Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the pancreas cannot make enough insulin, sugar, or both to keep blood sugar levels within normal range. It commonly occurs in adults but can develop at any age. It is often preceded by an inability to produce sufficient insulin and is usually associated with a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and age. The following list of foods will help you keep your blood sugar levels under control and avoid complications from diabetes:
1. Sugary beverages
Research shows that consuming these items regularly will cause more significant long-term weight gain. If sugary beverages and sweets make up a significant portion of your daily calorie intake, this can lead to serious health problems, including unstable blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and fatty deposits in the liver.
2. Trans fats
Trans fats are found in commercially prepared foods manufactured with partially hydrogenated oils. They are in a wide range of products, including frozen pizza, microwave popcorn, cakes, and donuts. Eliminating these items from your diet will lower blood sugar levels, and eliminating them is as simple as reading the ingredient lists on food labels.
3. White bread and starches
White bread, white rice, potatoes, and similar foods contain a high amount of rapidly-digesting carbohydrates, which causes blood sugar to increase rapidly. This sudden spike can cause your body to release more insulin than it needs to process the nutrients.
4. Sweet cereals
Many types of cereal contain a significant sucrose level. When consumed regularly, these foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and cause problems managing the disease. While corn flour alternatives are available for diabetic patients to consume, it is important to monitor your sugar levels before consumption.
5. Dried fruits
Because they tend to be dehydrated, dried fruits contain a large amount of concentrated sugar, which can cause related complications to the disease. They also fall into the category of foods that are high in calories and should be limited to avoid developing health problems.
6. Vegetable oils
Vegetable oils are a popular fat substitute used in many processed foods, such as chips and cookies. The oil can be found in baked goods such as bread and crackers, fried foods like French fries and fried chicken, or other processed items that often contain trans fats. Vegetable oils have a high amount of saturated fat, which may increase blood cholesterol levels.
7. Pastries and cakes
Cakes, pastries, and other similar foods can also be high in sugar. These items are often high in calories, leading to weight gain and health problems for those who are diabetic. These foods should be limited to prevent an increased risk of complications from the disease.
8. Alcoholic drinks
Diabetic people should avoid alcoholic drinks, or drink them only moderately because they increase their risk of developing diabetic complications, including blindness and nerve damage. Even moderate drinking can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, so it is best to abstain from alcohol.
There are many delicious foods you will enjoy regularly, but it is essential to know which ones can cause diabetes-related complications. By taking note of these foods and avoiding them, you can improve your health dramatically and prevent the most severe symptoms from developing.
