According to Sinead Fitzpatrick, representative of the Diabetic Interest Group with the INDI there are many misleading claims out there that she is keen to address. “Mention diabetes and the first thing that many people think of, is cutting out sugar. Yet the dietary guidelines for people with diabetes have for more than twenty years focused on the nutrients which affect diabetes control; namely carbohydrate, fat and protein. Scientific research has proven that the most important dietary factor in managing diabetes is the total amount of carbohydrate taken in the diet.”

The main reason for the association with diabetes and sugar is the persistent misuse of the term “blood sugar” when referring to measuring diabetes control. Understandably this term leads to the assumption that sugar in the diet raises sugar levels in the blood.

However, when we eat carbohydrate foods such as bread or potatoes, as well as sugary foods, all of these are broken down to release glucose into the blood. Therefore the correct term when referring to measuring diabetes control is blood glucose levels and not blood sugar levels. Glucose is a really important source of energy for the body.

While some research has shown a benefit in glucose control in people with diabetes who follow a low carbohydrate diet in the short term, there is no evidence for this in the longer term. Following a low carbohydrate intake can lead to lower intakes of healthy nutrients like vitamins and minerals and fibre and higher intake of fat. We know that high fibre carbohydrates, e.g. wholegrain cereals, brown rice, wholemeal bread, are good for a healthy digestion.

Glycaemic index (GI) denotes a way to measure how quickly a food or drink will raise blood glucose levels. Foods that cause a slow release of glucose into the blood are Low GI and foods which lead to a rapid rise in blood glucose levels are High GI.  We know that sugar which is half and half sucrose and fructose has a lower glycaemic index than some starchy foods such as white bread. Lower GI foods can help in managing blood glucose levels.

For people with diabetes getting to know how much carbohydrate is right for them is the most important way to manage diabetes and the key points are as follows;

A qualified dietitian can help people with diabetes learn the correct amount of carbohydrate to have healthy blood glucose levels and a healthy weight. This is done on an individual basis as everyone has different needs according to lifestyle, personal preferences and circumstances. For further information log onto www.indi.ie