Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to eat when you are managing a health condition. That’s often true for people with diabetes, since what they eat can affect their blood sugar levels. In many cases, education is key to making it easier to manage a special diet. The more you know, the more control you have over your condition!
I often work with clients who identify with this problem, and maybe you do too. Here are some myths about Diabetes that I hear every single day.
I have diabetes, I can never eat sweets again.
Taking medications or insulin means I don’t have to make any lifestyle changes.
People with diabetes need to follow a strict, no sugar diet.
Gestational diabetes doesn’t need to be taken seriously, as it will disappear after I give birth.
Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.
Only overweight people or older people get Type II Diabetes.
So, now you have Type 2 Diabetes. You were struggling when making food choices because you were unsure how certain foods affected your blood sugar levels. You particularly had trouble when eating at restaurants or in a food court.
PROBLEM
You have diabetes, and are overwhelmed by everyday food decisions at home or when eating out.
THE FACT
To learn more about diabetes, you started your research on the Canadian Diabetes Association website. You learned that you can live a long and healthy life by managing you diabetes, which includes:
- Eating well
- Being physically active
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Managing stress
- Keeping blood sugar levels in the target range set with his health care team.
When you were first diagnosed, you didn’t seek any nutrition advice for diabetes because you were afraid it meant giving up foods you loved. But as you read more about nutrition and diabetes, you understands that a dietitian can help you fit your favourite foods into your eating routine. There are no foods that are completely off-limits, but portion control is important.
To your relief, you find out that planning meals doesn’t need to be complicated. Following a few basic tips may be all you need. You reads about the “Plate Method” as a practical way to figure out portion sizes and food choices when eating at home or dining out. Your plate should look like this:
After talking to a dietitian, you realized that you are not eating many vegetables, and half of your plate should include vegetables.
SEEK SUPPORT
You already have a doctor, but since most diabetes care plans include a team approach, you can work with a dietitian and nurse too.
Are you having difficulties managing your health condition? Are you dealing with a new diagnosis or are not sure what to eat for disease management. Contact Me about starting a nutritional counselling program.
Adapted from the Dietitians of Canada’s Nutrition Month campaign materials.
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