Nov 6, 2021
Living with diabetes series
Let’s Bust 10 Diabetes Diet Myths!
Myths and truths about the diabetes diet
In spite of diabetes being a common condition in a significant part of the population, there are several misconceptions about what you can eat when you have diabetes and what you should avoid. And as always, there are more diabetes diet myths than we can count!
Let’s bust at least 10 diabetes diet myths right away
1. Consuming too much sugar causes diabetes
This is a myth. The truth is diabetes develops when our body starts losing its ability to convert the food we eat into energy.
Another myth related to sugar is that you must avoid it completely. The truth is, you can enjoy your favorite foods so long as you have a proper meal plan for diabetes in place.
Read the labels of foods you buy. Limit products with added sugars.
You don’t have to give up desserts as long as it is part of your balanced meal plan. Sugar, being a carbohydrate, does raise blood glucose but so do other carbohydrates such as potatoes, beans, rice, bread, pasta, fruit juices, and milk. To keep blood sugar levels under control, plan your carbohydrate intake. If you are tempted by a sweet, swap it for another carbohydrate.
2. A diabetes diet is full of rules
Another myth. When you have diabetes, you must plan your meals and this involves a few simple rules, much like any other healthy diet. To ensure that blood sugar levels are stable, pick foods that work with your exercise routine and medications. You may have to adjust the amount of fiber, complex carbohydrates, fats, and protein you add to your meal. It isn’t that different from any other healthy diet!
3. Carbohydrates are bad for diabetes
Yet another myth. Carbohydrates are an essential part of any healthy diet and this includes the diabetes diet as well as the non-diabetes diet. Our body needs carbohydrates for energy.
Yes, carbohydrates have an impact on your blood sugar and that is why it is important to pick the right carbs. There are simple carbs and complex carbs.
- Simple carbs are starchy sugary carbs that raise blood sugar levels to add weight rapidly.
- Complex carbs, which have vitamins, minerals, and fiber digest slowly and do not cause spikes in blood sugar. Examples of good carbs are whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Portion control is important. What about low-carb products? They are often expensive, high in fat and calories, and contain artificial sweeteners. So read the labels.
Read: Diabetes and carbohydrate counting
4. Protein is better than carbohydrates for diabetes
This is a myth. Just because some carbs raise blood sugar levels quickly, that doesn’t mean you must load up on protein. Sometimes protein comes with too much of saturated fat that’s not good for heart health. Again, portion size is key.
Consult your nutritionist about the right quantities of protein to include in your diet. There are studies to show that too much protein, especially animal protein, can increase insulin resistance. A healthy diet is a balanced diet with fats, carbohydrates, and protein in the right proportions.
5. You can manipulate your medication to balance what you eat
Definitely a myth. For those who are on insulin, you have to adjust the amount to match the food you eat. But this does not imply that you can eat whatever you want and then just raise your medication dosage to balance your blood sugar levels.
The same goes for oral diabetes drugs. Never assume you can adjust your medication to cover the food you eat without your doctor’s advice. Medication must always be taken as directed. Clarify any doubts with your doctor.
6. You can no longer eat your favorite foods
That is not true. When you have diabetes, there is no need to stop eating your favorite foods. You can still enjoy what you like. All you need to do is be mindful of how you eat them. Here are some tips:
- Bake instead of frying
- Swap mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes
- Enjoy smaller portions and eat slowly
- Don’t use food as a reward
Talk to a dietitian to help you make a meal plan that includes foods you enjoy.
7. Diabetes means no desserts
Diabetes need not mean giving up desserts. What you can do is the following: Love ice cream? Go for half the quantity or share it with someone. Go for low-calorie low-carb ingredients. Try fruit or a whole grain cookie or yogurt for dessert. Halve the sweetener while making the recipe.
8. You must avoid low calorie and zero-calorie sweeteners
Sugar substitutes are far sweeter than sugar with zero calories. You can use them sparingly. Stevia is considered a safe sugar substitute. Try and minimize the use of these as there is a conflicting opinion on whether or not these are safe. Check with your doctor to find out which ones are suitable for you.
9. People with diabetes must eat special diabetes meals
Not true. There’s no such thing as a special diabetes diet. What’s healthy for people with diabetes is healthy for the rest of the family! It’s just that when you eat, you must take care to count your calories, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Talk to your nutritionist to learn how to keep track. Foods being promoted as special diabetes foods are usually more expensive and bring no special benefits.
10. A healthy diet and medication can control blood sugars
Besides the prescribed medication and healthy diet, diabetes management also involves regular exercise, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep. Regular exercise maintains muscle mass and helps regulate blood sugar.
Manage your diabetes by including natural foods. Try and avoid packaged and processed foods as much as you can.
Stay healthy!
In a majority of people diagnosed with diabetes, the main problem is the lack of diabetes education. The Living with Type-2 Diabetes series will cover various aspects of the condition with tips and suggestions to manage it better.
In this series so far:
The ABCs of Diabetes
Blood Pressure and Living with Diabetes
Does Dessert Have a Place in the Diabetes Diet
The Cholesterol-Diabetes Connection
The Diabetes Diet and Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Disclaimer: The information in this post is purely for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
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