The last two diabetes myths are:
I find the last two myths seem to
bother newly diagnosed people with diabetes. With that said, here
they are.
Myth 9 No, there is not a
special diabetes diet. What the person with diabetes needs to eat is
also healthy for the rest of the family. This eliminates the need to
prepare special meals for the person with diabetes. It is true that
the person with diabetes needs to be more careful and carefully
monitor what they consume. This monitoring means counting the carbs
consumed, knowing the types of carbohydrates, fats, and protein
consumed. Again, a nutritionist can be of great assistance in
helping the person with diabetes.
I do keep meeting people that ask about
why they are not told about the special diabetes diet they should be
eating. First, I make it clear that there is not a special diabetes
food plan for everyone. I then explain that they have to develop
their own food plan based (and this is important) on what their meter
tells them. Admittedly, some will never do this, but some have said
they cannot afford the extra test strips. I tell them to contact the
manufacturer and follow their instruction for assistance. I seldom
find out if they do this.
Myth 10 No, diet foods are
often not the best choice for people with diabetes. They are often
more expensive and not as healthy as the foods in the regular
sections of the grocery store. And they are not as nutritious as the
foods you prepare yourself. Do yourself a favor and read the labels
and the ingredients on the foods to find out the number of
carbohydrates per serving and the other nutritional information.
Also do not forget that a nutritionist can be of help.
No, I did not say a dietitian or a
certified diabetes educator because generally they are influenced by
a commercial food company or promote a food plan that will contain
whole grains (especially wheat) and too many carbohydrates.
Other points beyond diabetes myths.
Forget about the word “diet” and think food plan or meal plan
that works for you and that you know from your meter will satisfy the
needs of your body. Then by combining your food plan with the
exercise that works or you and the medications your doctor prescribes
for you, you should have an effective tool for maintaining your blood
glucose levels within the range your have set for yourself. This is
the best plan for you and not a “one-size-fits-all” plan from a
dietitian.
If you have been reading the sections
in the WebMD article, you will know that they recommend a dietitian.
In my experience with dietitians, they do not work at the individual
level and generally work at the “one-size-fits-all” level. The
nutritionist is generally better educated and has more knowledge
about nutrition and work with each individual at their level to
develop the food plan that works for them. Then they will generally
show you how to adapt the food plan to fit changes that your meter
indicates.
In addition, they will show you how to
balance your food plan to avoid the vitamin and mineral shortages
that the dietitians insist you will have when eliminating wheat from
your food plan. Some will find that they don't need to eliminate all
whole grains while others will find this necessary.
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