People who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or are striving to lead a healthier lifestyle may find it challenging to determine which brands, labels, and foods are trustworthy. Diabetes UK experts have highlighted the importance of avoiding products labeled as ‘diabetic food’.
According to them, labeling food as ‘diabetic food’ is now illegal because there is no evidence that these products offer any unique benefits compared to a healthy diet. These items may contain similar amounts of fat and calories as regular products and can impact blood glucose levels, sometimes causing a laxative effect.
The UK has prohibited branding products as ‘diabetic food’ due to concerns about misleading consumers without scientific proof of added benefits for diabetics. This restriction also extends to descriptions like ‘suitable for diabetics’, with such products often being more expensive than their non-labeled counterparts.
Instead of relying on ‘diabetic’ food labels, Diabetes UK recommends making healthier choices such as opting for wholemeal grains, fruit, and plain yoghurt over other options. They also suggest reducing intake of certain items like free sugars and considering low or zero-calorie sweeteners as alternatives.
Experts emphasize that mineral and vitamin supplements do not necessarily aid in managing diabetes unless specifically recommended by healthcare professionals for conditions like pregnancy. Obtaining essential nutrients through a varied diet is preferred to prevent potential interactions with medications or complications like kidney disease.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.