| I started searching for a diabetic nutrition chart to | | | | to keep up to date on the latest news. If you can |
| help a friend. What I found were lots of books | | | | read scientific studies without falling asleep, that's |
| and special diets. It seems like the diet and fitness | | | | something to consider. |
| industry has gotten into the healthcare business. | | | | For many years, sugary foods were considered |
| Government agencies and major organizations like | | | | the big problem. It was thought that using a sugar |
| the American Diabetes Association make one | | | | substitute like saccharin would correct the |
| standard advisement. Discuss your diet with your | | | | problem. |
| doctor or a nutritionist. | | | | Sugar belongs to a larger group of foods called |
| The problem my friend ran into was that the | | | | simple carbohydrates. Today, most doctors and |
| information provided by her doctor left her | | | | nutritionists advise diabetics to limit their intake of |
| confused. She thought about going to see a | | | | all simple carbs, not just sugar. |
| nutritionist, but the extra visit was not covered | | | | A diabetic nutrition chart, if one existed, might |
| by her insurance. | | | | look quite different from the old fashioned USDA |
| Obviously, I live in the US. Not to say that | | | | food pyramids. Fruits and vegetables (except |
| healthcare is any better anywhere else in the | | | | white potatoes) would be the main dishes, so to |
| world. It just doesn't seem right that healthcare | | | | speak. They are complex carbohydrates. The |
| should be a business. | | | | peelings and seeds are excellent sources of |
| There is a great deal of free information on the | | | | dietary fiber and other nutrients, which reduces |
| internet that can help diabetics and healthy | | | | the impact that they have on blood sugar levels. |
| individuals plan their menus. Here's the advice that | | | | Simple carbs contain very little fiber. The nutritional |
| I gave to my friend. | | | | value is very low, as well. They provide mostly |
| Diabetics need the same nutrients that everyone | | | | calories. They are digested to quickly and as a |
| else needs. Additional amounts of certain nutrients, | | | | result, they cause spikes in blood sugar levels. |
| primarily antioxidants, may be beneficial. | | | | I was never able to find a good diabetic nutrition |
| Most doctors are not likely to suggest | | | | chart. What I have figured out is that it would |
| supplementation or a specific diabetic nutrition | | | | look more like a pie chart, with about 50% of the |
| chart. Lots of conflicting information about what's | | | | caloric intake coming from fruits, vegetables, |
| important and what's not is the likely reason. | | | | beans and legumes. |
| Things could change tomorrow. So, it is important | | | | |