Diabetes Myths

Home » Nutritional Info » Diabetes Myths

If you have diabetes, it can seem like everyone has advice for you. But how do you know what is true? Here are 4 myths about managing your diabetes.

Myth #1: You Can’t Eat Fruit

While it’s true that fruit contains carbohydrates, and carbs raise blood sugar, it’s not true that carbs or fruit are bad for people with diabetes. Even know they contain natural sugars they also provide phytochemicals, fiber and antioxidants and vitamins.

What can you do?

Enjoy a variety of fruits in reasonable portions. Learn the carb counts of your favorite ones and count them in your total allotment for your meal or snack. A certified nutritionist or diabetic educator can help create a meal plan that incorporates your favorites.

Myth #2: Sugar-Free

Sugar-free cookies, cakes and ice cream are popular, but they aren’t necessarily low in calories or even low in carbohydrates. They can have a big impact on your diabetes management! Carbs other than sugar — such as the flour and sugar alcohols in sugar-free desserts — affect your blood sugar levels, too.

What to do?

Carefully look at the nutrition facts on the label. Pay close attention to carb count.


Myth #3: Snacks

Eating snacks when you aren’t hungry might be one of the reasons you’re not slimming down and seeing healthier blood sugar numbers. In the past diabetic medications were not available which meant that you needed snacks to keep your blood sugar level. New medications don’t tend to cause hypoglycemia.

What to do?

Ask your nutritionist and medical doctor to learn if the medications you are taking require you to have a snack and what the best choice is. Nuts, cheese and low fat yogurt are good choices.



Myth #4: Big dinner, eat light during the day

The amount you eat , especially the amount of carbohydrates you eat matters at every meal! Shifting all your carbs and calories to one big meal can really affect your blood sugar.

What to do?

Instead of adding extra carbohydrates to your meal, which will just raise your blood sugar, swap one carb-rich food for another. I even tell my clients with diabetes forgo fruits, whole grains and other healthful carb-rich foods so they can enjoy a small slice of birthday cake. The key here is this should not be done often, but for a special occasion where you really want to enjoy this can be permissible as long as your medical doctor says ok!

Quick Links

Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry


Eat What You Love

©2012 DietaryPathways.com