Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

10/28/02

Q:
I was diagnosed with type two diabetes a couple of months ago. A dietitian came in before I left and went over what I should and shouldn't eat, etc. The one thing that baffles me is she told me to eat red meat, that it was an important part of the diet for the protein. I am not much of a red meat eater, but have eaten quite a bit in the last couple of months. I have researched this quite a bit and haven't found anything saying to eat red meat. Everything just stresses the protein. Is there any reason to eat red meat at all?

A:
No, there is not. Sometimes, if one has very low iron stores, red meat intake is stressed as a quicker food source for repleting stores. Each person is going to handle foods differently. What is important is to monitor the intake of refined carbs and simple sugars. Too much fruit can raise your blood sugars. Legumes are wonderful stabilizers for many people. Eating whole, fresh foods is a first positive step. Monitoring your blood sugars at home will let you know how your foods are affecting you. Be as active as you can: that will be key for you. Good health is achievable.