The right diet plays an important role in managing diabetes, but there are many misconceptions about what diabetics should and should not eat.

While it’s crucial to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized diabetes meal plan, it’s also essential to separate fact from fiction. Here are five common misconceptions about diet in diabetes:.

Misconception #1: Diabetics Cannot Consume Carbohydrates

One of the most persistent misconceptions about diabetes is that diabetics cannot consume carbohydrates.

While it’s true that diabetics need to monitor their carbohydrate intake, cutting carbs out of their diet entirely is unnecessary and can be harmful. Carbs are an essential nutrient, providing energy to the body and brain, and it’s impossible to eliminate them entirely without suffering negative consequences.

Instead, diabetics should focus on consuming healthy, complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in moderation.

Misconception #2: Diabetics Should Only Consume Low Glycemic Index Foods

Another common misconception is that diabetics should only consume low glycemic index foods. The glycemic index measures how quickly carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels, with a higher score indicating that a food raises blood sugar more quickly.

While it’s important for diabetics to monitor the glycemic index of the foods they consume, it’s not necessary to rely exclusively on low glycemic index foods. Instead, diabetics should focus on consuming a variety of foods in moderation and monitoring their blood sugar levels regularly to identify which foods cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

Misconception #3: Diabetics Should Avoid All Sugar

Many people believe that diabetics should avoid all sugar, including natural sugars found in fruit and dairy. While it’s true that diabetics need to monitor their sugar intake, avoiding all sugar is unnecessary and can be harmful.

Natural sugars found in fruit and dairy are an essential part of a healthy diet and provide many important nutrients. Instead of avoiding all sugar, diabetics should focus on reducing their intake of added sugars found in processed foods and sugary drinks.

Misconception #4: Diabetics Should Only Eat “Diabetic” Foods

Some people believe that diabetics should only eat specially formulated “diabetic” foods, but this is unnecessary and can be expensive.

Diabetic foods are often highly processed and may contain sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, which can cause digestive problems and other health issues. Instead of relying on diabetic foods, diabetics should focus on consuming a variety of whole, natural foods in moderation.

Misconception #5: Diabetics Cannot Eat Out or Enjoy Their Favorite Foods

Many people believe that diabetics cannot eat out at restaurants or enjoy their favorite foods, but this is far from the truth. With careful planning, diabetics can enjoy a wide variety of foods and can eat out at restaurants.

It’s important for diabetics to understand how their favorite foods will affect their blood sugar levels and to plan accordingly. For example, if a diabetic wants to enjoy a slice of pizza, they can plan to balance it out with a salad and a lower carbohydrate meal earlier in the day.