Type 2 diabetes, also called insulin resistance diabetes, occurs in people whose pancreases produce enough insulin, but whose bodies are unable to use the hormone effectively to reduce blood sugar, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Almost 95 percent of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes, 80 percent of whom are overweight. Some foods are bad for Type 2 diabetics and could increase the risk for other conditions.
High Glycemic Foods
You should avoid foods with a high glycemic index if you have Type 2 diabetes. Glycemic index is a measurement of how quickly blood sugar enters the bloodstream after eating a particular food, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. The University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Center for Integrative Medicine says foods with a high glycemic index have a score between 70 and 100. Some foods with a high glycemic index include refined or processed breads, such as white bread, bagels and Kaiser rolls, cereals made from refined grains, such as corn flakes and Rice Krispies, Total and Cheerios, instant rice, corn chips, baked potatoes, watermelon and jelly beans.
Unhealthy Fats
You should avoid foods with unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, if you have Type 2 diabetes. Saturated fats increase blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk for heart disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The American Diabetes Associations says people with diabetes have a high risk for heart disease, and limiting saturated fat in the diet can reduce risk of a heart attack or stroke. Foods with saturated fat you should avoid include meats and processed meat products, poultry skin, lard, high-fat dairy products, cream sauces, butter and coconut and palm oils.
Trans-fats, also called hydrogenated vegetables oils, are industrial processed to make liquid oil into a solid fat and extend the shelf life of foods. Trans-fats are mostly used in fast foods, crackers, breads, muffins, cookies, cakes, margarines, shortening and other processed foods. The American Diabetes Association warns people with type 2 diabetes to not consume foods made with trans-fats because these fats may increase blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
High-Calorie Foods
High-calorie foods can increase the risk of weight gain. Research by James Anderson published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in 2003 reports weight management may be the most important therapeutic task for Type 2 diabetics, especially those who are obese. The American Diabetes Association says you should reduce intake of high-calorie snack foods and desserts such as potato and corn chips, cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
- University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Center for Integrative Medicine: Glycemic Index
- Cleveland Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease
- American Diabetes Association: Fat and Diabetes
