Diabetes Health Center

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 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 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 the blood more slowly than table sugar -- so they don't pose a threat to your blood sugar levels. However, once you come off sugar and sweeteners for a few weeks, your body and taste buds will adapt and you won’t require or crave as much sweetness. This will also make natural foods and fruits taste sweeter and more satisfying.

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.

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 the blood gradually, thereby helping to moderate 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 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 and sugars. Many high-fiber foods have sugar added to help them taste better.