Q: I have a terrible sweet tooth and my blood sugar is normal. I’m otherwise healthy and have no blood pressure problems. Can too many sweets cause me to become diabetic? Should I be concerned?
A: It is a myth that eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
There are a lot of factors that go into whether one will develop diabetes. Type I, or juvenile diabetes, occurs when the cells in the pancreas stop producing insulin. Type II diabetes generally happens as folks age, primarily in those that are overweight. It can arise in those of normal weight, but either way the reason seems to be that the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Diabetes and Sweets
Q: I have just been put on Coumadin after having aortic valve replacement. I cannot find out if raspberries have a large amount of Vitamin K in them. Can you answer for me? Thank you.
A: A cup of raspberries contains about 10 micrograms (mcg) of Vitamin K. That would be considered a low amount and safe for Coumadin® (warfarin). In fact, pretty much all fruits are going to be safe for you. You can check that using the lists on this page: Coumadin (Warfarin) Diet Information
Q: My blood sugar has been creeping upwards and I’ve been cautioned against eating white sugar, white breads, and white rice. Is honey OK, and what fruits are permissible?
A: It’s great that you are working at making changes. For those with higher blood sugars avoiding processed foods and foods with a lot of sugar is key. The examples you give of table sugar, white bread and white rice are a good start. Working at getting more fiber in your diet by having whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, beans and veggies will help control your weight and your blood sugar.
While honey is somewhat sweeter than sugar, both are still sweeteners. Better Choices to Control Blood Sugars
