Diabetes Tips

Natural (Diabetes)

Did you know that nearly 9 out of 10 people with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes are overweight? If you are overweight, losing some weight could help you better manage your diabetes. Losing weight and keeping it off is a real challenge for most people. That's why it's important to begin a weight loss program with the help of your health care team, including, if possible, a dietitian.

You are most likely to succeed in your weight loss goals if you develop a plan and set realistic goals. Your weight loss goals need to be specific and attainable. This means that they outline exactly what you intend to do and that they are within your reach. For example, a goal of "walk more" is a good idea, but it is not specific. A goal of "run ten miles a day" is specific, but may not be attainable. A goal of "walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week" is not only specific, but it is also attainable.

Natural (Diabetes)

Rewarding yourself for sticking to your weight loss program is a good way to keep yourself motivated. Rewards need to be meaningful and realistic. Focus on giving yourself a reward for each step along the way. For example, reward yourself after sticking to the first week on your diet and exercise regimen. You might buy a new music CD or go to the movies. Bigger rewards, such as tickets to a concert or treating yourself to a vacation or a weekend trip, can be saved for reaching long-term goals.
People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.

If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more "off limits" to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes.
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.

A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is the same as that for everyone - low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and "dietetic" versions of sugar-containing foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.
You should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta.
Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is about right. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy.
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses.

Natural (Diabetes)

No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose management, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.
Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure.

No, insulin does not cause atherosclerosis. In the laboratory, there is evidence that insulin can initiate some of the early processes associated with atherosclerosis. Therefore, some physicians were fearful that insulin might aggravate the development of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. But it doesn't.
Insulin causes weight gain, and because obesity is bad for you, insulin should not be taken.

Both the UKPDS (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) and the DCCT (Diabetes Control & Complications Trial) have shown that the benefit of glucose management with insulin far outweighs (no pun intended) the risk of weight gain.
Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish.

Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruit contains carbohydrate, it needs to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.
You don't need to change your diabetes regimen unless your A1C is greater than 8%

The better your glucose control, the less likely you are to develop complications of diabetes. An A1C in the sevens (7s), however, does not represent good control. The ADA goal is less than 7 percent. The closer your A1C is to the normal range (less than 6 percent), the lower your chances of complications. However, you increase your risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. Talk with your health care provider about the best goal for you.