Diabetes Myths and Misconceptions Antoinette Goodwill
Overview • Why are there myths related to diet and diabetes? • Explore some common myths around diet and diabetes. • Where to find sound information about diet and diabetes.
Why are there myths related to diet and diabetes? Ensure consistent nutritional advice provided to people with diabetes. (NICE Type 2 Diabetes 2008)
Why are there myths related to diet and diabetes? Ensure consistent nutritional advice provided to people with diabetes. (NICE Type 2 Diabetes 2008) Over the last 15 years not only has the treatment for diabetes greatly changed but also the dietary advice and people with diabetes.
Why are there myths related to diet and diabetes? Media…social media
1 You need to limit fruit to 2 portions a day if you have diabetes.
People with diabetes should not eat grapes or bananas
Weight loss in those who are overweight remains the most effective strategy to improve glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes.
Drinking diet coke is as bad as drinking regular coke for people with diabetes.
People with diabetes must have regular meals with starchy carbohydrates
If you have diabetes low carb diets can help you lose weight?
People with diabetes should have no more that 3 slices of bread per day
There is no universal recommendation for the amount of carbohydrate for people living with diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2).
If you have diabetes, you must always have regular snacks
Diabetes is caused by eating too many sweet foods
You can’t eat low fat yoghurts due to the sugar content if you have diabetes.
People with diabetes can drink alcohol
People with diabetes should always carry a small bar of chocolate with them to treat a hypoglycaemic episodes .
Dark chocolate is better for your health than milk chocolate.
People with diabetes should eat sugar free biscuits instead.
Rust free garden chair
Meals high in fat and protein can effect blood glucose in the short term.
Research and the use of CGM have demonstrated that other dietary components such as fat and protein as well as the glycaemic index/load of a meal can significantly affect postprandial glycaemia. (Bell KJ et a l 2015)
Coconut oil is a healthier fat than vegetable oil.
Amount of saturated fat: • Rapeseed oil 7% • Olive oil 14% • Lard 39% • Butter 52% • Coconut oil 82%
- People with diabetes should not use low salt alternatives.
People with diabetes should have honey instead of sugar
If someone with diabetes has high blood glucose their medications should be increased as first line.
Type 2 Diabetes can be reversed by improving lifestyle
Diabetes remission - Type 2 diabetes only - Less than HbA1c48mmol/mol - Without diabetes medication
Who can we trust? - Diabetes UK - British Heart Foundation - British Dietetic Association – Food Facts
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