3 Diabetes Myths You May Have Heard

If you or a loved one have Diabetes, chances are good that you have spent a significant amount of time researching the disease in order to learn as much as possible about it. Through all of your research, it is possible that you may have read some incorrect information - especially if you are looking around for information online. While it is true that there are many differing opinions about Diabetes and that new information is being uncovered all of the time about the condition, there are some myths that are definitely untrue.

Here are a few Diabetes myths that you may need to know about in order to properly understand the disease:

Myth: you will get Diabetes by eating too much sugar.

Sugar alone does not cause Diabetes. Instead, Diabetes may be a result of a combination of a high-sugar diet, sedentary lifestyle, and predisposition to Diabetes or insulin control. Sugar is an important part of everyone's diet and helps us to get the energy our bodies need to properly function throughout the day. Therefore, even if you are predisposed to Diabetes, it is still important that you consume sugar. Just be sure that you balance healthy sugars with an active lifestyle so that you can create a balance between sugar consumed and energy used. (source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/10-diabetes-diet-myths)

Myth: you can control Diabetes with medications alone.

While medications may help you to control your blood sugar levels, they should be used in conjunction with other methods of controlling Diabetes. In order to control Diabetes, you need to focus on healthy eating and getting the right nutrients for your cells and body as well as exercising properly and limiting body fat. Without a healthy diet and exercise routine, Diabetics still run the risk of getting high blood pressure, heart disease, neuropathy, and a host of other related health conditions.

Myth: Diabetics need to eat special meals.

Unless you're a vegetarian, allergic to certain ingredients, or have other pre-existing dietary restrictions, you do not need to eat special Diabetic-friendly meals when you have Diabetes. However, you do need to understand the importance of healthy eating as it relates to a healthy lifestyle. The healthier your meals are, the healthier you will be - with or without Diabetes.

While it is recommended that Diabetics limit their sugar consumption, the important thing to keep in mind is that you need to keep an eye on your blood glucose level. If you can eat a piece of cake without getting a dangerous spike in your blood glucose levels, then do so. However, be aware that you will need to burn off the calories and sugars from that piece of cake in order to prevent them from turning into fat.

Like anyone, Diabetics should balance their calories and food intake to ensure that they get the right amount of nutrients throughout the day. From a 2,000 calorie daily diet, it's considered healthy to consume 100 grams of protein, 275 grams of carbohydrates, and 56 grams of fat. (source: http://imtypefree.com/taxonomy/term/459) Also, here are some healthy meal ideas that will help you get the right amount of vitamins and minerals to stay strong - regardless of whether or not you have Diabetes.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/10-diabetes-diet-myths

http://imtypefree.com/taxonomy/term/459

http://www.imtypefree.com/taxonomy/term/501