3 most common questions about diabetes

In my career, I often get questions from diabetic patients and their family about dieting to control blood sugar. People often understand that when ones have diabetes, starchy foods, sweet and dessert are strictly prohibited. When they are not able to enjoy the lives like they used to, their diet effort will normally fail and so as blood sugar control. Here are most common questions and understanding to help you succeed in blood sugar control.

Question#1: Can people with diabetes eat sweets or chocolate?

Answer: Yes, if it is a part of a effective healthy meal plan. The key is to break down consumption into small portions and balance out carbohydrate intake throughout the day. Using Carb unit counting technique, can help people with diabetes planning better meal while still able to enjoy the food they like. Learn more about ‘Carb Counting’ for Better Blood Sugar Control.

Question#2: If I cut down starchy foods (rice, noodles, bread, potatoes) and sugar from my diet, can I prevent from getting diabetes?

Answer:  If you tend to consume high starchy foods, cutting down these foods can help reducing the risk of getting diabetes. However, there are also other factors contributing to getting diabetes including aging, genetic and lifestyle. Starchy foods and sugar provide Carbohydrate, an important nutrients for our lives. Glucose (a type of sugar from breaking down carbohydrate by our body’s digestive system) is the main source of energy for red blood cells and brain cells. It is best to exercise balanced dieting with moderate amount of carbohydrate in complex form such as whole grain, non-refined rice/flour which provide gradual rise of blood sugar after consumption.

Question#3:  Fruits are healthy, can people with diabetes eat fruits or fruit juices as much as they want?

Answer: Fruits and Vegetables are good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Having whole fruit is better than just juice. However, some contain more sugar, carbohydrate and even more fat than others. Having high sugar/fat fruits or their juices do raise blood sugar and contribute to weight gain therefore the key is to have them at appropriate amount and variety of consumption. Learning more about amount, frequency and type of fruits and vegetables you can eat will help you to effectively plan your own healthy diet.