HEALTH MATTERS: Busting Diabetes Myths – Packet Online

A diagnosis of diabetes can be scary and confusing for many people, especially with all the myths surrounding the disease and how to manage it.

But if you are one of the millions of Americans diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes each year, understanding the facts can help you make positive changes and gain control over the condition so you can lead a healthier life.

The Diabetes Management Program at University Medical Center of Princeton (UMCP) helps adults and children diagnosed with diabetes learn how to live with the condition. It also provides education to enable patients to make informed lifestyle changes based on facts rather than myths.

MYTH:The most important item to watch in your diet is sugar, and if a food is sugar-free, you can eat as much as you want.

FACT:Years ago, people were advised that to prevent and control diabetes they just needed to avoid or reduce sugar in their diet. However, just because a food is low in sugar or sugar-free, it could still be high in carbohydrates. And total carbohydrates are the real culprits in raising glucose levels after you eat.

Carbohydrates include starches (such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, and cereals), fruits, milk and vegetables. Most vegetables are low in carbohydrates, and protein and fats have minimal or no carbohydrate. When it comes to managing diabetes, it is not enough to just avoid sugar, it is important to watch your total carbohydrate intake for meals and snacks.

Everyone is different though and the amount of carbohydrates you need varies by individual. For example, people with type 2 or pre-diabetes may need to limit or controlthe amount of carbs they eat each day, while someone with type 1 diabetes may need to match their insulin doses to how much carbohydrate they want to eat.

MYTH:You dont need to do anything if you are told you have pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes.

FACT:Not true! Pre-diabetes is defined as having fasting glucose levels between 100-125, or a hemoglobin A1c between 5.7-6.4. This is higher than normal, but right below the cut-off point for diabetes. More than 86 million American adults more than 1 out of 3 have pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While having pre-diabetes is a risk factor for developing diabetes, you may be able to reverse the progression or delay the development for years through diet and exercise. If you are able to lose 5 to 10 percent of your weight and get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, you can increase your chances of keeping diabetes at bay. In addition, if you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, it is important to follow up with your doctor and have your hemoglobin a1c levels checked every three months, and to monitor your glucose at home if necessary or desired.

MYTH:There is only one diabetic diet, or one way to eat for managing diabetes.

FACT:Also, not true! There may be general guidelines to make it easier to get started, but each person needs an individualized plan, taking into consideration their preferences, lifestyle, activity, weight, diabetes medications, and glucose levels. While one person may be able to eat three regular meals a day, another may benefit from eating three small meals and two to three snacks. Amounts of carbohydrates, fat, and calories will be different for each person as well. For someone monitoring their glucose levels at home, they can see the effects of their diet on their glucose levels and make changes accordingly. Registered dietitians, especially those who are also certified diabetes educators, can help develop a diet plan tailored to individual needs.

MYTH:If you cant exercise for 30 to 60 minutes or more a day, dont bother.

FACT:Research has shown that just 10 to 15 minute increments of exercise or activity two to three times daily or even every other day can be beneficial and reduce glucose levels, especially after meals. For people who sit most of the day, getting up and walking around for 5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes can be beneficial as well. Also, exercise can include chair exercises, strength training and using weights, or a combination of aerobic and strength. Put simply, moving more is good for your health.

Nationally Recognized Care

There is now a wide range of effective treatments for diabetes, greatly reducing the risks of serious complications. Finding a healthy personal balance learning to control your blood sugar levels through a combination of good nutrition, exercise and often medication is key to successfully managing your diabetes.

The Diabetes Management Program at UMCP is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a quality diabetes self-management education program that meets the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. This award is based on a rigorous clinical review process every four years to ensure high standards of diabetes care and education.

The program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of diabetes specialists, including registered nurses and registered dietitians, who work closely with each individual patient and their physician and other healthcare providers to help effectively manage their diabetes and enjoy an improved quality of life. Services include:

Individual and group education sessions by registered nurses and dietitians

Blood glucose monitoring instruction

Community outreach programs

Diabetes care and management for pre-pregnancy/conception and during pregnancy

Medical Nutrition Therapy/nutrition education and meal planning

Professionally facilitated monthly support groups

For more information about the Diabetes Management Program at UMCP, go to http://www.princetonhcs.org or call 609-853-7890.

Sandra Byer-Lubin is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with University Medical Center at Princetons Diabetes Management Program.

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HEALTH MATTERS: Busting Diabetes Myths - Packet Online