Diabetes is a chronic disease that has become epidemic over the past decade. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 415 million people have been diagnosed with this disease in 2015 worldwide: that means one in 11 adults has the disease. What’s worse, diabetes can also become fatal when uncontrolled.
However, the good news is, diabetes can be controlled with a healthy lifestyle and the right food choices.
Here are 10 Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Diabetes:
1. French fries
French fries are really tasty, however, this is a food that a diabetic must avoid. Potatoes are high in carbs, and when fried, the oil or fat in it can actually spike up your blood sugar. So, if you are craving for French fries and you are a diabetic, try avoiding it at all costs!
2. Fruit Juices
Fruit juices are high in carbs which increases blood sugar. Fruit juices are also made up of fruit sugar which, according to Authority Nutrition, is linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk in obesity, fatty liver and other diseases. If you have diabetes, choosing other beverages aside from fruit juices would be a wiser decision.
3. Fatty meats
Fatty meats should also be avoided with diabetes. Saturated fats in meat increases the risk of heart disease for people with diabetes. Go for lean meats instead.
4. Foods with Trans fat
Trans-fat are fats that have been made stable. They increase the risk of heart disease for people with diabetes. They can be found in processed butter, peanut butter, margarine and other spreads. Trans fat can also be found in processed baked goods. Always check the label when buying any food item.
5. Commercial Doughnuts and Baked Goods
Doughnuts and baked goods have all the ingredients that are not good for diabetics. These foods contain carbs, sugar, and some even contain trans fat. If you can’t resist consuming them, try sugar-free or reduced sugar varieties.
6. Regular Soft drinks
Just like fruit juices, regular soft drinks is high in sugar and may contain fruit sugar which is linked to insulin resistance. Regular soft drinks can also cause you blood sugar to rise rapidly.
7. Milk Shakes
Milk shakes are high in sugar and fat. What’s even worse are commercially prepared milk shakes as they may contain trans fat. If you can’t resist drinking milk shakes, however, try preparing one at home using sugar substitutes and use non-fat milk instead of whole milk.
8. Processed Grains
Processed grains like white bread, white rice and pasta are high in carbs. Studies have shown that eating these foods has been shown to significantly increase blood sugar levels. Choose high fiber, whole foods instead of these processed grains.
9. Processed Foods and Snacks
Processed foods and snacks are made with refined flour and sugar that can quickly raise your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic and you want to satisfy your hunger, try snacking on protein foods like nuts or cheese.
10. Flavored Coffee
Coffee has been proven to help reduce the risk of diabetes. Flavored coffee that is sold in our favorite cafes, however, are not beneficial. Flavored coffee are high in sugar and cream which can raise your blood sugar rapidly. So if you are diabetic and in need of a caffeine shot, choose espresso or black instead.
