Food & Ingredients 5 min read

Diabetic Diets DEBUNKING MISCONCEPTIONS

Laura Schneider ✓

Diets Premium Expert • 24.09.2026

✓

Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian: This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.

Diets Premium Expert Laura Schneider

min read 5 min

Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 24.09.2026

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Diabetic Diets DEBUNKING MISCONCEPTIONS

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Key Takeaways

Understanding the principles of proper nutrition in diabetes is essential, as diet plays a crucial role in treatment. Following specific guidelines helps manage a condition that, unfortunately, cannot be cured, but maintaining balance through diet can prevent serious complications. Over time, many misconceptions about diabetic nutrition have emerged, which warrant examination.

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Consuming sugar causes diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders in which carbohydrate metabolism is impaired. It occurs as a result of insufficient production of insulin produced by the pancreas or the inability of insulin to be used by the cells of the body. Type 1 diabetes is considered to be a disease of the immune system because due to an abnormality in the functioning of the immunological system it leads to damage to the intestine and consequently to impairment in the production of the insulin. This hormone is not introduced into the circulating blood cells of glucose, which is the source of energy sugar. Type 2 diabetes mellitus has already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The carbohydrates are intact

Carbohydrates, along with proteins and fats, are the basis of any healthy and well-balanced diet. On the average person's menu, carbohydrate accounts for up to 60% of their daily calorie intake. In people with diabetes, the intake of this ingredient falls to about 4550%, but it's impossible to completely eliminate carbs from the diet. What's important is their proper quality.

The diabetes diet is complicated

The diet recommended for people with diabetes is not complicated or difficult to follow, but much depends on the dietary habits that the patient had before being diagnosed with the disease. If we were used to fast food products that did not require preparation, switching to the diet recommended to diabetics may take a little longer. However, the diet itself is not difficult and requires memorization of a few basic principles. The main source of carbohydrates should be whole grains.

You have to give up your favorite meals

A common misconception is that diabetic individuals can consume unlimited quantities of meat due to its lack of carbohydrates. In reality, excessive intake of red and processed meats contributes to worsening insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and cardiovascular strain. People with diabetes should moderate protein portions and prioritize skinless poultry, wild fish, and plant proteins like lentils and tofu.

Limiting sugar intake to protein (protein is better than sugar)

A properly balanced diet should contain adequate amounts of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Each of these ingredients is necessary for the body to function properly. One thing that is not taken into account is a significant reduction in the supply of carbs for protein. Too much of the latter can contribute to health complications. A high-protein diet used for long periods of time has adverse effects on the kidneys and often leads to their damage.

You can't eat desserts

It's not even forbidden for diabetics to eat desserts.. but it's important to remember to prepare them properly.. a simple carbohydrate snack may not be the best choice for a diabetic, but if we enrich it with protein, like yogurt, the glycemic index of the whole meal will drop.

You can't use candy

In diabetes, it is extremely important to limit the supply of simple sugars, including free sugars which are mainly sweet and sugary. Therefore, beverage sweeteners should be avoided. However, the use of sweetener in the quantities recommended by the manufacturer is allowed.

You should only consume dietary products

The term "dietary products" is associated with something that is healthy for many people, but not necessarily tasty. This is a misconception! So-called dietary products are not highly processed and contain limited amounts of fat or simple carbohydrates, but they don't have to be tasteless at all. Of course, a lot depends on our habits and taste preferences. If we like very sweet products, we may not like them at first. It's all a matter of getting used to sweet taste.