Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your body does not properly convert the food you eat into energy. Diabetes causes your blood sugar levels to remain elevated. Insulin is an essential hormone produced by the pancreas and it assists glucose in making energy. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin, does not make enough insulin or does not properly use the insulin your body produces.
The two main types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is when your body does not make insulin at all. A person with type 1 diabetes has to take insulin every day to stay alive. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not properly use the insulin it produces. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes diagnosed. Diabetes can be managed by medication, diet, and exercise. When first diagnosed with diabetes, you may be put on a diabetes diet or a low sugar diet. Living with diabetes will require a lifestyle adjustment. Here are some foods to avoid when managing diabetes:
1. Beverages sweetened with sugar
Though they taste good, sodas and juices are some of the worst drinks a diabetic can consume. High in carbs and loaded with fructose, sugary drinks can lead to insulin resistance and increase the risk of getting diabetes-related conditions such as a fatty liver.
2. White pasta, rice and white bread
These are very high carb foods and have been shown to significantly increase blood sugar in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These foods also contain very little fiber which aids in slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
3.Fruit flavored yogurt
Flavored yogurt is a bad food choice for diabetics because they are loaded with carbs and sugars. To get the maximum health benefit from yogurt, you should eat plain, whole milk yogurt that has no sugar.
4. Sweetened breakfast cereal
While a bowl of cereal may seem to be a convenient breakfast choice, it is one of the worst things a diabetic can eat. They are highly processed and contain more carbs than you realize. Cereal also contains very little proteins that help you feel full.
5. Packaged snack foods
Chips, crackers, and pretzels are not good snack choices. These foods are often made with refined flour and have few nutrients. They are high in fast-digesting carbs and can rapidly raise blood sugar.
6. Dried fruit
While fruit is a healthy food choice, dried fruit tends to have a higher sugar content. It is okay to eat fruit as a diabetic, but it is important to choose the right fruit such as fresh berries or a small apple.
7. French fries
French fries is another food to avoid if you are diabetic. French fries are made from potatoes which are already high in carbs. Once they have been fried however, they can do more damage to you than just raise your blood sugar.
