With 415 million people living with diabetes,¹ there is a high chance that we might have offered one of them some well-meaning advice. Dealing with diabetes can become a lifelong process and is exhausting for some people. They are getting advice and criticism from all angles from people, though well meaning, can be inappropriate for that particular diabetic. Though blood glucose control through food choices, supplements (eg. Glucerna), here are a few statements diabetics are tired of hearing.^{2, 8}

“It could be worse!” or “At least it is not that bad!”

Hold off on sharing stories about someone you know who lost an appendage to diabetes or how expensive the complication medications are. Scare tactics will only increase a diabetic’s frustrations and have them resort to potentially harmful diets. Diabetics are well aware of the potential circulation problems, nerve damages and poor wound healing.^{3, 5,}

“I eat sugar and I don’t have diabetes!”

The “hidden” meaning behind statements like these is that diabetics should cut out all sweets. Some people are born different, and it can boil down to a people hereditary. Meaning, if you are not predisposed to get diabetes, you will not just by favoring desserts.² The potential to get it will increase if you have prolonged unhealthy eating habits, high intake of refined carbohydrates (e.g. packaged foods, white bread, white rice, or any non-whole grain product), saturated fats and trans fats (e.g. deep fried items and snacks).^{4, 6}

“I told you so! You should have tried dieting!”

Cutting out any type of food can throw your blood glucose levels out of course. The basis of eating for blood glucose control is portion control and balance of nutrients. As long as you understand portion size and know your wholesome options, you can live well with diabetes.^{3, 4} The key term is “high quality carbohydrates” (i.e.. wholesome foods) as it is what mainly affects blood glucose levels. What determines the quality of carbohydrates in a food item is its Glycemic Index. A rating system that goes up to 100, foods on the low end are minimally processed (e.g. barley, unsweetened yogurt, oats, beans, whole wheat, non-starchy vegetables) and slowly raises blood glucose.⁷ They maintain a majority of their nutrients and fiber, so that the carbohydrates do not get easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream.

Ignore the stigmatism surrounding the diabetes disease and follow your doctor’s advice. If you want to truly consider a diabetes specific formula (DSF), make sure it is explicitly labeled for diabetics with scientifically proven results. For example, Glucerna, rated as No.1 Doctor Recommended Diabetes Nutritional Formula in the US⁹, is backed by over 30 years of 50 clinical studies. Formulated to have low GI rating per serving (1 to 3 servings, 5 scoops + 200ml water per serving)⁸ with the new and improved carbohydrate system¹² and 4x the Myo-inositol.¹⁰ Myo-inositol, or referred to as Inositol, is an important carbohydrate responsible for mimicking insulin action that can help manage blood glucose level effectively.¹³ Glucerna is also enriched with dietary fibers, heart healthy lipid blends, and 28 vitamins and minerals to help provide a complete and balanced nutrition. Consider Glucerna a snack or meal replacement to help manage blood glucose levels and see response in 3 months.¹¹ Ease of mind helping you take small steps towards your diabetes blood glucose goal is what Glucerna is about. So, if your life suddenly has become on the go with the changes you are making, worry not as you can take nutrition with you as Glucerna liquid. Ready to drink, just grab it and go.

Visit Glucerna Myanmar today and sign up for a free sample.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/infographics/diabetes/world-diabetes-day.html#:~:text=Today%20415%20Million%20people%20worldwide,a%20billion%20will%20have%20diabetes.
2. https://www.abbott.in/corpnewsroom/diabetes-care/10-things-you-didn-t-know-about-diabetes-management.html
3. https://www.diabetesqld.org.au/news/10-things-not-to-say-to-people-with-type-2/
4. https://asweetlife.org/10-things-not-to-say-to-a-person-with-diabetes/
5. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/seven-things-not-to-say-to-someone-with-diabetes/
6. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-tough-control
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/glycemic-index-diet/art-20048478
8. https://glucerna.ensuremyanmar.com/eng/
9. IQVIA, using the ProVoice Survey, fielded to 14,550 physicians from September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021
10. Compared to previous formula of Glucerna
11. Sun et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008.
12. Jenkins et al. Diabetologia. 1982
13. Chee et al. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2017; Sun et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008.

Supplemental Readings:

14. https://www.milkandhoneynutrition.com/supporting-someone-with-diabetes-what-to-say-and-what-not-to-say/