Myth Busting Diabetes
When it comes to managing life as a diabetic, you might face quite a few hurdles here and there before feeling confident navigating your diagnosis. A well-managed diabetic patient is a happy, healthy person with the ability to lead a fulfilling life. There are many different aspects of diabetes that can negatively impact our health in other ways, such as impacting the health of our feet and ankles. Among the issues your feet and ankles might face as a result of your diagnosis, conditions like nerve disease, chronic swelling, arthritis, and gout are the most common ailments.
This is one of the many reasons why it’s especially important to dispel the myths around diabetes and its dietary management that, even with good intentions, can be harmful to you as a diabetic. Our medical team at Tri County Foot & Ankle Center wants to dispel these myths once and for all:
Myth: A diabetic person shouldn’t have carbohydrates.
Busted: False! Carbs can definitely still be enjoyed - it’s carbs that are low in fiber you want to watch out for! High-fiber carbs digest slowly which keeps blood sugar spikes to a minimum.
Myth: The diet of a diabetic person is bland and boring.
Busted: A vibrant and delicious diet is the same for a diabetic as it is for anyone looking to simply eat healthier. Exploring the world of herbs and spices is a fascinating and delectable way to power up your food.
Myth: People with diabetes should absolutely, never ever, eat sugar.
Busted: False, yet again! Sugar intake should be limited, of course, but it’s not impossible to enjoy an occasional treat with proper planning. Dessert tastes even better when you allow a special time to enjoy it!
Myth: A diabetic person is better off eating a high-protein diet.
Busted: Quite the contrary, high-protein diets have been linked to developing insulin-resistance - the last thing someone with diabetes needs to worry about developing. As it would be for anyone, a balanced diet is key.
While it might seem difficult at first, navigating your dietary needs as a diabetic gets easier with the right support. Make sure to check in with your podiatrist every 6-12 months to ensure that your foot and ankle health is reaping the benefits of a diabetes-friendly diet. Considering how often we are on our feet every day, it is about time we consider them a priority. That’s where the Podiatrists at Tri County Foot & Ankle Center can help! Make an appointment at one of our convenient office locations (Bayonne, Clifton, Colts Neck, East Brunswick, Jersey City, Kearny, and Randolph, NJ).