Diabetes is chronic disease that affects the way your body regulates blood sugar or glucose. There are two main types of diabetes, which are called type 1 and type 2.
People with type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin whereas people with type 2 diabetes don’t respond to insulin and later in the disease often don’t make enough insulin.
Insulin is the key that allows glucose to enter our body cells.
To control type 2 diabetes you need to follow a careful balance of lifestyle habits which includes your diet and fitness regime along with proper medication. Weight loss is often a part of type 2 diabetes treatment plans, so your doctor may recommend a low-calorie meal plan. This could mean reducing your consumption of animal fats and junk food.
There are some food items which seem to be healthy but can actually cause damage to your blood sugar levels and increase the risk complications associated with diabetes.
Here are 5 food items you should avoid to help prevent blood sugar spikes and other serious consequences:
1. Honey:
People with diabetes often try to minimize their intake of white table sugar, as well as treats like candy, cookies and pie. However, other forms of sugar can also cause blood sugar spikes. These include brown sugar and “natural” sugars like honey, agave nectar and maple syrup.
2. Dried Fruit:
Fresh fruits are packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that fill you up and boost overall health. But when the fruit is dried, its sugar content becomes more concentrated, which can spike your blood sugar. Replace dried fruit with fresh fruits low in sugar for better sugar control.
3. Trans Fats:
Research shows reducing intake of industrially made trans fats helps lower the risk of heart disease. Trans fats are found in margarine, peanut butter, spreads, creamers and frozen dinners. In addition, food manufacturers often add them to crackers, muffins and other baked goods to help extend shelf life.
4. White Bread:
White bread is high in carbs and low in fibre. Eating white bread and other refined-flour foods can lead to elevated blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Instead, opt for bread that is made of whole grain.
5. Fruit Juice:
Although fruit juice is often considered a healthy beverage, its effects on blood sugar are actually similar to those of sodas and other sugary drinks. This goes for unsweetened 100% fruit juice, as well as types that contain added sugar. In some cases, fruit juice is even higher in sugar and carbs than soda.
Your main goals should include staying away from unhealthy fats, liquid sugars, processed grains and other foods that contain refined carbs. Avoiding foods that increase your blood sugar levels and drive insulin resistance can help keep you healthy now and reduce your risk of future diabetes complications.
