Diabetes is categorized as either Type I, a metabolic disease in which the body does not produce insulin, or Type II, a metabolic disease in which the body is resistant to insulin. Ninety to 95 percent of those with diabetes have Type II, which can easily be controlled through diet and exercise, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Eating certain foods causes blood glucose levels to spike, not allowing the one who has diabetes to process food properly. The repercussions of extreme elevation or extreme depletion of blood glucose can range from a feeling of listlessness to a stroke, heart attack or coma. Avoiding certain foods can assist in controlling the severity of diabetes.
Intermediate to High Glycemic Foods
People with diabetes should consider the Glycemic Index (GI) to avoid certain foods. The GI is a scale that ranks carbohydrates by how much they raise blood glucose levels compared to a reference food. The GI is categorized into three groups, Low GI (less than 55), Intermediate GI (between 55 and 70), and High GI (more than 70). Factors that affect GI are: type of starch, physical entrapment, viscosity of fiber, sugar content, fat content, protein content, acid content, food processing, and cooking.
The Glycemic Load (GL) should also be considered. The GL is a measurement that helps predict blood glucose response to specific quantities of a specific carbohydrate food. Avoid foods that have a high GI or high GL. A balance between the two is recommended.
Simple Sugars
Avoid simple or refined sugars that are highly processed without fiber. These sugars transform into glucose as soon as they enter the body. Highly processed foods have a high glycemic index (GI score of over 70) which causes spikes in blood glucose levels. Examples of these foods include waffles, doughnuts, white bread and soda (regular or diet).
Saturated Fats
Although good advice for everyone, diabetics should particularly avoid foods that are highly saturated in fat, contain trans-fats and have unnecessary cholesterol. Avoid fried foods and red meat that contain saturated fats. Limit butter and fattening dressings.
Don't fall for the sugar-free cookies and other products made for diabetics. Although the sugar-free concept is appealing, the lack of sugar is usually made up with fats or even trans-fats. Sugar-free products may even contain more fat than their sugar counterpart. Having excess body fat worsens diabetes and makes it more difficult to control.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can cause blood sugar to drop quickly and may even cause you to go into shock. Alcohol also raises blood fats if not digested properly, increasing the risk for coronary disease. Limit alcohol intake to one glass of red wine, for example, occasionally with a meal.
Salt and MSG
Salt and monosodium glutamate (MSG), a preservative found in processed foods, affect blood circulation and so can cause problems especially for the heart of diabetics. Those with diabetes should limit sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,000mg per day. Choose salt alternatives that contain a mixture of potassium, salt, and magnesium. MSG causes a large insulin response after it is ingested because there are glutamate receptors in the pancreas. According to a study conducted at McMaster University in Canada, ingested MSG results in higher plasma concentrations of free glutamic acid and higher insulin levels. This increased glutamic acid is problematic for people with diabetes.
