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Eggs in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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It is difficult to imagine a diet that excludes eggs. They are delicious in any "role": as a self-sufficient dish, in salads, and as an irreplaceable ingredient in baking. And there is also non-food use of eggs and their components... And if eggs for diabetes were previously discussed only in the context of a ban, today the opinion of doctors has changed in favor of egg lovers.

Can you eat eggs if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

In addition to medications, diabetics need to eat right, this is the most important part of treatment. The principles of the diet are healthy foods plus moderation. If these principles are followed, the need for pharmaceuticals is significantly reduced. Practice shows that dietary nutrition can be tasty and varied. Eggs for diabetes, among other things, perform this function. [ 1 ]

The differences in the selection of dishes for both types are due to the causes and consequences of pathologies, which we will not go into now. Whether it is possible to eat eggs with diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2 is a separate question, and has been controversial for a long time. It is decided by the doctor individually, based on the characteristics of the course of the disease and the state of health in general.

The list of products allowed for diabetes includes eggs in small quantities. In older recommendations, the restrictions are strict - 2 whites per week, exclude yolks. Then medicine allowed up to 4 eggs, mainly in the form of an omelet. And new studies have convinced doctors that this product is not only not harmful, but is even recommended for diabetics.

  • Provided that the pathology is not complicated by additional problems, 1 egg can be eaten every day, at any meal.
  • If there are risks, consumption is limited to 2-4 pieces. In some cases, you should avoid yolks.
  • Raw eggs can be drunk by those who really love them, but only occasionally.

Fried foods are prohibited if this means the "classic" version: eggs with lard, bacon, sausage. It is allowed to cook scrambled eggs on non-stick cookware, without adding harmful ingredients. [ 2 ]

General information Eggs in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

The harm from eggs is associated with cholesterol, as well as the fact that they can be a source of salmonellosis - an infectious intestinal disease. Quail products are less dangerous in this sense than chicken. Both threats, however, are easy to prevent: do not exceed the recommended portions of eggs for diabetes and thoroughly wash the shell from visible and invisible contaminants.

  • If earlier specialists forbade this product for diabetics, now an alternative opinion prevails. In thematic articles, the authors refer to research from the University of Sydney, refuting the previously existing opinion that eggs are harmful for diabetes. [ 3 ]

According to the conditions, the group of volunteers was divided into two parts. Some ate 12 eggs a week, others - one or two chicken eggs. For several months, scientists monitored the level of sugar and cholesterol, as well as blood pressure. The experiment showed that during this time, no risks arose in either group. And that in fact, completely different products are harmful. Thus, the opinion was refuted that eggs are dangerous for diabetes. [ 4 ]

At the same time, recommendations regarding consumption standards change and differ in different countries. For example, Americans, known as active fighters against cholesterol, suggest that diabetics eat at least 4 eggs a week. Research on this topic continues and it is quite realistic to expect new discoveries and recommendations.

Chicken eggs for diabetics

Often, diabetics' tests show an increase in so-called "bad" cholesterol. This is considered an alarming risk factor for the heart, which is why any eggs have long been an undesirable product for diabetics. According to new studies, it turned out that chicken eggs were unfairly banned for diabetics and that in fact they do not have a negative effect on the blood. Therefore, diabetics can eat them daily.

  • The role of eggs in type 2 diabetes is to supply proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats. They are necessary for the body to function in a certain amount every day, and the product is able to provide it.

There is no need to be afraid of cholesterol, because its amount is not critical. The danger lies elsewhere: in the pathogens of salmonellosis, which can infect egg products. Avoiding the threat is easy: just boil the eggs. When exposed to high temperatures, salmonella dies and loses all danger. [ 5 ]

According to nutritionists, the best time for egg dishes is a second breakfast or afternoon snack. All options are suitable: smyatka, "pouch", steam omelet. Cooking offers a variety of delicious recipes, including salads combined with vegetables, greens, and other ingredients. For lovers of fried eggs, they are offered to cook them without oil.

Raw, boiled, fried eggs for diabetes

Diet No. 9, designed for people with high glucose, limits foods with cholesterol and rich in fats, including eggs. The daily diet includes no more than 1 piece. In what form should they be consumed and what is better: raw, boiled, fried eggs for diabetes?

  • The raw product is a unique source of natural components necessary for the human body. Athletes drink a cocktail called eggnog to build muscle, singers - to strengthen their vocal cords. Traditional medicine uses fresh eggs for coughs, and many women make masks for skin and hair.

Unfortunately, there is a bad side to the issue. Eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, despite veterinary control. And even more so in the absence of such, when buying from random people selling a home product. Therefore, before breaking an egg, wash the shell with soap and water and check for freshness. Eggs for diabetes are also cooked with lemon or other fruit juice.

  • It is equally important that the egg is fresh, even if it is not eaten raw. The shell of a fresh egg is clean, undamaged, and does not float to the surface when immersed in water. [ 6 ]

Boiled eggs can prevent the development of diabetes, and this has been confirmed experimentally. Soft-boiled eggs retain all the benefits and are easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It is important that such processing does not increase the glycemic index.

When fried correctly, the GI also hardly increases. But fried eggs in a regular frying pan are not the best choice. It is important not to saturate the dish with excess fats. For this purpose, there is a steam method for cooking omelettes. In extreme cases, pour in a little vegetable oil. [ 7 ]

  • You can diversify the menu with original dishes, such as the French poached egg - one of the varieties of soft-boiled. Raw eggs can be drunk by those who really like them, but rarely.

But there is a condition: people are advised not to get too carried away with this food, so as not to get a minus instead of a plus, that is, a higher probability or complications of diabetes.

Quail eggs for diabetes

Quail eggs are a popular dietary product, surpassing chicken eggs in the content of vitamins, essential amino acids, and minerals. Lysine, iron, interferon - these and other unique substances increase immunity, strengthen the nervous system, stimulate brain activity, eliminate sexual dysfunctions and have a beneficial effect on men's health.

  • Another advantage is that small quail eggs are less allergenic than those produced by poultry. The shell also contains useful minerals, which knowledgeable people do not throw away.

Quail eggs are medicinal in many cases. Thus, quail eggs improve the functioning of endocrine organs in diabetes, stabilize renewal, and promote the healing of postoperative wounds. Mineral and vitamin ingredients strengthen and rejuvenate the body, restore the nervous system, and prevent eye pathologies and anemia.

  • Diabetics are recommended to drink six eggs daily, preferably raw. With regular use, the result becomes noticeable after 2-3 weeks. In general, the course is 300 eggs. Keep in mind that the product eases digestion. [ 8 ]

Doctors recommend eating raw eggs, but do not object to boiled or omelette. The main thing is that they are of high quality and fresh. To maintain freshness, they are kept in the refrigerator, without losing their properties - up to 2 months.

A delicious cocktail is made from eggs beaten with lemon juice. Drinking the drink on an empty stomach reduces sugar and saturates with nutrients. Breakfast should be had an hour after the cocktail.

Some sources indicate that quail eggs have no contraindications. Others cite the following contraindications for eggs in diabetes:

  • individual intolerance;
  • allergy;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • disorders associated with protein malabsorption;
  • high cholesterol levels that cannot be corrected.

To prevent negative reactions, start with one egg. Once you are sure that there are no negative reactions, increase the dose to the therapeutic dose.

Egg with lemon for diabetes

Lemon has a low glycemic index. The index shows how food affects glucose levels. Low glycemic foods reduce sugar, which makes them especially useful for patients. An egg with lemon for diabetes is one of the folk methods of normalizing sugar. Fresh fruits and juice are used.

  • Lemon fiber reduces sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, which is very important for patients. At the same time, citrus replenishes the body's lack of vitamins, organic acids, minerals and other components.

Eggs suitable for diabetes are chicken or quail. Both types are nutritious, and quail eggs are also dietary. They are combined with lemon according to the following recipe: for 1 chicken or 5 quail eggs take 50 ml of fresh juice. The ingredients are mixed until smooth and a single dose is obtained.

  • The scheme is as follows: the cocktail is drunk once a day 40 minutes before meals. Three days in a row. Then there is a 3-day break and the procedure is repeated. And so on for a month.

Lemon juice may not be suitable if the acidity level is high. In this case, Jerusalem artichoke juice is used if this vegetable can be found in a supermarket or market.

The remedy is also obtained from lemon peelings and boiling water. For 400 ml, you need the peel of 2 fruits, which is infused in a thermos for about 2 hours. Drink the vitamin liquid after 2 hours of infusion, 100 ml two or three doses per day. The drink normalizes sugar levels and enriches with vitamins.

Benefits

Eggs are rich in vitamins, polyunsaturated fats, and protein. They are necessary for the normal functioning of the body, and people with diabetes are no exception. The benefits of eggs for diabetes are obvious; they improve appetite, satisfy hunger, and reduce body weight. All this happens with proper use. The only questions are when and in what quantities to eat eggs for diabetes.

  • Some people do not eat the yolk so as not to saturate the body with harmful cholesterol, which clogs the blood system. Or because of the fear of getting salmonella. [ 9 ], [ 10 ]

One could argue that cooking destroys salmonella and makes the product non-infectious. For example, a hard-boiled egg is a safe, protein-rich snack; among them are proteins that are especially beneficial for vision and brain function. And it is advisable to limit yolks to the amount individually agreed upon with a doctor. [ 11 ]

  • To avoid increasing the fat content, fry eggs without oil, and combine boiled eggs with vegetables and do not put them on sandwiches with butter.

When choosing a product, you should know that eggs are sold as dietary (shelf life is a week) and table eggs (25 days). The peculiarity of dietary eggs is that boiled ones can be difficult to peel, so it is better to break such eggs raw.

Contraindications

The main contraindications are allergies and intolerance to protein components. [ 12 ] Eggs are prohibited or limited for diabetics if there are problems such as:

  • extensive atherosclerosis;
  • kidney and liver damage;
  • protein malabsorption;
  • consistently high cholesterol.

The egg-lemon mixture is not recommended for hyperacidosis.

Complications

Quail eggs almost never cause allergies or other side effects. [ 13 ], A mild laxative effect of eggs in diabetes is normal and is not considered a possible complication.

Reviews

On forums, people often share their stories and experiences of the course of diseases. Most reviews concern quail eggs for diabetes, their benefits for the body as a whole.

Many diabetics who follow a regimen and diet establish a normal life. Eggs for diabetes (chicken, quail, ostrich) with the right approach bring only benefit to the patient. The main thing is to cook them correctly and not abuse portions.

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