Why are elimination diets that exclude all grains not always appropriate for diabetes?

1. Not all grains affect blood sugar levels in the same way.

  • Cereal products vary in their glycaemic index and load, fibre content and chemical structure.
  • Whole grain products, groats (e.g. buckwheat), oats, spelt and amaranth have a completely different effect on glucose levels than white wheat bread rolls.

2. Whole grains contain ingredients that support glycaemia.

  • Oat beta-glucans, resistant starch from legumes and groats, soluble fibre – slow down glucose absorption and improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, they nourish our microbiome, which plays a key role in blood sugar control.

3. Cereals is essential for diabetes.provide fibre, which

  • Eliminating grains often means a significant reduction in fibre intake, which regulates blood sugar levels, improves satiety and supports gut microbiota.
  • Low fibre intake is associated with a higher risk of insulin resistance.

4. Whole grains support weight loss

  • A diet rich in whole grains may promote weight loss or prevent weight gain due to its lower glycaemic index and greater feeling of satiety.

5. A grain-free diet is difficult to maintain in the long term.

  • A grain-free diet is often low in energy, monotonous and leads to an increased risk of the yo-yo effect after it is finished.
  • This may result in poorer glycaemic control and weight regain.

6. The most recommended diet for people with diabetes is the Mediterranean diet.

  • The Mediterranean diet includes whole grains, legumes, vegetables, olive oil, nuts and fish.
  • It contains carbohydrates, but mainly in the form of low-processed carbohydrates with high fibre content.
  • It is the best-studied diet in the context of prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

7. The Mediterranean diet is a sustainable model that can be followed throughout life.

  • It is based on natural products, does not require radical restrictions or counting every gram of macronutrients.
  • It produces long-term effects, not just short-term drops in glucose or body weight.

8. Cereals are not only a source of energy – they also contain B vitamins, magnesium, iron and zinc.

  • An elimination diet can lead to deficiencies that further worsen the metabolic condition in people with diabetes.

Summary:

Cereals – especially whole grains – are not contraindicated in diabetes, provided they are properly selected and consumed in moderation. Complete elimination may be unnecessary and even harmful.
It is worth basing your diet on a sustainable model of nutrition, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is the best researched and most frequently recommended diet for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

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Mgr Magdalena Makarowska

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Bibliography

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