Myths about the diet of diabetics

It is impossible to judge which of these elements is more important, but numerous clinical studies show that proper nutrition can restore blood glucose levels to normal levels. Unfortunately, many myths have arisen around the diabetic diet and the lifestyle that people with diabetes should lead. Overall, there is still a perception that it is a very complicated diet that makes everyday life difficult and requires a lot of sacrifice. Here are the most common myths.

A person with diabetes does not have to give up carbohydrates. Although carbohydrates have the greatest effect on blood sugar levels, they cannot be completely omitted because they provide the body with energy. You just need to learn to choose those products that have a low glycemic index. For diabetics, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are best.

This is not true – protein is an essential part of the diet. What’s more, protein products can cause serious health problems, e.g. cardiovascular diseases. This is because meat – although not all types of meat – are high in unsaturated fats. And the more we eat, the greater the risk to blood vessels. That is why the diet of a diabetic person should not contain more than 15-20 percent. protein products.

This is false. First of all, people with diabetes should eat well, but that does not mean that all dishes must be cooked. If the family eats healthy, the sick can eat what they eat. The menu may include stewed and even fried dishes. The menu may include dishes that are generally considered unhealthy (e.g. bigos), you just need to eat them in moderation. Everyone is healthy to look for healthier and less caloric forms of food preparation.

It is also a myth. A well-balanced diet does not require the use of dietary products. Besides, they are expensive and the nutritional value is sometimes questionable. Labeling food with the word “for diabetics” mainly applies to sweets. Unfortunately, they contain a lot of fat, especially saturated fat. Biscuits, chocolates or preserves for diabetics also raise blood glucose levels and can cause diarrhea in some people. So it is better to eat a piece of homemade cake or a cube of chocolate to satisfy the taste for “something sweet”.

The sweetness in the fruit is not a contraindication to eating it. A fruit salad will be the perfect complement to your diet. It is also worth remembering that fruit is a source of vitamins, minerals and valuable fiber. These ingredients protect the body against heart disease, digestive problems, and also against excess weight. However, it should be remembered that, as in the case of sweets, if the fruit is very sweet (grapes) it is worth eating them in moderation.

This is false. Daily requirements for vitamins and minerals in people with diabetes are similar to those in a healthy person. Taking additional vitamins may be indicated in pregnant women, the elderly, people on a vegetarian or low-calorie diet, but this is not related to diabetes. It is enough to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts and olive oil every day for the body to function efficiently. With a healthy diet, there is also no need to supplement the body. However, everyone with diabetes must limit their sodium intake, i.e. table salt.

It’s not true. A diabetic patient can drink a small portion of alcohol, but must include its caloric content in the daily menu. It is worth adding that caloric drinks (e.g. sweet alcohols) can cause weight gain, which is not beneficial for a diabetic.