Does fruit raise my blood sugar?
Fruits are sources of carbohydrates, so that means they will be digested into glucose and released into the bloodstream. Regardless of raising blood sugar, fruit is very beneficial to our health and it is recommended that we have at least 2 servings of fruit per day. People with type 2 diabetes may be recommended to limit their fruit intake to only 2 servings per day.
Can I follow the ketogenic diet?
For type 1 diabetes, a ketogenic diet is not recommended. For type 2 diabetes, close contact with your multidisciplinary team is required to investigate whether a ketogenic diet is suitable for you.
Can I eat chocolate to treat my hypoglycemia?
No. Chocolate contains fat, which slows down the absorption of glucose in the body. The correct option for low blood sugar should be 15g of fast-absorbing glucose sources, like 125ml juice, 3 sugar cubes, 1 tbsp honey, or 15g glucose tablet.
Does cinnamon help treat diabetes?
Cinnamon may have some health benefits, but it is not yet medically approved for the management of diabetes.
What is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)?
HbA1C is a blood test that measures how well-controlled your blood sugar has been in the last 3 months.
Does eating too much sugar cause diabetes?
No. The causes of diabetes are different for each type. Type 1 diabetes has an autoimmune cause, which means that the body attacks its own pancreatic cells that are responsible for creating insulin, leading to an insulin deficiency. As for type 2 diabetes, the causes are not 100% known but they are influenced by many factors like diet, lifestyle, genetics, and more.
Do we have to carb-count artificial sweeteners?
Most artificial sweeteners like aspartame, stevia, saccharin, and sucralose do not have to be carb-counted. However, sweeteners like sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, etc.) need to be counted. Contact your dietitian to show you how to do so.
Do we have to remove carbohydrates from our diet completely?
No. Carbohydrates are our main source of energy and they have their place in a balanced diet. Contact your dietitian to know what amount of carbohydrates is right for you.
What kinds of carbs are better for stabilizing blood sugar levels?
Complex carbs that are higher in fiber and lower in glycemic index are slow-absorbing and don’t spike blood sugar levels as much as simple carbs. For example, foods like sweet potato, brown rice, beans, lentils, and berries lead to more stable blood sugar levels than foods like cereal, juice, candy, biscuits, etc.
Can children with type 1 diabetes follow low-carb and high-protein / high fat diet?
Currently, there is insufficient scientific research on the health benefits of this approach for pediatric population. Meanwhile, according to the diabetes experts, these types of diets are not recommended for children with type 1 diabetes due to following potential concerns:
- Higher fat intake
- Delay blood glucose rise from fat and protein intake that impacts insulin requirements
- Potential for negative effects on cognition
- Potential for poor growth and development
- Inadequate nutrient intake
- Potential for increased cardiovascular disease risk (higher LDL cholesterol levels)
My child is on an insulin pump and wanted to know more about the dual waves and its function?
A dual wave bolus delivers a combination of an immediate normal bolus followed by a square wave bolus. You might use a dual wave when you consume meals that are high in both carbs and fat like fast-food, pizza, bechamel pasta, Chinese food, etc. It is used to prevent a delayed rise in blood sugar that is frequently seen after consuming these types of meals.
Can I take my rapid-acting insulin (ex. Novorapid) after I finished my meals as I have a fear from hypoglycemia?
No. The appropriate timing of taking meal bolus insulin is 15-20 minutes before eating the meal. Taking your insulin after meals may result in fluctuating blood sugar levels.
