News & Research
Emphasis on Carbohydrates May Negatively Influence Dietary Patterns in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Emphasizing carbohydrate quantity in place of quality may create distorted eating beliefs and behaviors among young people with type 1 diabetes, research suggests.
Study authors analyzed medical records and focus group recordings of 35 youth, ages eight to 21 years, with type 1 diabetes. The traditional perception of healthy eating, which emphasized nutrient-dense whole foods rather than prepackaged foods, was often contradicted with an emphasis on limiting postprandial glycemic excursions. Fixed regimens required stricter diets, but basal-bolus regimens offered more opportunities for unhealthful eating. The authors also noted that many of the participants considered "refined" grains as healthier grain choices.
(c)Copyright 2009 Information, Inc.
Diabetes Care (12/09) Vol. 32, No. 12, P. 2174; Mehta, Sanjeev N.; Haynie, Denise L.; Higgins, Laurie A.
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