10 Myths About Nutrition In Diabetes

You've probably heard the claim that eating too many sugary foods can lead to diabetes . However, this is one of the public misconceptions, as well as the claim that diabetics should follow too many rules when eating and have to give up a number of favorite products ...

Let's take a closer look at these popular misconceptions about diabetes-related nutrition. This is important not only for people suffering from the disease, but also for all those who have a hereditary factor for its development, lead a sedentary lifestyle and love sweets ...
 

Myth 1. Consuming too much sugar causes diabetes

In fact, it cannot be said that the causes of diabetes are completely clear. But what is definitely known is that consuming a lot of sugar is a unlikely cause of diabetes. In order for the disease to develop, it means that the body's ability to convert food into energy is upset.

The nutrients we take in larger amounts, not only because of our choices, but also because of the body's energy needs, are carbohydrates. In other words, most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, which cells use as "fuel" to produce energy and function. However, this process at the cellular level requires the hormone insulin, which is a kind of "key" to the opening of cells and the entry of glucose into them. Insulin is synthesized by the pancreas.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to synthesize insulin, and without it, glucose is not absorbed by the cells and remains in the blood vessels. This diabetes usually begins at a young, even childhood, age. It is thought to be due to a problem on the part of the immune system. Insulin injection is required.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, it is not effective or both. Type 2 diabetes is more common in overweight people and can develop at any age.

Gestational diabetes is that diabetes that develops during pregnancy. The role of a factor is played by the hormonal changes in the future mother's body after conception, from which insulin is not used correctly. Insulin is usually required until delivery, after which the woman's condition returns to normal.
 

Myth 2. Are there so many dietary rules for diabetics?

The truth is that when diabetes is present, nutrition must be planned, as well as any healthy diet. There is one basic rule - to choose those products that through their nutrients supply the body with energy for a longer time in the same relative amount. That is, carbohydrates should be complex and slow to digest.

Myth 3. Carbohydrates are harmful in diabetes

Carbohydrates are essential nutrients that cannot be ignored. Moreover, on their basis is built any healthy diet, including certain diseases and diabetes.

However, because carbohydrates have the strongest effect on blood sugar levels, it is necessary to monitor the amount ingested in diabetes.

Foods that contain carbohydrates are rich in nutrients - vitamins, minerals, fiber. Therefore, it is much more appropriate to choose such carbohydrate products that are richer in these nutrients that our body constantly needs, such as whole grain pasta, vegetables and fruits rich in fiber. To help you stick to a proper diet, you can put these products on lists to look at from time to time for reference.
 

Myth 4. Protein is more useful than carbohydrates for diabetics

Due to the disease, the consumption of carbohydrates "blood sugar" "plays", which some believe that it is easier to limit their intake and at the expense of more protein. But excessive protein intake leads to other serious problems in people with diabetes.

The main problem comes from the fact that protein-rich products, such as meat, are also high in saturated fat. They, in turn, increase the risk of heart disease, and the risk of such disease is generally higher in diabetics.

The diet for diabetes can include about 15-20% of protein in the total portion for the day.