Diabetics can go on the Internet and get an amazing amount of information to help them control their disease. Unfortunately, many urban legends or myths surround this disease, which interferes with those seeking to manage it properly.
Here are some of the most common diabetic diet myths.
Myth #1 Diabetics cannot eat carbohydrates
False. Most dieticians recommend that Type 2 diabetics eat carbohydrates daily. Legumes, whole wheat breads, rice, pasta and cereal are all essential to a healthy diabetic diet. In fact, most dieticians recommend that 25% of your diet contain carbohydrates in your caloric intake. Sugar is also a carbohydrate that is packed with calories and should be kept to a minimum.
Myth #2 Diabetes is contagious, passed by sharing food or drink
Diabetes comes primarily from two sources - a genetic pre-disposition, inherited from your parents or excessive weight gain, which triggers high blood sugar levels, creating a diabetic condition.
Myth #3 Diabetics can't eat sugar
False. Diabetics can eat sugared products, such as candy, cookies and other sweets. But, they need to eat them in moderation. As previously stated, sugar is a calorie dense carbohydrate and should be kept to a minimum in diabetic diets. Sugar substitutes should be used where possible.
Myth #4 Diabetic food must be a part of a healthy diet
False. Diabetic food is not necessary. What is necessary is that you eat a healthy diet, that's low in fat and moderate, as previously mentioned, in sugar intake. In fact, most experts agree that there is no such thing as a "diabetic diet", but just follow healthy eating guidelines, as most people should follow, and you'll be healthier
Myth #5 Diabetics cannot drink alcohol
Partly true. Check first with your doctor as wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages can interfere with medications.
Myth #6 Diabetics should not snack between meals
False. Eating between meals can help prevent over-eating at mealtime or binging on food. Healthy snacks, such as low sugar apples, are a great way to keep calories down and keep blood sugar in check.
Myth #7 Diabetics should eat a lot of protein
False. There is no evidence to support the fact that diabetics need more proteins than non-diabetics. 5-6 ounces of protein per day, or meat portions in the size of two decks of playing cards is sufficient.
Myth #8 Diabetics can eat fat because it doesn't affect blood sugar levels
False. Diabetics should not eat fat. Although it doesn't affect blood sugar level, heart disease is the number one complication caused by diabetes, so fat levels should be kept at a minimum.
It should also be noted that most physicians and dieticians believe that there is no such thing as a "diabetic diet". Healthy eating is the key to controlling weight and blood sugar levels.
One of the best tips we've found to control weight and, in turn, control blood sugar, is to look closely at your current diet.
Make a list of the 10 top high calorie foods you eat on a regular basis. Every week, take out one of those foods from your diet. By the end of ten weeks you'll be surprised how much weight you've lost.
Incidentally, if you're drinking soda, you should stop. Non-diet sodas contain a high level of calories. Many people have a 5-10 sodas a day habit, that's putting on a tremendous amount of weight.
Plus, the sweeteners most often used in sodas, high fructose corn syrup (not sugar, which is generally not used in sodas) has been found to drain chromium from your system. Chromium, a trace mineral that helps to regulate your body's blood sugar levels, is depleted from your system, triggering spikes in blood sugar.
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