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Mercy endocrinologist Dr. Catherine Jonnakuty

Mercy Endocrinologist Dr. Catherine Jonnakuty Busts Top Diabetes Myths On WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor"

Dealing with diabetes is a lifelong process, and many diabetics don't always know what they should and shouldn't eat.

According to endocrinologist Dr. Catherine Jonnakuty of the Endocrinology Center at Mercy, there are many myths that some diabetics believe, one of which is that they shouldn't eat white foods, which is partly true.

"Brown rice is better than white rice, and multigrain pasta is better than white pasta. They're more complex and don't raise blood-sugar like white (items), but to make a blanket statement that all white foods are bad for you is not correct," Dr. Jonnakuty said.

Another myth is that losing weight will cure diabetes, even though it is a good thing.

"Any amount of weight loss is good. It won't cure it but will make it a whole lot better," she added.

Fruit is good for diabetics in moderation.

"Fruit in large quantities is high in sugar and carbs, so it's important to understand what's inside everything you eat, including fruits," Dr. Jonnakuty noted, adding that you don't have to give up all sweets.

"Given the choice, I'd say pick a diet dessert over regular -- make that choice. Artificial sweeteners have fewer calories and carbs than regular stuff," she said.

Sugar-free is OK to eat, but that doesn't mean it's fat-free or calorie-free.

"I think it's important to look at the label for total calories, total carbs and fat," she said.

But it's not OK to eat sweets if your blood-sugar is too low.

"The best way to treat low blood sugar, I think, is to keep glucose tablets on hand. They're easily available. Go to the drugstore and buy them," she said.

Diana Green has been dealing with diabetes since 2003. She said she did pretty well at first keeping her blood-sugar under control, but in the past few years, she hasn't been as good. She said sweet tea is her downfall.

"I know I don't need sweet tea. It wasn't even like I was drinking sodas," she said.

Green said she attended a series of diabetes classes that have helped her get back on track and learn a lot about eating healthy.

"You don't have to cut out everything. You can have starches or you can have fruits, but you have to control how much you eat," she said.

To view Dr. Jonnakuty's interview with WBAL-TV11, click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/health/26196355/detail.html.