Risk Factor to Avoid

With the holiday season upon us, it is important to address the use of alcohol and your diabetes. One or two drinks a day may have little effect on your blood glucose level. This is true if you have good control of your diabetes, are free of complications and drink the alcohol close to or with a meal. However, alcohol does add extra calories and may increase the blood fat called triglycerides in some people. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach may also cause low blood glucose several hours after the alcohol is consumed.

If you treat your diabetes and cardiovascular health problems with diet and exercise, low blood glucose when drinking is less likely to happen. Still alcohol can disrupt your meal plan. Work with a dietitian if you want to include a favorite drink into your holiday meal plan.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Diabetes Myths

Myth #1: You can catch diabetes from someone else.
No. Although we do not know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know diabetes is not contagious. It can’t be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly Type-2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Myth #2: People with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate.
If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, people with diabetes can eat sweets and desserts. They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes.

Myth #3: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing Type-2 diabetes. If you have history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended.

Myth #4: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses.
No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose management, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with Type-1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.

Myth #5: Fruit is a healthy food. It is ok to eat as much of it as you wish.
Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruit contains carbohydrate, it needs to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.