DIABETES CARE

Debunking the Misconceptions of Diabetes--Myth 4

By Michele C. Hollow @michelechollow
 | 
July 21, 2017
Old Fashioned Donuts; One with Powdered Sugar --- Image by © the food passionates/Corbis

Myth: If you have diabetes, you can’t eat sugar or carbohydrates.

Fact: You can have both, but you need to limit your intake of sugar and understand that carbohydrates are a form of sugar and starch. Some starches, like potatoes, grains, rice, breads, and cereals, can be good for you. It’s also important to know that our bodies break down carbs and convert most of them into sugars. This raises our blood sugar levels.

“Some carbs are healthier than others,” Cate-Brown said. “For example, a slice of whole-grain bread is a better choice than a bag of skittles.”

Fiber, which is a good carbohydrate, fills you up and slows the body’s absorption of sugar. Empty calorie sugary foods, such as soda and cookies, are free of fiber and have no nutritional value.

 

<< Previous Next >>

 

Updated:  

February 28, 2020

Reviewed By:  

Janet O’Dell, RN