MILLIONS of people across the UK suffer from diabetes and it can be a difficult condition to live with.
No matter how hard you try, it can sometimes feel like you’re fighting a losing battle when it comes to your diet.
Diabetics need to pay special attention to what they consume, as they need to keep their glucose levels in a normal range.
With type 1 diabetes, a person’s pancreas does not produce insulin.
In type 2, the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, so more is needed to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range.
The NHS said very high blood sugar levels can cause life-threatening complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can lead to diabetic coma.
With diet so high on a diabetic’s priority list, an expert has revealed the five foods diabetics should avoid, or at least moderate.
talking to the sun by life sum Dr. Alona Pulde said that diabetics should opt for healthier alternatives.
1. Butter –
Dr. Pulde said that the saturated fat in dairy products, such as butter, prevents insulin from delivering glucose (sugar) to cells.
He explained that as a result, it builds up in the blood and leads to high blood sugar levels and eventually diabetes.
“In addition to butter, avoid full-fat dairy products like whole milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
“Depending on what you’re using the butter for, some healthier alternatives include mashed avocado, sweet potato or butternut squash, applesauce and mashed bananas,” said Dr. Pulde.
2. Oils
Oil is a high-fat, processed food, and fat is a major contributor to insulin resistance that leads to high blood sugar and ultimately diabetes, Dr. Pulde said.
“This is especially true for oils that are high in saturated fat, such as palm oil and coconut oil.
“Depending heavily on fatty and oily foods increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
“When cooking, try low-sodium broths and sauces as substitutes for oil,” he said.
3. Fast foods
Everyone should eat fast foods in moderation, but sticking to this can be difficult as they meet the needs of both pleasure and relaxation.
Dr. Pulde said that while they may be an easy option, fast foods are loaded with fat, sugar and salt.
She explained: “All of these ingredients increase the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
“The good news is that you can eat the foods you love without sacrificing your health.
“Apps like Lifesum can help you find healthy versions of your favorite foods that promote health and reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.”
Know your levels
Diabetics are urged to monitor their sugar levels, and if you are diabetic, you may have been given a device so you can do this at home.
You will be told what your average blood sugar level is and this is known as your HbA1c level.
While they differ for everyone, the NHS says that if you monitor your levels at home, then a normal target is 4-7mmol/l before a meal and 8.5-9mmol/l 2 hours after a meal.
If tested every few months, the normal target HbA1c is less than 48 mmol/mol (or 6.5% in the above measurement range).
4. Processed meats
In addition to the high fat content, certain preservatives in processed red meats, such as hot dogs, sausage and bacon, cause these foods to interfere with normal insulin function, Dr. Pulde explained.
She said that when insulin can’t get glucose (sugar) into cells, it builds up in the blood and raises blood sugar, eventually leading to diabetes.
5. Packaged and processed snacks and baked goods
The list here might lead you to clean out your snack cupboard, as foods like chips, crackers, brownies, and donuts are all on the naughty list when it comes to foods to avoid.
Dr. Pulde said that, in general, processed foods are high in fat, sugar, salt, and low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
She said: “As a result, they contribute to blood sugar spikes along with insulin resistance. Also, processing foods increases their caloric density by removing water and fiber.”
“So, they pack a lot of calories into a little bit of food. Eating these foods frequently confuses our hunger signals and they lose the ability to turn off properly. Over time, this leads to weight gain, a known risk factor for hunger. diabetes.
“To prevent and/or improve diabetes, replace these foods with healthy versions of your favorite snacks.”
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