Foods to Avoid With Diabetes

It is necessary that glucose is broken down as it provides energy to all of the cells in the body, allowing for day-to-day function.

There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is where the body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is where the body does not have enough insulin or, the body’s cells do not react to insulin. Type 2 diabetes can arise to poor diet and lifestyle factors whereas type 1 diabetes is usually inherited.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe complications including heart disease, heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, and many more. Having a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet is crucial to managing diabetes and the complications associated with diabetes. This article lists some foods which are recommended to avoid if you suffer from diabetes.

Foods to avoid with diabetes 

1. White bread, rice, and pasta

White bread, rice, and pasta are processed foods that are high in carbohydrates and low in nutrients. They can significantly increase blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

These foods are also lower in fiber. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Those suffering from diabetes should opt for non-processed versions of this food such as brown rice.

2. Dried fruit 

Fruit is usually an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients. They can also be high in sugar. When fruits get dried, their sugar quantities become more concentrated, meaning it is easy to consume too much sugar, raising your blood sugar levels. 

Diabetics should avoid dried fruits such as mango, banana, and raisins. However, this does not mean that they should cut out fruits altogether. Berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are lower in sugar and are rich in antioxidants so are a perfect substitute for those on a low-sugar diet.

3. Fried foods

Fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, burgers, and waffles are all high in saturated fat. While the foods do not directly raise blood sugar levels, they can lead to weight gain and an increase in fatty deposits in the bloodstream; this increases inflammation as well as insulin resistance in the body. An increase in insulin resistance is particularly dangerous in those with type 2 diabetes as the body is already struggling to react to insulin and so blood glucose levels could increase further. 

4. Processed, long-life foods

Foods that have a long shelf-life such as cakes, biscuits, sweets, crackers, and pretzels are not good snack choices for those suffering from diabetes. This is because they are high in trans fats, white sugar, and refined flour. They are often low in nutrients. These processed ingredients can rapidly increase blood sugar as well as increase inflammation in the body. 

Healthy alternatives as snacks would be berries, vegetables, or nuts.