16 Myths of a Diabetic Diet. Karen Hanson Chalmers

      

Director, Book Publishing, Robert Anthony; Managing Editor, Book Publishing, Abe Ogden; Editor, Greg L. Guthrie; Production Manager, Melissa Sprott; Composition, American Diabetes Association; Cover Design, Jody Billert/Design Literate, Inc.; Printer, United Graphics Incorporated.

      ©1999, 2007 by the American Diabetes Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including duplication, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the American Diabetes Association.

      Printed in the United States of America

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      The suggestions and information contained in this publication are generally consistent with the Clinical Practice Recommendations and other policies of the American Diabetes Association, but they do not represent the policy or position of the Association or any of its boards or committees. Reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the American Diabetes Association cannot ensure the safety or efficacy of any product or service described in this publication. Individuals are advised to consult a physician or other appropriate health care professional before undertaking any diet or exercise program or taking any medication referred to in this publication. Professionals must use and apply their own professional judgment, experience, and training and should not rely solely on the information contained in this publication before prescribing any diet, exercise, or medication. The American Diabetes Association—its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and members—assumes no responsibility or liability for personal or other injury, loss, or damage that may result from the suggestions or information in this publication.

      

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      Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

      Chalmers, Karen.

      16 myths of a diabetic diet / Karen Hanson Chalmers, Amy Peterson Campbell.—2nd ed.

      p. cm.

      Includes index.

      ISBN 978-1-58040-287-3 (alk. paper)

      eISBN 978-1-58040-374-0

      1. Diabetes—Diet therapy. 2. Medical misconceptions. I. Campbell, Amy Peterson, 1964- II. Title. III. Title: Sixteen myths of a diabetic diet.

      RC662.C45 2007

      616.4’620654—dc22

      2007021343

      eISBN: 9781580403740

       To our patients, friends, and family memberswith diabetes, who have taught us so much aboutwhat it means to live with diabetes.

      To my husband, Rob. As a person who has lived with diabetesfor more than 30 years, you’re an inspiration and role model forchildren and adults with diabetes. Thanks for all that you do. —A.P.C.

       To Kara, Nate, and Erin: You have all demonstratedincredible strength, support, and courage during challengingtimes. Thank you. To Gabriella: A strong and beautifulgift who has brought joy into our lives.—K.H.C.

      CONTENTS

       TITLE PAGE

       COPYRIGHT PAGE

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1: MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY VERSUS THE DIABETIC DIET

Myth: People with diabetes must eat only low-calorie foods and special foods from the “dietetic” section in the supermarket.

Chapter 2: SUGAR

Myth: People with diabetes must avoid all foods that contain sugar.

Chapter 3: STARCH AND FIBER

Myth: People with diabetes should avoid potatoes, pasta, rice, and bread because starchy foods raise blood glucose levels and cause weight gain.

Chapter 4: PROTEIN

Myth: People with diabetes should follow a high-protein diet to stay healthy and strong.

       Chapter 5: FAT

       Myth: People with diabetes have to follow a rigid fat-free diet.

       Chapter 6: SUGAR SUBSTITUTES

       Myth: People with diabetes should only eat sugar-free foods.

       Chapter 7: CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING AND THE GLYCEMIC INDEX

       Myth: People with diabetes must follow a diabetic diet that uses exchanges (or choices) to plan their meals.

       Chapter 8: LABEL READING

       Myth: People with diabetes need to only look at sugar and calories on food labels.

       Chapter 9: DIABETES AND BODY WEIGHT

       Myth: People with diabetes should lose a lot of weight in order to control their blood glucose levels.

       Chapter 10: DIABETES AND THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS

       Myth: People with diabetes should take special dietary supplements.

       Chapter 11: SODIUM