Foods to Avoid with Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical disorder which is characterized by the improper production of insulin in the body. Insulin hormone, produced by the pancreas, enables the body to absorb the glucose in order to turn it into energy. While type 1 diabetes is caused by the failure of insulin production, type 2 diabetes, which is more common, occurs when the body fails to utilize the insulin leading to diabetic symptoms. The common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, thirst and hunger. One of the best ways of controlling the high blood sugar levels that are caused by diabetes is by watching the foods that we eat and sticking to a healthy, well-balanced diet. A good diabetic diet also entails the knowledge of foods to avoid with diabetes. Here is an in-depth account of the types of diabetes and the foods to avoid, in case you are afflicted with the disease.

Foods to Avoid For:

Type 1 Diabetes
When listing all the foods that a diabetic person should avoid, it is essential to note that foods with high glycemic index increase blood glucose levels and hence, should strictly be avoided. Type 1 diabetes is marked by the non production of insulin in the body. Thus, people suffering from this disease need to maintain their blood glucose levels. Along with the treatment measures, the type 1 diabetes diet plays an important role in the control of the disease. Here is a list of foods to avoid if you are afflicted with type 1 diabetes.

• White Pasta
• Rice
• Sweets such as ice creams, cookies, cakes and candies
• Sugary sodas and soft drinks
• Packaged fruit juices
• Sports drinks
• White bread
• Coffee
• Tea
• Artificial sweeteners
• Alcohol
• Saturated fats contained in cream, cheese and butter
• Milk and dairy products
• Dates
• Cereals

Type 2 Diabetes
The type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is characterized by insulin resistance in the body. Fatigue, weakness, excessive urine production, thirst, lethargy, thirst and bowel movements are some of the common symptoms of diabetes mellitus. This resistance of insulin in the body is caused by the strain on the beta cells that results in the rise of the blood glucose levels. Controlling diabetes entails limiting the carbohydrate in the type 2 diabetes diet. Here is a list of foods to avoid with diabetes type 2.

• Sweets
• Artificial sweeteners
• Starchy vegetables such as parsnips, beets, and potatoes
• Milk
• Fruit juices
• Alcohol
• Fatty food and junk food
• Trans fat (Present in processed food)
• White bread
• Meat and meat substitute

Gestational Diabetes
Apart from the common type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is a common medical condition that affects pregnant women. The hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to high glucose levels. This is because of the placental growth and the increased hormones produced due to it. The result is an insulin resistance that lasts throughout the pregnancy. The way to avoid this insulin resistance is through an appropriate gestational diabetes diet. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid if you are suffering from the problem.

• Complex carbohydrates such as white pasta, bread, potatoes, dried beans and peas
• Fatty meats
• Butter
• Bacon
• Cream
• Whole milk cheese
• Foods high in sugar

Pre Diabetes
Along with the information on the diabetes foods to avoid, it is important to take into consideration an appropriate pre diabetes diet. This is a medical condition where your blood sugar levels are high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Here are the list of foods to avoid if you have high blood sugar levels.

• Meat and meat products (excluding lean meat)
• Soda and carbonated sweetened drinks
• Sugar sweetened drinks
• Saturated and trans fats
• Ice creams
• Cookies and chips
• Fried foods

Instead of the above mentioned foods to avoid with diabetes, eat foods such as lean meats, low fat dairy products and fruits and vegetables for a healthy diabetic diet. Consult with a registered dietitian to formulate a plan that is tailored to your medical needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences.