Diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce or use enough insulin to control sugar levels in your bloodstream. When your blood sugar levels rise, you may experience loss of balance, confusion, extreme hunger, fatigue and numbness in your fingers and toes. Over time, this condition may also cause kidney disease, nerve damage, stroke, blindness and coma, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Certain foods may increase blood sugar and trigger the symptoms of diabetes.
Thiamine-Rich Foods
Thiamine is one of eight B vitamins necessary for proper functioning of your nervous system. However, high levels of thiamine in your bloodstream may inactivate insulin, causing blood glucose levels to rise, according to the Balches. Plums, raisins, alfalfa, wheat germ, egg yolks and kelp contain large amounts of thiamine.
Grains
Grains such as wheat, rye, corn and rice are high in carbohydrates. Your body converts carbohydrates into glucose and can contribute to high blood sugar levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Refined flours and white rice have a particularly profound effect on blood glucose levels. Breads, bagels, pizza crusts, white rice, pastas, muffins and cereals are all abundant sources of glucose-raising carbohydrates.
Starchy Vegetables
Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, beets, carrots, winter squash and sweet potatoes may increase blood sugar levels, according to the Balches. These foods are high in carbohydrates, which contribute to high blood glucose. Most are also lower in dietary fiber than other vegetables. Dietary fiber is a component of foods that helps clear excess sugars from your bloodstream.
Refined Sugars
Refined sugars are found in candy bars, cakes, pies, ice cream, doughnuts and candy. These sugars are quickly turned into glucose and can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, according to the Balches.
Alcohol
Like sugars and simple carbohydrates, alcohol is rapidly converted into glucose by your digestive system, according to the Balches. Because it requires little digestion, it can raise blood sugar levels much more rapidly than most other foods.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
