Our Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, Stacy Beeson, gets so many questions about diabetes. In this blog, Stacy answers the three most common questions she gets about diabetes.
Do I have to eat low-carb when I have diabetes?
No, you don’t have to avoid all carbs when you have diabetes. A low carb way of eating is just one way that helps control your blood sugar. Meal plans for diabetes are based on your lifestyle, food preferences and individual nutrient needs. This is why it is helpful to sit down with a dietitian who will personalize an eating plan just for you. There is no “one size fits all” diabetic diet. You need a plan that you can stick to so you can have long-term success!
Can I have sweets with diabetes?
Yes, you can have sweets even if you have diabetes. Sweets are a pleasure in life for many people. They are present in so many celebrations that it can be hard to say no. Nobody eats perfectly 100% of the time so you can reserve 10% margin for treats although portion control is still essential. Try to keep the sweet treat to 15 g of carbohydrate per serving like ½ cup ice cream or a piece of dark chocolate the size of 3-fingers. Next time you want a sweet, check the label to see if it will fit. Try using fruit or yogurt for a sweet fix. Above all, sit and savor your sweet instead of gobbling it down!
Can I get off my medication with diabetes?
Yes, there is a very good chance you could reduce your medications and maybe even get off them altogether. However, it’s important to never make any medication adjustments without first discussing it with your physician. Diabetes is managed in many ways – the food you eat, your activity throughout the day, your stress and your medication. When big changes are made to your diet and lifestyle, it can be followed by blood sugar reduction. This is why individual diabetes management is so important for your health.
It's time to take action and improve your diabetes. We can help you do just that!
Nutrition Dynamix has a comprehensive diabetes program. It includes individual nutrition visits and group classes led by a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator. The program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association. Individual nutrition visits include a personalized assessment of your eating patterns with a meal guide tailored to your individual needs. We will discuss how food impacts blood sugar and what/when/how much to eat when you have diabetes. You'll learn how to check your blood sugar, understand your medications, and the importance of preventing diabetes complications. Each visit is customized to help you better self-manage your diabetes.
Small group-based classes include discussions on healthy eating, meal planning, physical activity, medications and coping with stress. We help you understand reasons for high and low blood sugar and how to prevent complications related to your heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet.
Learn more about our diabetes program and how to sign up.
