Foods and Diet to avoid in Diabetes
Diet plays an important role in the management of Diabetes.
Diabetes is a life threatening metabolic condition if not treated properly, gives rise to several long-term and short-term complications.
Few foods to avoid to control blood sugar and associated complications
Consuming the restricted type of foods can spike the blood sugar levels to dangerous limits and can also worsen the complications of diabetes. You should know to make healthy food selection to control blood sugar and reduce the risks associated with complications of diabetes. Certain foods that have a role in increasing the levels of blood sugar should be avoided.
1. Sugar – Sucrose provides only calories and carbohydrates. Sucrose can be substituted by natural sugar. Diabetics should avoid foods and beverages containing added sugars such as honey, maple syrup or fructose as all these foods contain high carbohydrate content. Avoid candies, sugary coffees, pies, cookies, chocolates and other desserts.
2. Fats – Excessive fat intake shall increase the calorie intake which shall lead to increase in weight. Obesity can give rise to diabetes and lead to several complications of diabetes. Exclude fried items completely from the diabetic diet. Small amount of oil in diet is required to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Limit intake of saturated fats such as butter, cheese, etc. Trans fats are more dangerous than saturated fats.
3. Carbohydrates – Intake of carbohydrates should be moderate in diabetics as carbohydrates influence the blood sugar more compared to any other nutrients.
4. Whole Milk and products – Replace whole milk and its products to low fat milk and its products such as yogurt. High fat cheese can be replaced with fat cottage cheese.
5. White Rice – White rice increases your risk to type 2 diabetes. White rice causes elevated sugar spikes; you can instead consume brown rice. The fibre content in brown rice reduces the glucose rush into the blood stream.
6. Salt – Salt is the biggest offender for diabetes. Sufficient amounts of salt can be obtained from vegetables in the inorganic form hence; intake of inorganic salt is to be reduced.
7. Vegetables – Avoid canned vegetables, vegetables cooked in ample of cheese or butter or pickles.
8. White or refined flour and its products – White flour and its products should be replaced with whole wheat, whole grains, unpolished rice or soya bread. Products containing refined flours contain huge amounts of easily digestible carbohydrates which may cause rapid rise in levels of blood sugar. Avoid intake of white buns, white bread, crackers, white pizza dough, pasta, etc.
9. Fruits – Restrict intake of canned fruits with heavy sugar syrup, sweetened apple sauce, dried fruits, jams, jelly and preserves as they are rich in sugar concentration. Fruits such as bananas, peaches and melons should be avoided as they are higher on sugar-side. Due to high sugar content in fruit juices, fruit punch and fruit drinks; they should be consumed in moderation. Fruit juices do not contain the same nutrients as the whole fruit and can cause quicker blood sugar rise as the sugar in whole fruit is less concentrated compared to the juice form.
10. Tea and Coffee – Reduce excessive intake or conventional tea or coffee each day. Switch to herbal teas. Avoid adding sweeteners or creamers to your coffee or tea. Blended coffee laced with sugar, whipped cream or syrup are high in calorie and fat content hence, they should be avoided. Black coffee can be preferred.
11. Alcohol – Alcohol can either increase or decrease the blood sugar levels. It can interfere with the action of diabetic medications and insulin. It can further worsen the complications of diabetes. Hence, alcohol consumption should be avoided else, it should be consumed only after the consultation of your physician.
12. Soft drinks and Soda – Reduce the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages as it may increase the blood glucose levels.
13. Foods with a high glycemic index – Foods with high glycaemic index which increase the blood sugar levels should be avoided. Foods such as potatoes, banana, rice, bread and carrots contain high glycemic index.
14. Processed or packed foods – Processed or packed foods such as frozen dinners, canned soups or low-fat meals should be avoided as they usually contain hidden sugar.
15. Non-vegetarian foods – Intake of red meat is to be avoided. Reduce the intake of poultry and eggs. Lean fish can be consumed twice to thrice per week.
16. Chinese food – Chinese food contain high calories, fat, sodium and carbohydrates which can raise the blood sugar levels drastically and keep it high for a while. You can opt for Chinese food having steamed veggies and low sodium and fat content.
In order to keep your blood sugar under control and to restrict the progress of diabetes, avoid consuming the above mentioned foods.