Mixed-up Diabetes Myths – Part 2

Part 2 of 2 parts

Continuation of diabetes myths

#6. You will need to give up your favorite foods. There is some truth in this. Many of the whole-grain foods, breads, most potatoes, and white rice should be eliminated without thinking. Sometimes some people can have small servings if they have planned for these.

Some of the other food favorites will still be allowed if you do the following:

1. Change the way your favorite foods are prepared.
2. Making adjustments in the foods you usually eat with your favorite foods.
3. Reducing the serving sizes of your favorite foods.
4. Occasionally using your favorite foods as a treat when the carb count has been planned.

#7. You have to give up desserts of you have diabetes. Very false! You need to limit the amount you eat or save the dessert for special occasions when you allow for the extra carbs. Or use these suggestions:

1. Use artificial sweeteners in desserts.
2. Reduce the amount of the dessert, or share with a friend.
3. Use desserts as an infrequent reward for following your diabetes food plan.
4. Make desserts more nutritious. With most recipes, using less sugar can be done without ruining taste, or consistency.
5. Expand your dessert horizons. Try different yogurts and fruit.

#8. Artificial sweeteners are dangerous for people with diabetes. The jury is still out on artificial sweeteners. There are some studies lately that have conflicting data. Even though the American Diabetes Association approves the use of the following sweeteners, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, there are more ‘natural’ sweeteners coming on the market that may give better options.

#9. You need to eat special diabetic meals. Again, this is hype and diabetic diets do not exist. Food manufacturers and dietitians want you to believe there are diabetic diets, but these are often packed with carbohydrates. The food plans that are good for people with diabetes are also good choices for the rest of the family and no special meals need to be prepared. It is important for people with diabetes to consume less food or eat to what his/her blood glucose meter tells them in the right quantity.

#10. Diet foods are the best choices for diabetes. Don't believe this one. They are more expensive than and not as nutritious as some foods found in the regular areas of your grocery store. Often foods that you prepare yourself will be more nutritious and better for you. Learn how to read labels on the foods you choose and carefully read the ingredients section.

It is important to know that you can't learn everything overnight and some of the above pointers may need refreshing before they become second nature. By taking exercise and the medication, you can use what you eat, if you know the meaning of the meter readings, to keep your blood glucose levels close to or near normal levels.