4 Foods That Most Diabetics Avoid
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that develops over time. The disease occurs when the body is either unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels or becomes resistant to insulin. The cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown but weight and inactivity can be contributing factors. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, and weight loss. Limiting certain foods can help to control these symptoms:
1. White bread and pasta
You might think that sugary foods would be the main culprit for causing spikes in blood sugars but actually, foods that are high in processed carbohydrates are a bigger problem. White bread and pasta are the most important things to avoid for a person suffering from type 2 diabetes because they are highly processed and contain large amounts of carbohydrates. Foods that are high in carbohydrates are known to cause spikes in blood sugar levels because once digested they are broken down into simple sugars. Simple sugars are hard for a person with type 2 diabetes to process because of their low insulin levels. Type 2 diabetics should consume breads and pastas that are high in fiber and contain complex carbohydrates, which are healthy in moderate amounts and also filling. Pastas and breads made from whole grains are a great substitute for those made with white flour.
2. Fruit flavored yogur
tFruit flavored yogurts are usually made with low-fat or non-fat milk that has high levels of sugars and carbohydrates. It is not uncommon for one cup of flavored yogurt to contain as much as thirty-one grams of sugar. A better option would be plain whole milk yogurt which is not only low in sugar but is also more filling than low-fat yogurt.
3. Sweetened cereals
Sweetened breakfast cereals are not recommended for people with type 2 diabetes because they are high in both carbohydrates and sugars. It is important for people with this disease to start the day with a breakfast that is high in protein. This will not only keep you full but it will also help keep your blood sugar under control. Fiber is not only filling but it also helps to lower blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugars.
4. Dried fruit
Fresh fruit is certainly a healthy snack that is full of vitamins and minerals, but the water lost in the process of drying the fruit leads to a higher concentration of sugars. Dried fruit can contain up to four times the amount of carbs that fresh fruits have. Low sugar fruits like berries and grapefruit are a much better option for those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Ensuring you are following a healthy diet plays a large role in lowering your risk for complications from type 2 diabetes and it can also help to keep you from having to take medications. People with type 2 diabetes can often control their disease by avoiding the foods on this list as well as other processed foods that are high in refined carbs and sugars. It may take some time but once you’ve identified the foods that cause a spike in your blood sugar levels you can then either o