Myths and Misconceptions about Type II Diabetes

Myth #1: Diabetics cannot eat sugar
This is not true! Diabetics need to limit their intake of sweets like candy and cookies, but they do not need to refrain from eating them completely. The sugars in these foods are carbohydrates and diabetics do need to be concerned about the amount of carbohydrates that they are consuming. Carbohydrates which are found in fruits, starchy vegetables, dairy products and grains are responsible for altering blood glucose. A carbohydrate “choice” is 15 grams of carbohydrates. It is recommended that a diabetic choose three to four carbohydrate choices per meal. Reading food labels can help the diabetic to learn how many carbohydrates are in the foods that they eat. The following foods each count as one carbohydrate choice (15g): 2 Oreo cookies, ½ cup of ice cream or half of a 2 inch Snickers bar. Don’t feel that you need to avoid eating sugary snacks, just remember that moderation is key.

Myth #2: Diabetes is inherited
While diabetes does commonly run through families, it does not mean that because your parents or grandparents were diabetics, that you will become one too. There are many factors that contribute to whether or not a person will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Genetics is one of these factors, but lifestyle is as well. Eating a healthful diet and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Being overweight is a risk factor for diabetes, so eating well and exercising are essential. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, if you are overweight, losing 5-7% of your body weight can reduce your risk of developing type II diabetes. That means that a 200 pound person can reduce their risk by losing 10 pounds through altering their diet and exercising.

Myth # 3: All diabetics have to use insulin
This may be true for some individuals, but not every diabetic will have to start using insulin. Changing your diet and exercising to lose some weight may prevent some individuals from needing insulin. Having excess body weight makes it harder for the body to utilize insulin, so losing some weight can actually help your body better use the insulin that it has. This may keep you from needing to inject synthetic insulin. However, it is important to consult with your doctor or a registered dietician because they can help you plan a diet and exercise plan that will work best for you.

Myth # 4: Fruit is a healthy food, so I can eat as much of it as I want.
Yes, it is true that fruit is a very healthy food and is good for you, but fruit also contains sugar so diabetics need to be aware of how much fruit they are consuming. One serving of fruit should contain 15 grams of carbohydrates. Some fruits contain more sugars than others. Limiting a fruit serving to 15 grams of carbohydrates will help to regulate your blood sugar. The following fruits are each considered as one serving: ½ of a medium banana, ½ cup of chopped mango, 1 ¼ cups of sliced watermelon.

Myth # 5: Because I am diabetic, I will have to stop eating my favorite foods and start eating diabetic foods.
Just because you are a diabetic does not mean that you can’t continue to eat your favorite foods. It is also not necessary to purchase special diabetic foods. You can continue to eat your favorite foods, but watch your portion sizes, eat two Oreos instead of half a bag. Make smarter food choices: choose fresh sliced fruit instead of sugary fruit juice. Change the way that your favorite foods are prepared, try baking instead of frying or substitute artificial sweeteners for sugar in your favorite recipes. Remember that making a few changes to the way you are eating can result in better health. Working with a dietitian can help you to adopt a diet that is low in saturated fats, moderate in salt and sugar, and rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.


References:

American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Myths. American Diabetes Association. Accessed on 30 January 2008: http://www.diabetes.org.
Barnes Jewish Hospital. Knowing the Facts. Barnes Jewish Hospital Accessed on: 30 January, 2008: http://www.barnesjewish.org
CDC. (3 Jan 2008). Health Myths: Get the Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Precention Accessed on 30 January 2008: http://www.cdc.gov.
Cleveland Clinic, The. Carbohydrates and Diabetes. The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center. Accessed on 30 January 2008: http://www.clevelandclinic.org .
Collazo-Clavell, M. (3 Oct 2007). Diabetes Diet: Should I Avoid Sweet Fruits? The Mayo Clinic. Accessed on 30 January 2008: http://www.mayoclinic.com.
Hedstrom, N; Pierson, P; Henner, S; Paul, C; Hale, L. (20 Feb 2007). Paying Attention to Carbohydrate. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Accessed on 30 January 2008: http://umext.main.edu.
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. (Aug 2006). Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes. National Institutes of Health. Accessed on 30 January 2008: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov.
WebMD. Diabetes Health Center: 10 Myths about Diabetes. WebMD. Accessed on 30 January 2008: http://diabetes.webmd.com.