Diabetes is a disease that affects your blood glucose levels because of the foods you eat. There are two types of this disease, but type 2 is the most common form of the condition. It is mostly associated with obesity, according to Medline Plus. There are several food no-no's for diabetics, who can face serious health complications if they fail to watch their diets.
White Flour
Diabetics should avoid any type of food made with white flour, because it is nutritionally stripped. For example, of the 15 key nutrients present in white flour, only five of them equal or surpass levels found in whole-wheat flour, according to Frank Murray in the book "Natural Supplements for Diabetes." White bread is a carbohydrate, which is composed of many simple sugars that can raise blood glucose levels. Unlike whole-grain breads that require more time to metabolize, keeping blood sugar levels balanced, your body quickly digests white bread due to the simple sugars for a quick release into the blood stream, Murray says. This effectively spikes glucose levels, leading to diabetic complications.
Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables often contain high amounts of sodium, which is dangerous to diabetics because it can cause hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to Robyn Webb in her book "Eat to Beat Diabetes." Although the prevalence of hypertension weighs heavily on individual cases, hypertension is more common in diabetics than non-diabetics, according to Andrew Krentz and Clifford Bailey in the book "Type 2 Diabetes." High blood pressure is a significant risk for diabetics because it can cause secondary health complications related to diabetes. Webb advocates eating fresh vegetables in lieu of the canned varieties to minimize salt consumption.
Sugary Canned Fruits, Beverages and Desserts
Perhaps the most obvious no-no food for diabetics is sugary items such as canned fruits in syrup, soda and processed desserts. These sugar-laden items are often the cause for developing type 2 diabetes, and you should avoid them at all costs. Margaret Powers in the book "American Dietetic Association Guide to Eating Right When You Have Diabetes," recommends choosing sugar-free desserts that use low-calorie alternative sugar sweeteners. If you are craving something sweet, Powers suggests eating citrus fruits or melons.
References
- Medline Plus: Diabetes
- "Natural Supplements for Diabetes"; Frank Murray; 2009
- "Eat to Beat Diabetes"; Robyn Webb; 2004
- "Type 2 Diabetes"; Andrew Krentz and Clifford Bailey; 2005
- "American Dietetic Association Guide to Eating Right When You Have Diabetes"; Margaret Power; 2003
