10 Dangerous Foods For Diabetics

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by high levels of blood glucose primarily due to the body’s inability to produce insulin. Diabetes is a very common disease affecting many people. There are different types of diabetes and they can be classified as Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes. What's the different between the different types of diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs when the cells of our own immune system destroy the cells of the pancreas that produces the insulin. This directly results in the deficiency of the insulin hormone. This type of diabetes is most often diagnosed in younger people — children and young adults.

Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs when the body is not able to use the insulin it produced properly. Unlike type 1 diabetes, the body does end up making the insulin but either the insulin that was made by the pancreas is not sufficient or the body is simply incapable of using the insulin like it is supposed to. This condition is also sometimes referred to as insulin resistance. Since the body isn't able to use the insulin properly anymore, this results in the buildup of glucose in the blood and this glucose is not passed on to the body’s cells. Over a longer period of time, this causes damage to various different parts of your body such as your eyes, kidneys, and even heart.

Gestational Diabetes: Many pregnant women develop gestational diabetes around their 24^th week in their pregnancy. The placenta is there to supports the healthy growth of the baby. However, the hormones of the placenta don't just help the baby but also interfere with the mother’s insulin and start to limit its ability. This makes it more difficult for the mother’s body to use insulin and this results in the buildup of higher levels of glucose in the mother's blood.

Diabetes: Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes are listed below:

• Frequent urination

• A feeling of being hungry even while eating

• Excessive fatigue

• Blurred vision

• A constant feeling of being thirsty

• Wound and cuts that take a much longer time to heal than usual

• A tingling sensation in both the hands and feet accompanied by a feeling of numbness and pain (present in type 2 diabetes)

• Constant weight loss, even when on a  regular diet (present in type 1 diabetes)

Healthy Diabetes Diet

People that are suffering from diabetes need to monitor their total amounts of carbohydrates that they consume on a daily basis. A number of people that suffer from diabetes also need to check their protein and fat intake, depending on their specific situation. It's incredibly important for diabetics need to make healthy food choices, exercise regularly, and take their medication as prescribed by their health care providers.

For maintaining a healthy food routine, you need to make sure to add a variety of foods to your plate. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, and dairy products while keeping a count on the number of calories. You should try to eat foods that are rich in fiber such as whole grain bread, cereal, and fruits. Keep a check on your serving size as prescribed by your dietician.

10 Dangerous Foods to be Avoided by Diabetics

Given below is a compilation of the 10 most dangerous foods for diabetics which must be avoided at all costs.

• Pancakes loaded with Syrup: A plate of pancakes with syrup is a total carbohydrate explosion. This is one of the worst foods for diabetics. Most pancakes are made of white flour and are normally served with a generous topping of saturated fat and pancake syrup which is high on sugar. You should instead opt for an egg white omelet stuffed with veggies.

• Fruit Juice: Fruit juices might be healthier than sodas, but they are still full of natural fruit sugar and added sugar. Drinking fruit juice can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. You should try to opt for whole fruits which are full of fibers and also aid in maintaining your blood glucose levels.

• Candy: Foods such as candy, syrups, cookies, and soda are not only high in sugar content, they also lack nutritional value. They can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and are even responsible for weight gain. If you have a sweet tooth, try to curb your sweet cravings by indulging in fresh fruits which are not only sweet but are also full of juices and fibers which help in slowing the absorption of glucose.

• French Fries: French fries are an extremely bad choice for diabetics. Foods such as French fries, doughnuts, and potato chips should be avoided by diabetics at any cost. These foods are high on carbohydrates, starch, and saturated fats. Fried foods tend to absorb loads of oil and are calorie bombs. Such foods increase the bad cholesterol and in turn increase our risk of heart diseases.

• Raisins: Although consuming dried fruits is a healthy choice, but raisins are loaded with concentrated natural sugars which can cause sudden spikes in the blood glucose levels. Raisins should therefore be avoided by diabetics.

• Whole milk: Whole milk has high amounts of saturated fats and has the tendency of increasing our bad cholesterol levels. It also tends to increase inflammation throughout the body. Numerous studies have found that saturated fats can worsen the insulin resistance of our body. Diabetics should instead switch over to 1% low fat or skimmed milk. They should also avoid whole milk dairy products such as full fat yogurt, cheese, and cream cheese.

• White bread: White bread is made of refined flour and has the tendency to act like sugar when the process of digestion starts in our body. Diabetics should avoid all products made of refined starch such as white rice, bread, and pasta. They can instead opt for whole grain muffins, brown or wild rice, quinoa, and barley products. Care should be taken to limit the portion size of even whole grain starchy products.

• Bacon: Bacon is a very unhealthy choice for diabetics owing to its high saturated fat content. Eating bacon can increase inflammation in the body and also raise the bad cholesterol levels. Diabetics should avoid fatty foods such as bacon, hamburger, hot dogs, bologna, and spare ribs and instead opt for lean protein foods such as skinless chicken, turkey, and fish.

• Packaged snacks and bakery products: Packaged snacks and bakery products are high on sugar, white flour, sodium, and preservatives. Quite often, they also contain trans fats. All these components tend to increase the cholesterol levels and blood sugar.

• Pretzels: Pretzels are typically made of white flour, salt, vegetable oil or corn syrup, and yeast. Though pretzels are baked, they are loaded with refined carbohydrates and are low on nutritional value. Diabetics should avoid consuming pretzels and instead focus on a protein rich snacks, pistachio nuts, or Greek yogurt.