Individuals recently diagnosed with diabetes or striving to embrace a healthier lifestyle may encounter challenges in discerning which brands, labels, and food items to rely on. Diabetes UK experts have provided insights on this issue, cautioning against the consumption of products labeled as ‘diabetic food’.
According to them, designating food as ‘diabetic food’ is now unlawful due to lack of evidence supporting any special benefits compared to a balanced diet. These foods may contain similar levels of fat and calories as other products, impacting blood glucose levels and potentially causing a laxative effect.
The UK has banned the labeling of products as ‘diabetic food’ to prevent misleading consumers, especially those newly diagnosed with diabetes, into believing they require these items in their diet without proven benefits.
This prohibition extends to terms like ‘suitable for diabetics’, with these foods often being more expensive than regular alternatives, adding to the confusion caused by such labeling practices.
Instead of focusing on ‘diabetic’ food labels, Diabetes UK recommends making initial dietary substitutions, such as opting for healthier carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and plain yogurt.
Experts suggest reducing the intake of certain items, including:
Free sugars, which are added sugars in foods either by manufacturers or during preparation. Simple ways to cut down on free sugars include replacing sugary drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices with water, unsweetened milk, or sugar-free tea and coffee.
Low or zero-calorie sweeteners can serve as a beneficial sugar-reduction option, particularly for weight management purposes.
The experts emphasized that mineral and vitamin supplements do not aid in diabetes management unless specifically recommended by healthcare professionals. They advised obtaining essential nutrients through a varied diet, as some supplements may interact with medications or worsen diabetes-related complications like kidney disease.
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