Myth: Sugar free products are safe to consume.

Fact: This may not apply to every product. Some products that are labeled "sugar free" may be high in fat and hence are not very healthy for diabetics. So it is a good practice to read the nutrition facts on the package label before buying any food. Look for ′sugar free′ and ′fat free′ on the labels.

Diabetics are two to four times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as is someone without diabetes.

A diabetic diet plan for an individual is based on the height, weight, age, sex, physical activity and the nature of diabetes.

Foods Allowed for Diabetics

• Complex cereals like whole wheat, bajra, jowar, ragi, wheat bran, brown rice, rice bran, barley
• Dals and pulses like moong dal, tur dal, rajma
• Vegetables like cabbage, brinjal, cluster beans, spinach, methi, etc
• Low fat dairy products like milk, curd, paneer and buttermilk
• Fruits like papaya, musambi, guava, etc

Restricted Foods for Diabetics - Indulge in these foods in moderation!!!

• Fruits like chickoo, custard apple, grapes and mango
• Vegetables such as potatoes, yam, purple yam and sweet potato
• Biscuits such as Digestive and Marie
• Restrict the intake of fat to 2-4 teaspoons per day

Forbidden Foods for Diabetes Patient - Avoid these foods!!!

• Refined sugar, honey, jaggery, jam and jellies
• Deep fried foods like wafers, samosas, farsan, etc
• Sweets like peda, barfi, chocolates, puddings, pies, ice-creams, biscuits made with refined flour, high sugar and cream content
• Aerated drinks, preserved or canned fruits, fruit squash and alcohol.

For more information on Yoga, Ayurveda, diet, nutrition, health, weight loss or fitness contact DesiDieter Health Experts