Diabetes and Carbohydrates
One of the biggest myths in the medical/health field is that all carbohydrates are created equal. This is one of the biggest mistakes a person can make. This is why so many people who count calories still run into problem because in truth, there is a big difference. Many diabetics are taught to leave carbohydrate rich foods alone and eat 5-6 small meals a day. This is one of the most detrimental things anyone can do, worse a diabetic.
The body does not count calories and 200 calories brown rice meal will be digested differently then a 200 calories white rice meal. The reason behind this stems from the fact that the fiber is missing. Foods high in fiber prevent the stomach from breaking them down to glucose too quickly and thus overloading the pancreases with work. When the fiber is removed from the food it overworks the pancreases, and if this cycle continues long enough the pancreases will either malfunction (hypoglycemia) or will shut down altogether thus causing diabetes.
Another issue is eating so many small meals daily. This overworks the stomach and if there is any function in the pancreases, it further strains it. Instead of eating 5-6 small meals a day, eat 2-3 meals but make sure fiber rich foods are consumed and refined foods (wheat, sugar, etc), are either eradicated or kept to a minimum.
So carbohydrates are not necessarily bad, rather it is the type. Refined foods will worsen any diabetic problems; however fiber rich foods such as brown rice, whole wheat flour (not “wheat flour”) as well as fruits, nuts, grains and vegetables will help to stabilize blood glucose levels.
