The Truth About Sweets and Diabetes

1. Sweets like candy and cake are off limits to people with diabetes.

The correct answer is: FALSE

Sweet indulgences -- candies, pies, cakes -- were once off-limits for people with diabetes. Not any more.

In fact, research has shown that starches like potatoes and white bread affect your blood glucose levels much like sugar -- causing sometimes-dangerous spikes in blood sugar. Carbohydrates found in most vegetables or whole grains don't affect blood sugar as much.

So today, counting carbs and choosing the healthiest of them is more important than eliminating sugar altogether. A little sweet treat is fine. If you're at a wedding, for instance, you can have a small slice of cake -- very small. Just substitute it for another starchy carb you might eat, like a small potato or a piece of white bread.

If you really have a sweet tooth, choose desserts, candy, and sodas made with sugar substitutes. Many artificial sweeteners contain no carbohydrates or calories, so you don't need to count them in your meal plan. Others contain carbohydrates that are absorbed into your blood more slowly than table sugar -- so they don't pose a threat to your blood sugar levels.

2. A glass of wine with dinner is fine for people with diabetes.

The correct answer is: TRUE

Within limits, of course, alcohol is fine. Experts say that women can safely have one drink a day; two drinks are fine for men.

Keep the portions small. Four ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer equals a serving. And just 1.5 ounces of hard liquor equals one serving.

But there are exceptions: People whose blood sugar levels are not under control -- or who have nerve damage from diabetes -- shouldn't drink alcohol.

3. Foods high in fiber, such as beans, can help lower your blood sugar levels.

The correct answer is: TRUE

A high fiber diet (more than 50 grams/day) has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels. How? Your body digests fiber-rich foods more slowly -- which means glucose (a form of sugar) is absorbed into your blood gradually, thereby helping to moderate your blood sugar levels.

But you have to eat a very high fiber diet to attain this effect!

High fiber diets have also been shown to help you lower cholesterol levels, lose weight, feel fuller, and stay regular.

Other fiber containing foods choices include: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread and crackers, and bran cereal. Remember, always check food labels for carbohydrates. Many high-fiber foods have sugar added to help them taste better.

4. High-protein diets are risky for some people with diabetes.

The correct answer is: TRUE

Research shows that people with kidney problems have faster loss of kidney function if they follow a high protein diet.

How much protein is too much? The American Diabetes Association suggests you eat just 15% to 20% of your calories from protein. And do your body a favor: Choose protein such as beans, fish, or chicken more often than fatty red meat. Fatty meat boosts your risk of heart disease.

If you want to lose weight, try a balanced diet that cuts calories by 500 calories a day. You should be able to lose 10% of your body weight without putting your kidneys at risk.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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