Diabetes Diet: Myths and Reality

There are more myths than reality associated with diet of a diabetic. Change in food pattern is an important aspect of treating Diabetes. But most patients have wrong information, which becomes a problem in treating Diabetes.

Once a person comes to know that he has become diabetic, the first fear that pops up in his mind is about dietary restrictions. Diabetes is considered a disorder of sugar and so patients start enquiring about foods, which contain sugar. Often doctors, dieticians, diabetes educators also forbid the patients from taking rice, potato, fruits, fruit juices, sugar, etc. Thus, with the diagnosis of diabetes, everyone in the family becomes concerned about what NOT to give to the patients as they believe these restrictions can only curb or help in the treatment diabetes.

In countries like India, there are many myths about diet in Diabetes and as a result any rise in glucose is believed to have occurred solely due to dietary reasons. This leads to inadequate medical treatment and thus glucose levels remain high leading to higher diabetes complications.

No book and none of the International organizations on diabetes have prohibited any food in Diabetes, says Dr. Sunil M Jain, CEO of diabeteshormone.com. Diabetics can consume all food items but in moderation and as per Calorie requirement, he adds.

There is a need of awareness among healthcare providers about diet in Diabetes. The food we eat contains carbohydrates, proteins and fats. A healthy diet implies that at least 50 – 60% of calories should come from carbohydrates, 20% calories from fats and 20% calories from proteins. If a meal of a diabetic patient has a healthy diet calorie distribution, it can be permitted.

What is required is an understanding of the composition of food items and then planning of a meal pattern. Doctors and nutritionists should consider this concept and try to remove food related myths rather than reinforcing them. It is crucial to understand that if glucose levels are high, there may be other causes like inadequate medications, missing medications, need of insulin, etc and not small amounts of rice or fruits. Blaming to just diet is one of the cause for inadequate treatment and thus high glucose levels. Patients need to think more in terms of Insulin deficiency and this will automatically lead to process of improvement in medical treatment and better glucose control.

Diabetic diet actually comprises a healthy and proportionate diet. Due to misconceptions, people fail to understand the basic and important concept. Diet modification is an adjustment to decreasing Insulin supply. If glucose is high in spite of a healthy diet, then it more advisable to revise treatment so as to improve Insulin supply.