Common Misconceptions About a "Diabetic Diet"

Hello! During our lunch breaks at Tyson Research Center each day, our topic of discussion always first turns to what did everyone bring for lunch? Since the majority of us are either high school or college students, it is surprising how healthy we all tend to eat. Wraps are a favorite among the group as well as many fruits, vegetables, nuts and other whole foods.  Eating healthy whole foods is not only good for your health but it is good for our environment.

When a lot of people find out for the first time that I have type 1 diabetes, they automatically assume that I follow a tight “diabetic diet” and must never consume any sugar. This is far from the truth. While I tend to probably eat healthier than some teenagers my age, I eat basically anything I want.  A misconception is that a person with type 1 diabetes must avoid all sugar and should only eat sugar free snacks or candy. It is not sugar I must keep track of, it is carbohydrates and even “sugar free” foods have carbohydrates. The body breaks carbohydrates into glucose and this is what I have to calculate in order to balance it with insulin. Since my pancreas can no longer produce insulin, I have to give myself insulin using my pump every time I eat. It is a constant balancing act. So if I want to indulge in some ice cream on a hot summer night, I need to calculate the carbohydrates in that particular serving and then bolus with the appropriate amount of insulin.

So basically the only diet I tend to follow is one that everyone should try and follow: lots of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. I try to consume very little processed foods and eat desserts in moderation. When I stick to these few rules, I tend to see good glucose levels as well as just feel better.