview of how our selections of the best food delivery services for people with diabetes compare:

  9 0683 Diet-To-Go

  90 705

  Price per serving	Delivery	Type of food	Portions 9001 7	Special diets
  Sun basket	• US$11. 49-14.49 per meal kits • Ready meals from $9.99 to $12.99.	$9.99	• meal kits • prepackaged	• meal kits 2 or 4 servings • Single serving ready meals	• Diabetes friendly • Gluten free • Paleo • Pescatarian • Vegetarian • Mediterranean
  Snap Kitchen	$ $ 11.34 13.84-	free	prepared	single serving	• dairy free • high protein • keto • low carb • paleo • pescatarian • total30
  fresh	$ $ 8.99 11.79-90 688	$ $ 9.99 11.99-	prepared	single serving	• gluten free • for vegetable base
  Trifecta	$ $ 10.49 15.86-	free	prepared	single serving 906 88	• keto • paleo • Vegan • Vegetarian
  Green Chef	$ $ 11. 99 13.49-	$9.99	meal kits	2, 4 or 6 servings	• gluten free • keto • paleo • vegan • vegetarian • Mediterranean
  Kitchen 518	$ $ 7.49 18.99-	$14.99	prepared	single serving	• dairy free • keto • low carb • vegetarian
  factor	$ $ 11 15-	$9.99	prepared	single serving	• Keto • Low Carb • Low Calorie • Plant Based
  Purple Carrot	• 9$.99 for meal kits • $12.99 for pre-made meals	free	• meal kits • ready-made	• 2 or 4-serving meal sets • one-serving ready meals 90 003	• gluten free • high protein • low calorie • vegan
  Magic Kitchen	• $10-14 per set food • $1 to $45 for individual items.	starts at $18.95	• prepackaged	• single serving • family	• good for diabetes • good for dialysis • kidney diet • no milk • low fat • low sodium • low carbohydrate • seniors diet • vegetarian
  Mosaic	$ $ 4.99 11.99-	• $7.99 • Free on orders over $100	• Ready made	• Single serving • Family	• Vegetarian • vegan • high protein • wheat free • nut free
  Gorgeous Spoon	$ $ 9.33 14-	free	• finished	single serving	• vegan • low fat • high fiber • low carbohydrate • low sugar • low sodium • low calorie
  $ $ 9.19 14. 80-	$19.98 per week	• prepared	single serving	• vegan • calorie control • keto

  FAQ

  Does HelloFresh have a diabetic menu?

  While HelloFresh doesn’t have a diabetic menu, they do offer several low carb options.

  In fact, all foods labeled “Carb Smart” on the menu contain about 40 grams of net carbs per serving, which may be appropriate for people living with diabetes.

  Are there ready meals for diabetics?

  Many different food delivery services offer ready meals that can be simply reheated without the need for cooking. Most of the options listed above include pre-made options as well as meal kits with pre-made ingredients and recipe cards.

  Is Blue Apron good for people with diabetes?

  Blue Apron does not currently offer a low carb menu or meal plan specifically for people with diabetes. However, they provide detailed nutritional and ingredient information for each dish, so you can choose dishes to suit your needs.

  Bottom Line

  Many food delivery services provide nutritious meals that can promote healthy blood sugar levels.

  If you’re looking for a delicious and convenient way to improve your diet and improve your overall health, try one of the diabetic meal delivery services on this list.

  Eating Right: Foods that Help Diabetes

  Intermittent Fasting for Type 1 Diabetes: What the Research Says

  Diet and diet play a vital role in the effective management of patients with type 1 diabetes. The modern world offers a myriad of health-promoting diets, so it’s natural to wonder if they can also make your life with type 1 diabetes easier.

  Intermittent fasting is one of the diets that are of great interest to many patients with type 1 diabetes. This article provides an overview on the topic of intermittent fasting. We offer you a summary of the results of studies that have studied intermittent fasting in the treatment of patients with diabetes. Finally, here’s what experts think about the safety and effectiveness of intermittent fasting for people with type 1 diabetes.

  What is intermittent fasting?

  Intermittent fasting is a diet in which long periods of fasting alternate evenly with short periods of eating ¹ . Unlike most diets, which focus on allowed and prohibited foods, with intermittent fasting, the question “What time should I eat?” ¹ .

  This eating pattern is based on the idea that evolution has given humans the ability to go without food for hours on end and that this ability helps our body stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight.

  A typical Western lifestyle can be described as follows: a person eats high-calorie foods from morning until late in the evening, does not exercise, insulin and glucose levels rise, a person gains fat mass. Over time, this lifestyle increases the risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes and immune system disorders ² .

  Intermittent fasting differs sharply from the Western lifestyle diet, as it implies strict restrictions on the time of eating. There are three main approaches to intermittent fasting ¹ .

  • Daily fasting: for several hours a day, the person does not eat or drink foods or drinks that contain calories. The fasting period usually lasts from 16 to 18 hours. The remaining 6-8 hours a day is allowed.
  • 5:2 fasting: people eat unlimited meals 5 days a week, and the remaining two days either eat once a day or limit their daily energy intake to 500-800 calories.
  • Complete (daily) fasting: abstaining from food for one to three days. This type of fasting can be dangerous and is therefore not recommended for general use.

  Risks and benefits of intermittent fasting in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus

  Intermittent fasting improves insulin and glucose levels in people without diabetes. Therefore, the interest of researchers in the use of such a diet as a therapy for people with diabetes is constantly growing.

  However, most research focuses on the effects of intermittent fasting on people with type 2 diabetes rather than type 1.

  The few studies that have examined the effects of intermittent fasting on type 1 diabetes have suggested that it may help reduce body weight and insulin requirements ³ . Animal studies have shown that intermittent fasting can even help regenerate pancreatic cells that are damaged in type 1 diabetes ⁶ .

  However, for all the potential benefits of intermittent fasting for people with type 1 diabetes, there are some serious risks to both diabetes management and overall health. Such risks involve the following ³ .

  • Increased risk of dehydration. During a fast, a person consumes less water-containing foods, such as fruits. In addition, some people may take medications that help remove fluid from the body.
  • Increased risk of low blood glucose levels in patients receiving insulin. It occurs in people who change their diet but do not change their insulin schedule. It should be remembered that insulin is a hormone that is responsible for delivering glucose to cells. When a person does not eat, the uninterrupted supply of glucose from food is interrupted and glucose levels can drop to dangerous levels if the dose of insulin administered is not adjusted.
  • Increased risk of ketoacidosis. Occurs if the body tries to compensate for the lack of glucose due to the breakdown of fats or if the level of insulin is greatly reduced during nutritional correction ⁴ .

  Researchers have shown that intermittent fasting can be effective in patients with type 1 diabetes as part of an ongoing, structured educational program that helps patients adjust to new lifestyles, medications, and disease control. However, many people with type 1 diabetes are unable to participate in such support programs ⁵ .

  Do experts recommend intermittent fasting in the complex treatment of type 1 diabetes?

  Initial research into intermittent fasting as a treatment for type 1 diabetes is encouraging, but diabetes expert bodies including Diabetes UK and the American Diabetes Association have not yet made statements against or in favor of intermittent fasting. fasting.

  This is because more research is needed to understand the effect of this diet on the body, and also because intermittent fasting is not for everyone ⁷ .

  Recommendations for those who want to try intermittent fasting for type 1 diabetes

  There are currently no medical recommendations for the use of intermittent fasting in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The Diabetes Expert Panel reviewed the studies to make recommendations for patients with type 1 diabetes who decide to try intermittent fasting ³ .

  • Closely monitor your blood glucose levels and try not to let them fall too low. Consider using a continuous glucose monitoring system.
  • Examine the symptoms of hypoglycemia to recognize them if they occur ⁵ .
  • If you use an insulin pump, be prepared to discuss insulin dosage and regimen adjustments with your diabetes care team.
  • Be prepared to make adjustments to your meal times if your blood glucose is too low.
  • Maintain close contact with health professionals who see you. Work with dietitians to maximize your nutritional needs throughout the day and match your fasting and eating times to your body’s needs.
  • Don’t rush. Your body will take some time to get used to the new diet. Even in people without type 1 diabetes, this adaptation can take up to 3 weeks ¹ . People with type 1 diabetes should patiently monitor their glucose intake and adjust their insulin therapy accordingly.

  Conclusion

  You may want to try different diets and see if they improve your health and make life with type 1 diabetes easier. However, it should be remembered that intermittent fasting is not a general recommendation for patients with type 1 diabetes, as it is associated with high risks, and similar results can be achieved with other diets and exercise.

  If you do decide to stick to an intermittent fasting regimen, make sure you know how to recognize and track sudden changes in glucose levels. And most importantly, together with the medical professionals who see you, develop a treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and drug therapy.

  References

  1. Intermittent Fasting: What is it, and how does it work? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/intermittent-fasting-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work. Published 2020. [Accessed March 2021].
  2. Christ A, Latz E. The Western lifestyle has lasting effects on metaflammation. Nature Reviews Immunology . 2019;19(5):267-268.
  3. Grajower M, Horne B. Clinical Management of Intermittent Fasting in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Nutrients . 2019;11(4):873.
  4. Fernández-Cardona A, González-Devia D, Mendivil C. Intermittent Fasting as a Trigger of Ketoacidosis in a Patient With Stable, Long-term Type 1 Diabetes. J Endocr Soc . 2020;4(10).
  5. Al-Ozairi E, El Samad A, Al Kandari J, Aldibbiat A. Intermittent Fasting Could Be Safely Achieved in People With Type 1 Diabetes Undergoing Structured Education and Advanced Glucose Monitoring. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10.
  6. Cheng C, Villani V, Buono R et al. Fasting-Mimicking Diet Promotes Ngn3-Driven β-Cell Regeneration to Reverse Diabetes. Cell . 2017;168(5):775-788.e12.
  7. Diabetes.co.uk. Intermittent fasting may not work for everyone, researchers discover. https://www.diabetes.co.uk. Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2020/june/intermittent-fasting-may-not-work-for-everyone-researchers-discover.