When doctors write about diabetes myths
or discuss them, I sincerely wish they would realize the problems
they create. This article in WebMD is a typical example of what the
doctors don't take into consideration.
They list ten diabetes diet myths and
in general have some validity, but do not consider everything. The
list in this blog includes:
Yes, I am leaving them active for those
that want to read them as they are covered.
Myth 1 is about sugar and poorly
explained. Quote: “Simply eating too much sugar is unlikely
to cause diabetes. Instead, diabetes begins when something disrupts
your body's ability to turn the food you eat into energy.” Unquote.
This much is true, but does not account for genetics, environment,
or exposure to other causes. Certain medications or chemicals can
also cause diabetes and most writers totally ignore what steroids can
do to people with a pancreas that is already in trouble.
The fact that the pancreas is aging and
not working as efficiently as it once did, or that insulin resistance
has increased is seldom mentioned. Yes, glucose is needed by the
cells for fuel, but even sugar needs to be converted.
Myth 2 is totally false as there
are no rules for a diabetes diet, only what your meter tells you and
you need to develop your own food plan. Having diabetes simply means
that you will need to plan your meals and what you consume around
your activities and medications. Yes, you will probably need to make
changes in the quantity of food you eat.
Your aim is to maintain your blood
glucose levels near normal for the long term. Yes, you should
consider making some adjustments, but your food plan may not require
as many changes as you thought, just decreasing to quantity may
suffice.
Myth 3 In fact, carbohydrates
(or "carbs," as most of us call them) should be limited for
those of us with diabetes. They form the foundation of an unhealthy
diabetes diet, or of any diet. Mostly, carbohydrate-rich foods,
especially wheat and whole grains are creating much of the
overweight/obesity problem in the United States today. Carbs have
the greatest effect on blood glucose levels, which is why a diabetes
diet asks you to monitor how many of them you eat. They also contain
vitamins, minerals, and fiber; however, these are found in other
foods, and often at higher levels. So choose those with the most
nutrients, high-fiber fruits, and vegetables. You may find it easier
to select the best carbs if you meet with a nutritionist.
Myth 4 Yes, carbohydrates often
cause your blood glucose levels to rise rapidly. That is why you
should consider adding more protein and fat to your food plan. Many
dietitians and doctors warn about too much protein and discourage red
meat, as they still believe in the myth about saturated fat. Because
everyone is different, you should talk to a nutritionist or a
knowledgeable doctor about whether you may have problems with too
much protein or adding too much fat to your meal plan. These are
large variables and your meal plan needs to be tailored to your
needs. Be careful of anyone using a “one-size-fits-all”
approach. Remember you are unique and this will not necessarily work
for you.
Continued in the next blog.
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