Myths Around Food And Diabetes 

Are you aware of the myths that have been built around diabetes and diet? If you don’t know, you should. Diabetes is a chronic condition and if it’s not responsibly managed it can lead to severe complications such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, nerve damage, chronic kidney disease, or even death. 

So, learn the 7 important myths and facts about diabetes and diet in this article.  

7 Myths about diet, nutrition, and diabetes 

1. People with diabetes should never eat sugar.  

Fact. That’s not true. However, you need to be extremely cautious with how much sugar you should eat. Because it can lead to high blood sugar which can lead to severe complications. Eat only if you have good diabetes control and learn how to manage your carbohydrate count with your nutritional requirements, without compromising your glycemic control. Ask your dietitian how you can maintain your diabetes by eating some sugar as a part of your daily diet plan.  

2. You should avoid all starchy foods.  

Fact. That’s not true. Because starchy foods help to break down glucose, which is a main source of energy. Foods like rice, bread, noodles, cereals, etc. are the main source. The key to diabetes management is to know about your requirements for carbohydrates to maintain your health without raising your blood glucose levels.  

3. A special diet is required to manage diabetes.  

Fact. Like normal people, people with diabetes also need to maintain a nutritionally well-balanced diet. But that does not mean you need to prepare separate meals for them, and different ones for other family members. Well-balanced meals have foods containing lean protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains that are good for everyone and help manage blood sugar. You can try some convenience foods that are designed specifically for diabetic people to simplify eating such as glaucoma products which are made with balanced nutrition in mind and contain low glycemic carbohydrates and protein to manage hunger.  

4. Protein doesn’t raise blood sugar, so you can consume it in enormous quantities.  

Fact. Don’t do it. Although protein doesn’t directly impact blood sugar levels as carbohydrates do, if you eat protein in high quantities; if it is not used in building muscle then it will be converted into calories, and too many calories can lead to weight gain. That is not good in the long term, because it can lead to being overweight or obese. So, instead of only focusing on eating more protein, concentrate on eating a well-balanced diet.  

5. People with diabetes should avoid fruits.  

Fact. Well, it’s a myth. You can eat fruits with or without diabetes. Even though fruits contain carbohydrates, they are also a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. There is no good or bad fruit to eat with diabetes. Just learn carbohydrate counting techniques to maintain your blood sugar levels so any fruit can fit into your daily eating plan.  

6. Losing weight can cure your diabetes.  

Fact. Well, it’s not true. If you are overweight, losing weight does not cure your diabetes but improves your insulin resistance which is caused by weight gain, which helps you to control blood glucose levels. Additionally, it also helps to control your blood lipids/ cholesterol and blood pressure.  

7. You can eat what you want because medications cover it for you.  

Fact. One of the biggest myths. Just because you take diabetes medication does not mean you are allowed to eat anything you want. Your medication is used to stabilize your blood sugar levels, not to manage other chronic conditions that you can develop with diabetes such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or obesity. That’s why doctors make changes in your diet so that you not only manage your diabetes in the long term but prevent other complications as well.

These myths and facts about diabetes and diet help you clear your understanding of how you should handle your diabetes in a better way by making necessary changes in your diet.

If you want to learn more about diet and nutrition, call us at 1-347-384-5690 to schedule a consultation. And if you’re in need of dietary advice, walk-in for an appointment at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212.