Some of the things you’ve heard probably aren’t true
People who have diabetes most likely watch what you eat to keep their blood sugar (glucose) levels steady. This is important for maintaining good health and avoiding potentially serious problems.
According to Andrea Dunn, RD, LD, CDE, from the Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease Institute a lot of patients have misconceptions about diabetes and diet. Here is a list of myths which she elaborates in her research:
Myth 1: You need to follow a ‘diabetic diet’
Fact: There is no such thing as diabetic diet; it is recommended that you adopt a heart-healthy eating style that helps maintain a healthy weight. Eat mostly plant-based diet like vegetables, fruits and whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and vegetable oils instead of butter or margarine.
Myth 2: You have to stop eating bread
Fact: Stick to healthy portions and choose whole grains bread. Get informed about which foods contain carbohydrates and spread your carbohydrates throughout the day to keep blood glucose stable.
Myth 3: Avoiding sugar will help you control diabetes
Fact: Sugar is just one part of the total carbohydrates you’ll need to watch to keep your glucose levels stable. Check the food label to determine the number of carbohydrates you’re consuming at each meal. Check the total carbohydrate grams per serving, and do the math.
Myth 4: You can eat all the meat and fat you want because they have zero carbohydrates
Fact: It is important for your heart to eat less fat, especially saturated fat, from meat and other foods. In 2 diabetes patients the risk of heart disease is two to four times higher than normal. Stay heart-healthy by eating a variety of mainly plant-based foods.
Myth 5: Juice is better for you than soda
Fact: Juice might contain more nutrients, but it can raise blood glucose levels just as much as soft drinks can. Half a cup of juice contains the same amount of carbohydrate as half a cup of soda population. Switch to water and other zero-calorie drinks for your main beverages.
Myth 6: If you’re overweight, you’re doomed to get diabetes
Fact: You can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by losing just 5 to 7 percent of your weight and by getting a minimum of two and a half hours of exercise per week. Those are findings from the Diabetes Prevention Program, a major study conducted at multiple U.S. medical centers. Small changes can add up to a big difference in your health!
Myth 7: If you take diabetes medications, you don’t have to watch what you eat
Fact: It is necessary to take care of what you eat and how active you are to stay on top of diabetes. Good lifestyle, including what we eat and how much we exercise, is essential for good health whether we have diabetes or not. Taking proper medications and monitoring your blood glucose following your doctor’s advice is crucial.
