Foods to Completely Avoid when Suffering from Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when there is high insulin-content or blood sugar levels in the body. When uncontrolled, it can lead to kidney illnesses, heart issues, blindness, and other severe health conditions. Medication is one of the most common ways to treat diabetes but aside from this, lifestyle and dietary changes go a long way in helping one manage the condition.
What people tend to forget though, is that while the right foods are important, the inappropriate foods can elevate insulin and blood sugar levels in the body, harming it. Consuming a balanced diabetic diet is one of the best ways to avoid the danger of complications.
A diabetic diet doesn’t imply that the person affected should quit having foods that they enjoy if those are on the unhealthy side. It, however, means eating them in smaller proportions and at the right time.
Listed below are some foods that should not be a part of a diabetic diet:
1. Carbohydrates
Carbs have a huge impact on the blood sugar levels as they are broken down into sugar which is absorbed by the bloodstream. These include starch, sugar, and fiber. Except for fiber, the other two add up to the net carb content that raises the blood sugar to a harmful level. These high levels later impact blood vessels and the body’s nerves leading to kidney and heart issues.
2. Sugar-sweetened beverages
These have fructose that affects insulin resistance and raises blood sugar levels and the danger of fatty liver, obesity, and other issues.
3. Trans-fats
These are created by adding hydrogen to the unsaturated form of fatty acids. They raise swelling and belly fat, impact insulin resistance, arterial functioning, and lower good HDL. Trans-fat foods are margarine, spreads, peanut butter, creamers, crackers, frozen dinners, muffins, baked goods, etc.
4. Pasta, white bread and rice
Carb-rich foods and processed foods raise blood sugar levels drastically. They are also lower in fiber content and should be kept off diabetic diets.
5. Fruit-flavored yogurt
Though plain yogurt is a good choice for diabetic patients, fruit-flavored yogurt may not be one as it is made from low fat or nonfat milk loaded with sugar and carbs. This raises insulin levels.
6. Sweetened breakfast cereals
Cereals are highly processed and are made of carbs. They have very little protein content.
7. Flavored coffee drinks
They are identical to liquid desserts loaded with carbs. Even the lighter versions of flavored coffee elevate blood sugar levels and must be avoided.
8. Agave nectar, honey and maple syrup
These alternative sugar forms can also spike blood sugar levels.
9. Dried fruit
A dried fruit has higher concentrations of nutrients and sugar. They have 3 times more carbs than fresh fruits do.
10. Packaged snack foods
Refined flour is used to make them and they have a high carb count, making them an inadvisable food option.
Some other foods to be avoided when planning a diabetic diet are:
If one is unsure about how to draw up a diet chart, they can visit a dietician who would be able to suggest the right diabetic diet depending on their blood sugar levels, physical activity, and other factors.
