Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the body’s ability to turn food into energy. Food converts to glucose in the bloodstream, and the pancreas releases insulin. When insulin isn’t used effectively or if there isn’t enough insulin, blood sugar stays in the bloodstream and may cause serious medical problems. There isn’t a cure for diabetes. However, you can control diabetes with a diabetes diet, doctor visits, losing weight, staying active, and getting educated about diabetes. Here are the foods to avoid when you have diabetes:
1. Honey or maple syrup
According to medical specialists at the Mayo Clinic, substituting honey for sugar has no health benefits. Honey has a lower glycemic effect than sugar. However, since honey is a source of carbohydrates, you should only use it in moderation. Maple syrup has a lower glycemic than sugar but can still raise blood sugar levels. The rise in blood sugar is usually slower than other sugars, but it will keep your A1C higher. The bottom line is honey, and maple syrup are forms of sugar and should be avoided.
2. Dried fruits
Dried fruits are often among the ingredients in cereals and snack foods. It’s essential to check the ingredients in foods that contain fruit as they are often sources of hidden sugars. For instance, dried prunes are 38% sugar, raisins are 59% sugar, and dates are between 64% and 66% sugar.
3. Sugary beverages
Sugary beverages can change how a person with diabetes metabolizes sugar in beverages and could cause insulin resistance. The body quickly digests sugar in soda and other sugary drinks, which can cause blood sugar to spike.
4. Trans fatty foods
Trans fatty foods could interfere with the function of cell membranes. Consuming excessive amounts of trans-fatty foods—like pizza, burgers, and french fries—could affect insulin sensitivity. Another problem with consuming foods high in fat is that they can slow down digestion and make it more difficult for insulin to work properly.
5. White bread and pasta
Eating white bread, white rice, pasta, and foods refined with flour can raise blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Foods that are high in carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels and decrease the function of the brain.
6. Sweetened cereals
If you have diabetes, sweetened cereal is one of the worst things you can eat for breakfast. Corn pops and flakes, flavored instant oatmeal, and froot loops contain sugar and refined grains. Any cereal should contain no more than 6 grams of sugar. Some cereals contain less fiber than is recommended and may include dried fruit. Any cereal that lists sugar or refined grains as top ingredients should be avoided.
Researchers believe type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune reaction that causes the body to stop making insulin. Type 1 usually affects children, teens, and younger adults. Insulin must be taken each day. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes means the body doesn’t use insulin well, and blood sugar levels are difficult to control. Exercise, checking blood sugar, and consuming a low-sugar diet are all ways to help control type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, feeling hungry, blurred vision, and tingling in the hands or feet.
