Diabetes is one of the chronic health conditions that affect the process of food conversion into energy. It affects adults and children worldwide.
If diabetes is left uncontrolled, it causes many problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, and other complications.
Certain foods raise the sugar level of the body. Here is a list of some foods that a diabetic person should avoid.
Sugary Beverages
Sugary beverages are the worst drink choice for diabetics.
They are very high in carbs which increase blood sugar. They also have high amounts of fructose which causes insulin resistance. Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
Instead of Sugary beverages, drink water or unsweetened iced tea.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are unhealthy, not just for diabetics but also for normal people. They increase your bad cholesterol (that accumulates in the walls of the heart) and lower your good cholesterol (that takes the excess cholesterol to the liver).
In diabetes patients, they increase inflammation and insulin resistance. They are also directly linked with heart diseases.
Foods that have trans fat are:
- Refrigerated dough
- Non-dairy coffee creamer.
- Margarine
- Frozen foods
- Peanut butter and spreads
- Crackers
Processed Foods
Processed foods contain high carbs. They not only increase Blood sugar levels but also affect brain function. Processed foods have very low fiber.
These includes:
- Bread
- Cereals
- Pasta
- Sausages
- Canned food
- Savory snacks
Eat oatmeal, homemade meals and snacks, and whole grain wheat instead of the above-mentioned processed foods.
Flavored Yogurt
Flavored yogurts are made from non-fat or low-fat milk and contain high carbs and sugar. Diabetic patients should avoid flavored and frozen yogurts because they can increase blood sugar. Plain yogurt is a better choice for people with diabetes.
French Fries
French Fries are one of the worst foods to eat if you have diabetes. Potatoes have a high amount of carbs, and when they are peeled and fried in oil, they also accumulate toxic compounds. French fries also increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.
If you like potatoes, having a small serving of sweet potatoes is the best option.
Sweeteners
White sugar is not the only sugar that is harmful to Diabetics. Any other form of sugar also increases blood sugar levels. Although some sweeteners are not highly processed, they contain carbs.
Crabs in a 1-tablespoon serving of popular sweeteners:
- white sugar: 12.6 grams
- honey: 17.3 grams
- agave nectar: 16 grams
- maple syrup: 13.4 grams
Flavored Coffee
Coffee has several health benefits, and one of them is a reduced risk of diabetes. But Flavored coffee drinks are a whole different story. They contain a high amount of carbs. For example, a Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks contains 57 grams of carbs.
To keep the sugar level under control, it is recommended to have plain coffee or espresso shots.
Dried Fruits
Fruits are the source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. Dried fruits lose water, and that’s why they have even higher concentrations of these nutrients. But, unfortunately, sugar is also concentrated in dried fruits. For example, raisins contain four times more carbs than fresh grapes.
People with diabetes should avoid dried fruits and consume low-sugar fruits such as fresh berries or a small apple.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juices are considered healthy beverages, but they contain as much sugar as Sodas. They have a high amount of fructose which is also insulin resistant.
The alternative to fruit juice is to have water with lemon.
