Diabetes is a chronic health problem that interferes with your body's ability to accurately secrete insulin, which plays a critical role in transforming foods such as starches and sugars into the energy required for your daily needs. The American Diabetes Association states that if a proper diet is not followed, it could lead to a number of medical issues such as neuropathy, kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, or stroke. Diabetics need to follow an appropriate diet to maintain proper balance in health.
Fatty Foods
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests people avoid eating fatty foods. Because a diabetic has an elevated risk of developing heart-related health problems, it is vital to minimize foods that contain higher levels of saturated or trans fats. These foods are typically high in unhealthy fats and should be limited: dairy products (i.e., whole milk, butter, ice cream, and sour cream), egg yolks, high-fat meats including organ meats and chicken skin. Processed foods such as cakes, cookies, crackers, and chips can contain trans fats and should be avoided.
Starchy Foods
The Journal of Diabetic Care suggests that diabetics be careful when eating starchy foods. White rice is one food that should be avoided as it is stripped of any essential nutrients and consumption can lead to high blood-glucose levels. White pastas possess a high-glycemic index and the same goes for white bread. It is suggested that brown rice and whole-grain pastas or rice pasta be used instead, as well as whole-grain breads rather than white bread. Avoid starchy vegetables such as parsnips, potatoes and peas.
Fruits
The Mayo Clinic suggests that certain fruits that are high in sugar be eaten in limited amounts. Those fruits are nectarines, peaches, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, pineapple and plums. Other fruits that are high in sugar are bananas and strawberries. These fruits tend to be high in pulp, which contains sugar, and when the sugar metabolizes, it prompts an abrupt increase in insulin. This spike can cause the blood glucose to rise suddenly.
Other Foods
Diabetics should attempt to reduce consumption of foods and additives such as alcohol, salt and table sugar, as well as honey. Consuming fewer calories and eating more lean proteins and vegetables can be a healthy start to a good diabetic diet.
