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People with diabetes do not need to use "diabetic
foods" or "dietetic foods". They usually
cost more than regular food and do not control diabetes
any better. Using regular food is cheaper and lets everyone
eat the same meal.
When you have diabetes, it is important to read a food
label. It has three parts - "Nutrition Facts,"
"Percent Daily Value," and "Ingredients."
In diabetes control, the "Nutrition Facts" part
is the most important.
"Nutrition Facts" will show the calories and
grams of protein, fat and carbohydrates in the stated serving
size. The total carbohydrate number is the one to pay close
attention to because almost all the carbohydrates we eat
turn into blood sugar. The amount of carbohydrates eaten
is more important than the kind eaten.
"Sugar-free" and "no added sugar" means
that table sugar was not used in that food. Other sweeteners
that can turn into blood glucose may be in the food. "Sugar-free"
and "no added sugar" foods do not always control
diabetes better than regular foods.
Be sure to read other terms on food labels carefully. They
may not mean what you think they mean. Your healthcare provider
or registered dietitian can give you more details on food
labels.
Remember that you can still enjoy regular foods and do
not have to eat diabetic foods only, if you carefully manage
what you eat. We have an extensive collection of diabetic
food recipes for you to sample.
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