Sugar

Last week, I attended the annual American Association of Diabetes Educators conference in Washington DC.  There are hundreds of exhibitors at these conferences, and can range from food companies to insulin pump companies and anything in between. 

One of my favorite booths was the sugar booth.  I had to laugh as I passed by.  I was actually happy to see that the sugar industry was there to show people that it's OK to eat a little sugar once in a while.  Many health professionals feel it's their duty to be the 'food police.'  The comments that I heard as I stood at the booth were both hilarious as well as a little concerning. 

I don't like to be the 'food police.'  I want to educate people on a healthy diet without telling them what to eat and what not to eat.  I've found that the more peple cut out of their diet, the more they want it.  Sometimes, just being able to eat a treat in moderation (moderation being the key word) is really the best way to have a healthy diet and not feel like you're being deprived of everything you love. 

As I stood at the sugar booth, I remember hearing someone ask "is this 'like' real sugar?"  The woman working for the sugar industry was telling me all of the unbelievable comments she had been hearing.  What's in this sugar?  Is this real?  Why is a sugar booth at a diabetes conference?  Is this a new type of sweetener?   All of this makes me a little scared that we have forgotten that a little bit of moderation can be ok.  Sugar has 15 calories per teaspoon. Of course, I would rather my patients avoid adding sugar to their coffee and on top of their cereal in the morning.  It's the excess that really is the problem in our diets. 

Visit the American Association of Diabetes Educators' website