What? I am Diabetic !

Oh no…………….,

That means, now I have to follow only one particular diet plan,

I can’t have sweets,

I can’t enjoy parties,

Oh GOD! How can I follow such a strict diet plan.

Please doctor do some thing, I want to enjoy my life………….

Please doctor!

Don’t get panic my dear,

I am always here to help you out.

And who said that you can’t enjoy your life,

Of coarse, diabetes is a chronic disease, and it requires certain restrictions in your diet, but that doesn’t mean that you lose hope like this.

Come, I will take you to a Dietitian who will guide you about your diet and clear all your doubts.

Thank you, doctor.

Hello, Ms. Ruby

How are you?

I am Fine, thank you

How are you Dr. Richa

I am fine,

Meet my patient

She is being diagnosed as Diabetes.

And she is worried about her diet, can you please help her.

Of course, why not.

Hello, Ms. Shruti

Hello, Ms. Ruby

What makes you panic about Diabetes Ms. Shruti

Ms. Ruby I am very fond of sweets, now that I am Diabetic I am worried about my diet, I just can’t live without sweets.

Ms. Shruti, actually there are many myths about Diabetes.

Many people think that Diabetics have to follow a very strict diet plan, they have to totally cut down sweets, bla bla bla……..

But you know, A Diabetic can also enjoy his food same as a normal person. Of course, he needs certain restrictions, but that doesn’t means that he has to totally change his food pattern.

I will explain you some of the facts and myths related to Diabetes

Oh really, Ms. Ruby

Thank you very much.

1. Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. 

Fact: No, it does not. •Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease•Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.  Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain.•If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

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2. Myth: People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods

Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy diet for anyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. 

Fact:You can develop many strategies for including desserts in a diabetes diet.for example:•Use artificial sweeteners in desserts.

•Cut back on the amount of dessert,instead of two scoops of ice cream, have one.

•Make desserts more nutritious, use whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetable oil when preparing desserts.

•Expand your dessert horizons. Instead of ice cream, pie, or cake, try fruit, a whole-wheat oatmeal-raisin cookie, or yogurt.

3. Myth: People with diabetes can't eat sweets, deserts or chocolate.

4. Myth:  Fruit is a healthy food.  Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish. 

Fact: Fruit is a healthy food.  It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals.  Because fruits contain carbohydrates, they need to be included in your meal plan. But it should be kept in mind that fruits with complex carbohydrates like apple, guava should be given and fruits with simple carbohydrates like banana, sapota should be restricted. No fruit juices should be given

.5. Myth: Artificial Sweeteners Are Dangerous for People with Diabetes.

Fact: Artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than the equivalent amount of sugar, so it takes less of them to get the same sweetness found in sugar. This can result in eating fewer calories than when you do use sugar.The American Diabetes Association approves the use of several artificial sweeteners in diabetes diets, including:Saccharin (Sweet'N Low)Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal)Acesulfame potassium (Sunett)Sucralose (Splenda)

Myth: If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta. 

Fact: Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan.  What is important is the portion size.  Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks.  The key is portions. 

So, Ms. Shruti,

Now that you know the facts about diabetes diets, you can take steps to learn even more about making wise food choices.

Together with exercise and medication, you can use what you eat as an effective tool for keeping your blood sugar levels within normal ranges. That is the best diabetes diet of all.

Thank you, Ms. Ruby

You have cleared all my doubts

Now, I can enjoy my life being a diabetic also.

Thank you so much.

Oh! Its my duty, my dear.