Can eating too much sugar lead to diabetes? When it comes to adjusting your diet because you have diabetes, some people say you must give up all your favorite foods, which is not true. In fact, there are many misconceptions about dieting and food that this article will clear up.
Eating too much sugar can cause diabetes
Mistake. In fact, diabetes is caused when the body’s ability to convert food into energy (i.e., to carry out metabolism) is disrupted.
How many contraindications are there to eating with diabetes?
False. While people with diabetes do need to plan their diet, the general idea is really quite simple. If you want your blood glucose levels to be as close to normal as possible, you should choose foods that work with your usual activities and the medications you take to lower your sugar.
Do people with diabetes need to modify their diet? It probably does, but there may not be as many adjustments to make as you might think.
Carbohydrates are bad for people with diabetes
Error. Carbohydrates are the foundation of a healthy diet, whether you have diabetes or not.
They do affect blood sugar levels, so you need to watch your carbohydrate intake every day. Some carbohydrates contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so it’s okay to eat foods that contain these types of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Starchy, sugary carbohydrates are not a good choice because they provide very little energy and are only fleeting, rather than being energy that the body can rely on.
Protein is better for people with diabetes than carbohydrates
False. Carbohydrates can affect blood sugar levels quickly, and it may be necessary to consume fewer carbohydrates and replace them with more protein. But protein should be chosen carefully. If it contains too much saturated fat, it can be harmful to heart health, and it’s also important to watch your intake and check with your dietitian or doctor about the right amount of protein to consume.
You can eat whatever you want as long as you are taking medication for diabetes
Mistake. If you are treated with insulin, you can learn how to adjust the dose and type to match the amount of food, but that doesn’t mean you can eat as much as you want, just use additional medications to stabilize your blood sugar levels.
If using another type of diabetes treatment medication, do not try to adjust the dose of the medication to match the different levels of carbohydrates in your diet unless your doctor recommends it. Most diabetes treatment medications work best when taken as directed. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
People with diabetes must give up their favorite foods
Error. There is no need to give up your favorite foods. Instead, try:
- A different way to prepare your favorite foods, for example, could you bake instead of frying?
- Switch up the food to go with your favorite food, for example could you use sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes?
- Eat less of your favorite foods. One small bite can cause a big problem.
- When sticking to an eating plan, don’t reward yourself with favorite foods. Rewards are needed, but reward yourself with something other than food.
- A dietitian can help include the patient’s favorite foods in the eating plan.
Patients with diabetes should not eat dessert
Error. People with diabetes may consider the following suggestions.
- Reduce the amount. Instead of having two scoops of ice cream, have one scoop, or share a dessert with a friend.
- Consider using a low-calorie sweetener, keeping in mind that this may have some carbohydrates in it.
- Choose other kinds of desserts. Instead of ice cream, pie, or cake, try fruit, raisin cookies made with whole grain oatmeal, or yogurt.
- Adjust recipes, for example, so you can eat less sugar than the recipe calls for without sacrificing taste or diet consistency.
Can’t consume low-calorie and calorie-free sweeteners
Error. Most sweeteners are much sweeter than the same amount of sugar, so they can be used sparingly.
The use of sweeteners is controversial, but the American Diabetes Association (ADA) endorses the use of the following ingredients.
- Saccharin;
- aspartame;
- Acesulfame;
- Saccharose trichloride;
- Stevia/rebodioside A.
You can consult a nutritionist about which sweeteners are best for coffee, baking, and cooking, respectively.
Diabetics need a special diet
Error. Foods that are good for people with diabetes are also healthy choices for other members of the family.
For people with diabetes, it’s really important to pay close attention to the amount and type of calories and carbohydrates, fats, and proteins consumed. A diabetes educator or dietitian can provide guidance on how to keep a good track of your diet.
Health food is the best choice
Mistake. Patients may spend more money on health food, and these videos can be found in the everyday goods section of the supermarket, or you can make your own.
Read the Nutrition Facts label to see if the ingredients and the calories contained are appropriate. If in doubt, consult your doctor, diabetes educator, or dietitian.