The American Diabetes Association estimates that 7.8 percent of the population in the United States suffers from some type of diabetes, with an additional 5.7 million who do not know that they have the disease. Despite its prevalence and the push for education by the medical community, several misconceptions and outright myths continue to exist about diabetes and the diabetic diet.
Function
Carbohydrates provide your body with glucose that works with insulin secreted by the pancreas to provide food to your brain and fuel for the body's cells and organs. Diabetes is characterized by an insufficient supply of insulin, or the body's inability to utilize insulin effectively. Without the use of insulin, glucose accumulates in the blood, resulting in a condition called hyperglycemia. To control their blood glucose levels in the absence of insulin, diabetics use medication, participate in physical activity and follow a healthy diet.
Facts
Because diabetics are prone to heart disease, they should follow a heart-healthy diet that is low in fats that might raise cholesterol levels. Fats also slow down the digestive process which make it even more difficult for insulin, either natural or injected, to work, often resulting in bouts of hyperglycemia after eating a meal. Ideally, a diabetic's diet consists of a well-rounded, healthy eating plan that the whole family can follow.
Fallacies
Most of the misunderstandings about a diabetic's diet revolve around sugar. Many people believe that eating too much sugar causes diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is actually caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, while type 2 diabetes is caused by genetic and other lifestyle factors. Another common myth is that diabetics are forbidden to eat sugar and should eat very limited amounts of carbohydrates. While that may not seem unreasonable on the face of it, quite the opposite is true. Diabetics treat sugar as they do any other carbohydrate, as long as it is consumed as a part of a healthy diet that goes along with consistent physical activity. In fact, the Mayo Clinic recommends that carbohydrates account for 45 to 65 percent of a diabetic's daily caloric intake.
Considerations
Although obesity does not cause type 2 diabetes, it is a high risk factor for the disease. If you are overweight or struggling to maintain a normal weight, consult your nutritionist or physician for a manageable weight-loss plan that will also accommodate your required daily food intake.
Warning
The body absorbs simple carbohydrates, like sugar and white flour, quickly, resulting in higher spikes in blood glucose levels than those caused by complex carbohydrates like whole grains. Before you indulge yourself with a chocolate bar or sandwich made with white bread, be sure that you have eliminated an equal amount of other carbohydrates from your daily intake and have adjusted any diabetic medications accordingly.
