DangTalk – 1 minute a day, check the myths and truths about diabetes with a simple quiz.

**1. Myths and Facts About Potatoes** Potatoes are a staple carbohydrate food, often avoided by people with diabetes because they are thought to raise blood sugar quickly. Indeed, hot steamed potatoes or french fries have a very high glycemic index (GI). However, by changing the cooking method and eating them cold, you can significantly lower…

**1. Beans, the ‘Beef from the Field’** Almost all types of legumes, such as black beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are one of the ‘superfoods’ for people with diabetes. Beans boast a perfect combination of plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and abundant dietary fiber. These three elements work in synergy to help manage blood sugar stably and…

**1. Why is Oatmeal Good?: The Power of Beta-Glucan** The main reason oatmeal (oats) is recommended for people with diabetes is due to a powerful soluble dietary fiber called ‘beta-glucan.’ Beta-glucan mixes with water to form a thick gel, which slows down digestion and delays glucose absorption, helping to ensure a gradual rise in post-meal…

**1. The Illusion of ‘Natural Sugar’** Honey contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it slightly more nutritious than refined white sugar. For this reason, many people consider honey a ‘healthy sugar’ and can easily be mistaken into thinking it’s okay for people with diabetes. **2. Honey and Sugar: A Similar Impact on…

**1. Tteok: The ‘Compressed Carbohydrate Bomb’** Tteok is a traditional Korean snack and meal substitute, but it is one of the foods that people with diabetes must be most cautious about. Tteok is made by grinding rice (usually glutinous or non-glutinous), steaming it, and pounding it. This process destroys the fiber structure of the rice…

**1. The Health Benefits of Onions and Blood Sugar** Onions contain powerful antioxidants like ‘quercetin’ and beneficial compounds like allicin. Some animal studies and small clinical trials have published results suggesting that onion extract may help lower blood sugar levels to some extent. This is because these components can play a positive role in improving…

**1. The Misconception About Eggs and Cholesterol** In the past, it was believed that the cholesterol in egg yolks directly raised blood cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. For this reason, many people with diabetes have been reluctant to eat eggs. However, recent studies have shown that dietary cholesterol has a smaller impact…

**1. Choosing the Right Cut is Key: Rest ‘Assured’** Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to avoid all meats. The important thing is which cut you choose. Pork tenderloin is a representative lean cut with very little fat, making it an excellent source of protein for people with diabetes. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle…

**1. The ‘Zero Sugar’ Trap** ‘Zero sugar’ soju is a product that uses artificial sweeteners instead of fructose, making its sugar content zero. People with diabetes might feel ‘safe’ drinking it, thinking that no sugar means it won’t raise their blood sugar. However, the real problem lies not with the ‘sugar,’ but with the ‘alcohol’…

**1. Diabetes Complications and Cardiovascular Health** The ultimate goal of diabetes management is to control blood sugar to prevent fearsome complications. In particular, people with diabetes have a very high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Therefore, a diet that keeps blood vessels healthy is essential, and this is where…