Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that can lead to various complications if it is not caught and managed in time. However, there are several ways in which the disease can be kept under check. Aside from medications and therapy, one can also control diabetes via lifestyle changes and a proper diet. This article talks about certain foods to avoid for diabetes patients.

7 foods that diabetes patients should avoid

1. Sugary foods and drinks
Consuming sugar-sweetened foods and beverages which are high in carbs and also have high fructose content is linked to insulin resistance. People with diabetes should avoid consuming refined sugar and sugary foods like sweets, cakes, and biscuits. Aerated carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices loaded with sugar should also be avoided.

2. Saturated and trans fats
Unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fats can raise blood sugar levels. These are found in meats and some plant oils and are not good for the heart and overall health. Thus, some of the foods to avoid for diabetes are butter, lard, high-fat meats like sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and ground beef, coconut oil, and palm oil. Trans fats found in processed snacks, fast food items such as French fries, baked goods, shortening, and margarine can increase bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, raising the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.

3. Starchy foods
Products made from starch such as white bread, white rice, white pasta, or anything made with highly processed white flour can interfere with the glucose levels of diabetics. These white starches are carbs that act like sugar once digested by the body, causing an increase in glucose levels. It is best to replace them with whole grains such as brown rice, whole-grain bread, etc.

4. High-GI fruits
Even though fruits are healthy, some options can raise blood sugar levels more rapidly than others. Some of the fruits high on the glycemic index are pineapple, banana, and watermelon. It is important to avoid them since they are more likely to increase blood glucose.

5. Dried fruits
Dried fruits are one of the foods to avoid for those with diabetes. These contain fiber and many other nutrients but they also have concentrated sugar and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Dry fruits also contain more carbs than whole, fresh fruits do.

6. Salty foods
Salty foods can increase blood pressure, which can increase risk of heart disease. These are one of the foods to avoid for diabetes. Some of the sources of salty foods include ready-to-eat packaged foods, salted snacks such as popcorn, canned foods containing salt, and canned and instant soups.

7. High-fat dairy products
Dairy products, although good sources of calcium and vitamins, also contain a sugar called lactose. People with diabetes should thus avoid full-fat dairy products such as whole milk, full-fat yogurt, full-fat cottage cheese, full-fat ice cream, and sweetened yogurts.

Apart from eliminating the above foods from your diet, being physically active and losing weight can also help in managing diabetes.