14 Myths About Diabetes Treatment

2. You need to cut out carbs completely

This myth stems from the fact that all carbs turn into sugar, or “glucose,” in your blood. Because diabetics have trouble regulating their blood sugar levels, people may assume that cutting out carbs completely will solve all diabetes-related problems. On the contrary, they may raise more problems because sugar is “the main energy source for our brain and body,” according to Synder.

Not to mention, carbs are the exclusive source of the digestion-slowing macronutrient, fiber, in our diet; Studies have connected high fiber diets to good gut health, a lower risk of metabolic diseases, and better regulation of body weight. In fact, multiple organizations, like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, encourage their health care providers to prescribe a whole-food, plant-based diet to their patients.

Eat This! Tip
Snyder says that it’s not eating carbs that’s a problem for diabetics, “the trouble lies in eating more carbohydrates than we need, as the body will choose to store any extra energy as fat.” So, instead of cutting out carbs, focus on what type of carbs you’re eating. Snyder recommends filling up ¼ of your plate with complex carbs, i.e. whole grains, fresh fruit, and starchy veggies that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and blood-sugar-managing fiber. On the other hand, reduce your intake of the worst carbs in America: refined carbs.