Type 2 diabetes, also called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or insulin resistant diabetes, is a chronic condition that involves high blood sugar levels and affects over 20 million people in the United States. Complications include cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputations and blindness. Certain foods may increase the risk of complications and should be avoided. Consult your doctor about your health and diet.
High Glycemic Foods
Avoid consuming high glycemic foods that include refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, cakes, cookies, white rice, sugared cereals, sweetened beverages and other products that contain sugar that your body digests into glucose and rapidly increases blood glucose levels. Your body is unable to release sufficient amounts of insulin in response to these high blood glucose levels. As a result, the blood glucose levels swell and increases risk of ketosis, a condition in which your cells break down fat for energy instead of glucose and may increase your risk of coma and death.
Sodium
A high sodium diet in patients with type 2 diabetes may contribute to the development of hypertension and resistance to blood pressure lowering therapies, according to research by scientists at the University of Melbourne in Australia and published in "Diabetic Medicine" in 2010. Avoid foods with high levels of sodium salt that may increase your blood pressure and risk of stroke. These foods include fast foods and processed foods, including salad dressings, sauces, breads, meats, cheese, snacks, and canned products such as soups.
Unhealthy Fats
Unhealthy fats, such as saturated fats and trans fats, may increase your risk of heart disease. Research by scientists at Athens University Medical School in Greece and published in "Diabetes Care" in 2008 discovered that consumption of a meal rich in saturated fatty acids is harmful for the endothelium, the layer of cells inside your arteries, in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Saturated fats are found in animal products, such as red meat, poultry, pork and dairy. Trans fats are found in fried foods, such as french fries, doughnuts and corn chips and processed foods such as breads, cookies, cakes, salad dressings and margarine.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer or hard liquor may be dangerous for type 2 diabetics. The American Diabetes Association says alcohol can cause low blood sugar levels shortly after you drink it, which can last for eight to 12 hours. If you drink alcohol, do so with meals only if you have normal blood glucose levels beforehand.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: National Diabetes Statistics, 2007
- Harvard Medical School: Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load for 100+ Foods
- "Diabetic Medicine"; High Sodium and Low Potassium Intake ...; E. I. Ekinci, et al.; 2010
- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: Sodium: The Facts
- American Heart Association: Sodium
