Sugar isn’t the (only) badguy!
It’s no surprise that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider Diabetes a full blown epidemic in the USA. They predict that one in three Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes, and it’s sparked new educational campaigns to help prevent Type 2 diabetes, the most common form. Food producers are doing the same thing - almost 6000 sugar-free products have hit the shelves in the past four years - and there’s also a new trend for ‘diabetic foods’ too, like snack bars, shakes and cereals.
Don’t be fooled by the hype - they’re helping to perpetuate a myth that if you stay completely away from sugar, you won’t get diabetes. You also won’t get chocolate, and man, that’s no way to live!
Thing is, the nutrition recommendations for the diabetic are the same for the general public. You don’t have to go completely sugar free, and deprive your sweet tooth. More important is the ‘all things in moderation’ rule. Your carbs - all carbs - break down into gluclose, so the body, it won’t figure out if that sugar is a cookie, bread, or a potato.
For years, diabetics were told to avoid the sweets, because it’ll overload the blood with gluclose faster then starches. Now, researchers realize that it’s similar and watching your total carbs is more important then eliminating sugar. Not only is it unnecessary, it’s practically impossible.
This doesn’t mean you should go crazy on the sweets though, or sugars of any kind. The experts suggest choosing more starches or complex carbs - whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes in place of the simple carbs in concentrated sweets. The sweets can have a lot of empty calories and fats, which increase dangers, so cutting back is good, but the sugar free options are no longer mandate for diabetes.
It’s all in the carbs baby - a lot of the sugar free options contain the same amount of calories and carbs as the regular sugared counterparts - especially if made with polyols or sugar alcohols. Since the first thing a diabetic is usually told is to stay away from the sugar forever and ever amen, it makes it all the more important to sit down with a certified diabetes educator and get the updated facts. You want to work towards the goal of fitting diabetes into your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Bottom line - get on the healthy eating plan that every should follow, with emphasis on whole grains, fruits and veges, lean protein and good fats. Don’t let the myths dictate your diet - the best way to manage your diabetes is to ensure that you enjoy the foods you get to eat. You’re much more likely to stick to the lifestyle that way.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
It is because of information like this that the obesity & diabetes epidemics exist. People with diabetes cannot eat what others do, just as people allergic to peanuts cannot eat peanuts!
It IS the way they must live if they are to restore health and prevent further disease. It’s unfortunate - but still a fact.
This story is damaging and disappointing. I urge readers to read the science which can be found in the journal of Nutrition & Metabolism - or, visit the Nutrition & Metabolism Society’s website. Read Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution or write to Dr. Mary Vernon to get the facts.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
You’re missing the point. Sugar isn’t the ONLY bad guy. You need all things in moderation, and while cutting back on sugar is a start it’s not the only thing needed.
Those who follow the healthy guidelines already are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Or get fat. WHich is what I said. Prevention is the key to that whole article.
Yeah, you’re gonna have to make chances if your already diabetic or obese, but for prevention - but even then, if you follow the accepted guidelines and change your eating habits to those, you’ll lose weight, control blood glucose levels.
Relax man - different opinions aren’t always incorrect, and throughout I’ve ALWAYS encouraged people to get more information.