Diet is an important part of managing diabetes, a chronic condition marked by insufficient insulin production or utilization. A proper diet can help manage blood glucose, a sugar your body produces during the digestion of carbohydrates from food sources. Diet can also manage high "bad" cholesterol, a common factor among diabetics. Avoiding certain foods may improve diabetes symptoms and prevent complications such as fatigue, dizziness and coma.
Refined Flour Products
Refined flour products are made from grains that have been processed to remove fiber and increase shelf life. The refining process turns grains into simple carbohydrates, which can dramatically elevate blood glucose levels. High blood glucose can aggravate diabetes symptoms and can be toxic to your body. Refined flours are found in white breads, pastas, flour tortillas, bagels, pastries, cakes and snack crackers.
Refined Sugar Products
Refined sugars are made by extracting sucrose from beets and sugar cane. These sugars are found in candies, soft drinks, pies, doughnuts and pastries. Like refined flours, refined sugars quickly elevate glucose levels in your bloodstream. They can also contribute to weight gain and obesity, which can increase diabetes symptoms. Avoid foods containing refined sugars to help manage blood glucose and prevent complications of diabetes.
Fatty Meats
Some types of meat, such as beef, pork, lamb and dark-meat chicken and turkey, are high in saturated fats. These fats can elevate low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, which are the bad components of cholesterol. High triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels can contribute to fatty deposits that block arteries and blood vessels; this can increase your risk of diabetes-related coronary artery disease, stroke and heart attack.
Trans-Fatty Foods
Like fatty meats, foods high in trans fats may elevate triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels in your bloodstream. Trans fats are oils that have been infused with hydrogen to increase their shelf life and to formulate them for room-temperature storage. Hydrogenated oils are commonly used in the preparation of fast foods and commercially packaged convenience foods. Avoid trans-fatty foods such as french fries, onion rings, deep-fried chicken and fish, fried chicken, margarine and shortening to help reduce your risk of heart disease.
References
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch et al.; 2004
- American Diabetes Association: What Can I Eat?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
