Diabetes Q & A

 Q: Aren’t all fats bad for you?

A:  Most people think all fat is bad, but this is not the case. There are two main types of fats in foods: saturated fats (the unhealthy ones) and unsaturated fats (the healthier ones). Saturated fats increase LDL cholesterol and heart disease risk, so the amount of saturated fats you eat needs to be kept to a minimum. Unsaturated fats—especially monounsaturated fats—help protect your heart, but this does not mean you should eat unlimited amounts. All fats are high in calories and eating too much of any type can cause weight gain and other health problems associated with increased body weight, including diabetes and heart disease. But your body does need some fat to support normal growth, nerve function and absorption of vitamins. Your body also needs fat to make important hormones. So choose heart-healthy fats and use them only in small quantities.