Gretchen Scalpi, RDN

In an age of information, despite all we know about diabetes today, it is astonishing to find that there are still so many myths surrounding diabetes.  I happen to know misinformation is out there because I encounter it routinely in my practice.  The popularity of low carb diets has fueled a some of the myths, but sometimes I think really it comes down to how one interprets what they have heard or read.   People with diabetes often receive (unsolicited) advice from well-meaning friends, co-workers or family members.  Here are three examples of commonly held beliefs that simply are not true.

Myth #1: People with diabetes need to cut out all carbohydrates from their diet.

Fact: Foods with carbohydrate will raise your blood sugar, but people with diabetes can safely incorporate carbohydrates into their meal plan. The trick is to make sure your blood glucose is in range, and your portions are appropriate. What should you do about carbohydrates?  Get most of your carbohydrate from vegetables, fresh fruit and whole grain foods.  Save the sweets or desserts for special occasions.

*While we are on the subject of sweets or desserts, it’s important to know that eating foods with sugar does not cause diabetes.  Just because you might have consumed a lot of sugar before you were diagnosed, understand that this was not the reason you developed diabetes.

Myth #2: Carrots are bad for diabetes because they have too much sugar.

Fact: There is sugar in carrots, which is digested quickly compared with other foods. That’s why carrots have what is called a “high glycemic index”. Yet carrots actually have a very small amount of sugar; a whole pound of boiled carrots contains only about 3 teaspoons of sugar.  Rather than using glycemic index as a way to choose what foods to eat, consider the “glycemic load” of a food.  Glycemic load takes into account the actual quantity of sugar in a food, well as the speed in which it is digested.  Guess what? Carrots happen to have a low glycemic load.  The bottom line: carrots provide a rich source of fiber, beta-carotene and are low in calories.  Enjoy them raw or cooked!

Myth #3:  Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1 diabetes.

Fact: Type 2 diabetes is often treated initially with healthy diet and exercise, while Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Some people interpret this to mean that type 2 is a less serious form of diabetes so they can let things ride. A complacent attitude towards type 2 diabetes may result in progression of the disease.  Not taking care of type 2 diabetes is serious and has the potential for development of complications. So, even if the diabetes can be successfully treated with diet and exercise right now, it’s important to maintain a careful watch on your condition.

Need help with sorting out diabetes information?  Find a Certified Diabetes Educator to help answer your questions and work with you.

Tags: diabetes, diabetic