Diabetes is a chronic disorder that affects the body's ability to metabolize glucose, or sugars. Type 1 diabetes is genetic, is diagnosed in childhood and is typically treated with insulin therapy or other medical treatments. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, may develop at any age, according to MayoClinic.com. Gestational diabetes occurs doing pregnancy. Since certain foods, such as refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, are known to escalate symptoms, avoiding unhealthy foods is recommended for those currently diagnosed with diabetes.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats, found in high-fat dairy products, deep-fried foods and fatty red meats, are associated with elevated risks for cardiovascular conditions, according to MayoClinic.com. Diabetic patients should avoid foods in high saturated fats including high-fat cheeses, lard, beef liver, whole milk, butter, beef, ice cream, dessert foods and processed snacks. Diabetic patients should replace saturated fat sources with healthier fats such as fatty fish, nuts and canola or olive oil for safe results.
Trans Fats
Trans fats, also known as trans-fatty acids, are formulated by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils to construct a more solid fat form. Trans fats are cheaper to produce, purchase and increase the shelf life of foods. The American Heart Association reports that the intake of trans fats can lead to serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes. To improve diabetic treatment, patients should avoid or limit trans fat on a regular basis. Trans fat foods to avoid include margarine, deep-fried foods, shortening, canned soups, cakes, commercially prepared cookies, processed meats and certain snack foods. Instead, diabetics should choose healthier fats such as canola oil, fatty fish and nuts, as these fats are linked with improved physical wellness. A daily diet consisting of 2 grams of trans fat or less is advised for optimum health, according to the National Diabetes Association.
Enriched Carbohydrates
Enriched carbohydrates are processed from plants or grains, such as enriched wheat flour, white flour, sugar and corn syrup. Andrew Weil, M.D., a natural health expert, suggests a low-glycemic diet based on foods that mildly affect blood sugar levels, as a means of managing different forms of diabetes. Enriched flours and sugars have a major impact on glucose levels and are considered high glycemic. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics should replace enriched wheat and white brands, pastas, cookies, crackers, instant rice, chips and other snack foods with whole grain equivalents.
References
- National Diabetes Association: Fats and Diabetes
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: What I need to know about Eating and Diabetes
- Dr. Weil: Gestational Diabetes
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes Diet
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Diabetes and Nutrition
- American Heart Association: Trans Fats
