Thursday, July 8, 2010

Understand Common Misconceptions about Diabetic Diets

People with diabetes know that diet plays a crucial role in managing their disease. But many diabetics are confused about what they can and cannot eat to control diabetes. To clarify some of the common misconceptions about diabetes and diet, The University of New Hampshire and Penn State Cooperative Extension provides the following information about some common myths about the diabetic diet.
Myth 1: You need a special diabetic diet if you have diabetes.
Fact: There's no special diet just for diabetes. The dietary guidelines that help manage blood sugar and prevent diabetes complications like blindness, kidney failure and limb amputation are basically the same ones that help control weight and lower the risk of chronic diseases. There are four general guidelines for eating well for diabetes and overall health.
1. Eat whole grains, fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy foods, nuts, baked or broiled fish, and modest amounts of lean meat.
2. Be aware of portion sizes.
3. Spread your carbohydrates evenly over the day.
4. Get regular exercise.
Myth 2: Cut back on all carbohydrates and eat more protein and fat, because they don't raise blood sugar.
Fact: Carbohydrates aren't your enemy if you choose wisely! In fact, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends eating more of the high-quality, health-promoting carbs found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy products. The lower-quality carbs to reduce are refined, processed grain foods like white bread, white rice and pasta, soda and added-sugar foods. However, individual carbohydrate intake depends on one’s activity level, weight and height, blood sugar readings, diabetes medications, health status, and carbohydrate choices (some raise blood sugar more than others).
As for more protein, most people with or without diabetes already surpass their needs by a good 50 percent. Higher levels may worsen existing kidney problems. Eat protein sources low in saturated fat like very low-fat dairy foods, skinless poultry, fish, beans and soy.
Myth 3: Don't eat fruits, because they're too high in sugar.
Fact: Most whole fruits have a relatively modest blood-sugar effect if portions are reasonable, because their sugars are more slowly released and absorbed. The ADA recommends up to four servings of fruit daily as well as taking your blood sugar an hour or two later to determine the impact of different fruits (and other foods as well).
If you would like to learn more about managing your diabetes, plan to attend Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Dining with Diabetes program. It’s a 4-week program running on four consecutive Thursdays, beginning August 5-26. Classes will be held at the Penn State Extension Columbia County Cooperative Extension Office, 702 Sawmill Road, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Participants will receive an exercise DVD, exercise band, pedometer, blood glucose testing, as well as help prepare and taste healthy dishes at each class. The cost is $35 per participant and $50 per family. For more information or to register, please contact instructor and registered dietitian Lynn James, M.S., R.D., L.D.N. at 988-3950 or print a brochure from our website http://northumberland.extension.psu.edu/