Diabetes is one of the biggest threats faced by people from across the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 9.4% of the population is living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Unfortunately enough, most people with diabetes complain that no matter the right medical intervention, their blood sugar levels do not seem to drop or are usually volatile, which puts them in a lot of danger.
Type 2 diabetes requires a lot of diet control, as people are susceptible to extremities in their blood glucose levels and there is a possibility of multiple organ failure if left uncontrolled. Here is a list of food items that one needs to avoid to maintain optimal health:
1. Sweetened food
This pretty much tops every list and not just for type 2 diabetes but even for maintaining good health. Consumption of sugar and any form of it should be avoided for type 2 diabetics.12.6 grams of white sugar (a tablespoon) has a total carb count of 38,13 grams of maple syrup has a carb count of 41, and 17 grams of honey has a carb count of 40. The irony is that none of this ends with one tablespoon and there is a tendency to serve more than once. While honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup are not considered as white sugar, they do bring about the same effect as white sugar on blood sugar and inflammatory markers.
2. Trans fat
To make unsaturated fatty acids more stable, hydrogen is added, which makes it unhealthy. While there is no concrete evidence that shows that trans fat increases blood sugar levels, it has been proven that they result in inflammation, insulin resistance, increase the fat around the abdomen region, and also lower the good HDL cholesterol that one must maintain.
3. White bread and pasta
White bread and pasta are not just processed food but they are also refined-flour food. These have shown to increase the blood sugar levels in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These foods are rich in carbohydrates and very low in fiber, the latter of which a diabetic ought to consume significantly.
4. Flavored coffee drinks
Coffee has indeed proven to give innumerable health benefits including reduced risk of diabetes but flavored coffee is more like a dessert than coffee itself. Flavored coffees are replete with carbohydrates and even the ‘lighter’ versions do contain enough carbs to raise your blood sugar levels to a significant level. The best is to go for a plain coffee or espresso with a tablespoon of cream or even half-and-half.
5. Dried fruits
It can be difficult to give up on dried fruits, not just for their taste but for their potency in vitamins and minerals. One need not give this up entirely but consume them in great moderation. Among dry fruits, raisins contain more than three times the carbs as grapes do. In such cases, it is best to consume the fruit instead of its dried version.
