Diabetes is a chronic disorder that limits a person's ability to move blood sugar from the blood stream into the cells. When a diabetic eats too much sugar or too many carbohydrates, blood sugar raises in the blood stream, leading to consequences that include fatigue, dizziness and even fainting. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states that diabetes puts a person at higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. Therefore, it's very important to maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods that could make the condition worse.
Regular Pasta
Pasta is a carbohydrate that can raise blood sugar levels quickly, according to the Diabetes and Hormone Center of the Pacific. It states that while proteins and fats are digested slowly in the body, refined carbohydrates, such as regular pasta, spike blood sugars rapidly. According to the nutritional database CalorieKing.com, there are about 36 g of carbohydrates in each cup of pasta. Eating too much pasta can even cause a diabetic to go into a hyperglycemic state, where he experiences confusion and may pass out. Regular pasta is also very low in fiber, which helps to control blood sugar levels. Whole wheat pasta is a better option for diabetics.
Fruit Juice
Many diabetics like to wake up and drink a glass of orange juice first thing in the morning. In reality, fruit juice is one of the worst beverages for diabetics because it contains so much sugar. Even if it is made from 100 percent fruit, the amount of natural sugars from fruit are still enough to cause a diabetic hyperglycemic side effects. Juice also contains very little to no fiber. Because fiber is filling, the combination of a lack of fiber and the quick blood sugar spike can also leave a diabetic feeling very hungry after drinking juice.
Bacon
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends that diabetics decrease their intake of saturated fat as saturated fat increases cholesterol levels in the body and can clog arteries. Diabetics may already have high cholesterol and if they do not, they are likely to be at risk. Bacon is one of the foods highest in total and saturated fat since it is a red meat that contains a lot of pork fat. Instead of eating bacon, diabetics may want to try turkey bacon or vegetarian "bacon" made from soy. These options are lower in fat and healthier for the heart.
Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners are convenient in that they can be easily heated up without having to prepare any fresh ingredients, but the sodium content in most frozen meals is incredible. The Diabetes and Hormone Center of the Pacific recommends that diabetics avoid frozen meals because diabetics are already at a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart problems. The recommendation for daily sodium intake is 2,400 mg, according to the Diabetes and Hormone Center of the Pacific, yet many frozen dinners have more than half that amount in one single meal. It's a better idea for diabetics to eat fresh, home-cooked meals with vegetables and less salt.
Sweets
Sweets, including candy, cookies, cakes, pies and other baked goods, are another category of foods to be avoided by diabetics. Not only are these foods high in carbohydrates, but they are also high in sugar, which spikes blood sugar levels quickly for diabetics, as explained by the Diabetes and Hormone Center of the Pacific. Eating too many of these foods can cause blood sugar levels to rise suddenly, and also overtime, and increase the risk of complications from diabetes.
