Myths About Diabetes

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Common diabetes myths – separate the facts from the fiction.

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding diabetes. So what’s really true?

Myth: Diabetes is a fat person’s disease

Not so. While being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes other risk factors such as how much physical activity you get family history ethnicity and age also play a role. This means some people who are overweight may not develop type 2 diabetes while some people who are of a healthy weight will develop type 2 diabetes.

Myth: Too much sugar causes diabetes

Wrong! There is no evidence sugar itself causes diabetes. While diabetes does mean having too much sugar in the bloodstream the relationship isn’t that simple. Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of the body’s immune system attacking its own insulin-producing cells which has nothing to do with eating sugar. And in type 2 diabetes the hormone insulin is unable to work properly to get glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscles and cells. This is worsened by carrying extra weight being inactive and eating lots of saturated fat. Sugar per se doesn’t cause insulin resistance – although obviously when eaten in excess it can contribute to weight gain which then increases the risk.

Myth: Diabetes is not that serious

Unfortunately not true. The sad fact is diabetes particularly when it is not well managed can lead to significant health problems including heart kidney eye and blood vessel disease. The good news is with the right management the risk of these complications is significantly reduced and many people with diabetes live a life free from complications.

Do I need to give up my favourite foods?

No. There’s no special ‘diabetic diet’. A person with diabetes should be aiming to eat a healthy diet just like the rest of us – and this can still include their favourite foods. There are some foods (for example cakes pastries biscuits chips lollies soft drinks and fried fast foods) that are best kept as once-in-a-while treats rather than everyday choices.

The timing and quantity of foods becomes more important particularly for those taking medication or insulin because the aim is to keep blood sugar levels as stable as possible. For someone with type 2 diabetes who is overweight a healthy eating plan should also

aim to achieve gradual weight loss. The focus for type 1 diabetes is more about matching insulin dose to the food you eat.

Do I need to avoid all grains and grain foods?

All grains contain carbohydrate. Many of us get the impression that carbohydrate are bad for you. But in reality your body wouldn’t be able to function without them. Whole grains are rich in vitamins minerals phytochemicals and fibre that are vital to good health. Several studies suggest whole grains are protective against type 2 diabetes. The intact nutrients and fibre in whole grains together with their lower glycaemic index may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Whole grains help to slow the digestion of the starch into blood glucose which lead to smaller blood sugar spikes.

WHOLE GRAINS – Help you keep your blood sugar steady

GoodMorning 18 Grains is made from selected 18 types of premium whole grains with 5 colours of phytonutrients. Each colour is rich in specific nutrients that help vitalize the 5 principle organs in our body.

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Besides that GoodMorning 18 grains is high in dietary fibre protein vitamin B vitamin E and minerals such as iron calcium and zinc which help to promote overall health and strengthen our immune system. Whole grains and dietary fibre can promote better blood cholesterol level improve blood pressure and control blood sugar levels.

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”28497″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][products columns=”3″ orderby=”title” order=”DESC” ids=”30556 30538 30464″][vc_column_text]Source: Healthy Food Guide Diabetes.org [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]