The most popular questions about diabetes were answered by Mail.ru Health by endocrinologist at the Fomin Clinic Amina Nauzievna Kushcheterova.
1. Diabetes is a disease of the fat. If you’re thin, is there anything to worry about?
To answer many questions, I would like to first talk about the difference between the two main types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the cells of the pancreas are destroyed. This disease can develop even with normal body weight.
But if we are talking about type 2 diabetes, then, indeed, obesity is a very significant risk factor in its development.
2. Diabetes occurs only in sweet lovers. If you’re not a fan of chocolate and cola, is there anything to fear?
This is a very popular myth. Sweets have no direct relationship to the development of diabetes. Excess body weight occurs due to a lack of balance between energy consumption and energy expenditure.
Excess body weight can occur even if a person adheres to the principles of so-called proper nutrition, simply in the absence of the above balance.
But do not forget that confectionery products have a high calorie content and reduced saturating ability. To reduce the risks of obesity, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of added sugar (no more than 5-10% of the diet).
3. If this diagnosis has been made, then sweets are no longer allowed – never at all
For type 2 diabetes, it is recommended to limit the amount of confectionery products and free sugars as much as possible, but we are not talking about a complete and lifelong ban.
The most important thing is moderation, because very strict restrictions can significantly reduce the quality of life of patients. A balanced diet is also important for type 1 diabetes.
4. If you take glucose-lowering medications or inject insulin on time, can you not follow the diet?
This is wrong. Oral hypoglycemic drugs have their limits, and a balanced diet is always necessary.
After all, we are focused not only on glucose levels, but also on obtaining all the necessary macro and micronutrients and fiber.
Also important for a person is the feeling of satiety and the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Can you eat as many sweets with sweeteners as you like?
It is a myth. In addition to sugar, confectionery products also contain fats and easily digestible carbohydrates. The amount of which must be reduced with a balanced diet or with targeted weight loss.
Most sweeteners have no calories and can be used in moderation to sweeten tea/coffee drinks. What fructose, which has calories equivalent to regular sugar, cannot boast of. Therefore, confectionery products containing fructose are nothing more than a marketing ploy.
6. Should women with diabetes not become pregnant or give birth?
Diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication to pregnancy. But you must remember that proper pregnancy planning, achieving diabetes compensation and more careful monitoring are necessary to avoid complications for both the child and the mother.