Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. The increase in obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and incorrect eating habits have caused the rates of suffering from this condition to increase notably in recent decades. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes currently have no cure; however, strict dietary control is one of the most effective ways to prevent complications associated with this condition. That is why at FastlyHealwe explain in detail what are the prohibited foods for people with diabetes that it is advisable to limit in the diet to guarantee health and well-being.
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Why should you watch your diet if you have diabetes?
Our pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone released into the bloodstream when we consume products with sugar. Its purpose is to allow that sugar to enter the cells to transform them into energy. However, due to hereditary factors or an improper diet high in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar, our cells can stop responding to insulin, causing sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream in dangerous ways.
When the average glucose values in the blood are exceeded, we speak of diabetes; once we have that diagnosis, taking care of our diet is essential. Those foods that contain excess sugar, fat, or a very high carbohydrate content will quickly become glucose in our bodies. Still, because the cells will not be able to take advantage of it, it will accumulate to levels that could be very dangerous.
The more we take care of our diet, the less we will run the risk of sugar increasing excessively in the body. Additionally, a healthy and balanced diet could promote weight loss in obese people, significantly reducing the complications associated with this disease.
Although diabetes currently has no cure, there is a percentage of patients with type 2 diabetes that are completely changing their lifestyle, significantly improving their diet, and losing weight, which can benefit not only their health but also present remission of the disease.
Foods rich in sugar
Most people know that among the forbidden foods for diabetics, products rich in sugar are to be avoided at all costs. That is why it should be minimized and, if possible, eliminate ingredients such as:
- White and brown sugar.
- Honey.
- Chocolate, except for those suitable for people with diabetes.
- Syrups and syrups.
- Jams, except those suitable for people with diabetes.
- All packaged juices, sodas, and energy drinks.
- All types of cookies, ice cream, cakes, cakes, sweets, and pastries, unless indicated that they could be consumed in moderation by people with diabetes.
- Sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame are allowed in moderation.
It is important to note that even if a product indicates that it is reduced in sugar or without added sugar, this does not mean that it is suitable for patients with diabetes, as it may contain sugars from milk or fructose that are equally inappropriate. The label must explicitly state that it is ideal for consumption by people with diabetes.
Products made with refined flour.
Refined flour belongs to the group of carbohydrates, which means that when we ingest it, our body automatically converts it into glucose to be transformed into energy. Still, due to the condition suffered, this sugar will accumulate in the blood. For this reason, foods such as:
- White bread.
- Any dough, dessert, or dish made with this ingredient, such as pizza, pasta, or various bakery and pastry products.
Instead, it is recommended to eat whole wheat flour in moderation, which due to its high fiber content, helps maintain adequate blood glucose levels.
Foods high in sodium or salt
Eating a diet high in salt is not beneficial for people with diabetes as it could affect circulation, promote fluid retention, and increase blood pressure. That is why it is essential to reduce your intake of:
- Salt can be substituted for various spices.
- Canned products.
- Commercial marinades.
- Salty snacks and nuts.
- Commercial dressings.
- Prepared meals.
- Built-in.
Fried food
Among the foods forbidden for people with diabetes, fried foods stand out because, due to their high-fat content, they are inappropriate for this group. Any fried food, battered, breaded, snacks made in oil or junk food should be eaten at a minimum, as they are harmful to health. It is recommended to prepare food with other healthier preparation methods such as baked, grilled, cooked, or steamed.
This recommendation not only applies to people with diabetes but anyone in general.
Foods High in Saturated Fat
The more fat is ingested in the diet; the more complex the process by which insulin brings sugar to the blood becomes more complicated; for this reason, saturated fats must be controlled very well in the diet not to harm patients with this condition.
That is why it is recommended to consume as little as possible:
- High-fat meats.
- The skin of the pig, chicken, turkey, or duck.
- Sausages such as salami, chorizo, pate, sausage, blood sausage, etc.
- The egg yolk.
- Whole dairy products like whole milk, butter, whole cheeses, and yogurt. Dairy products should always be skimmed and low in fat.
- Margarine and oils such as sunflower or corn.
Eat lean meats, fish, light and low-salt sausages such as turkey or chicken breast, olive oil, and low-fat dairy products.
Fruits are forbidden for people with diabetes.
Not only is refined sugar among the prohibited foods for diabetics, but those fruits that are very sweet and therefore contain a high index of fructose, a natural sweetener typical of this food group, and vegetables, should also be limited from the diet.
In this way, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of:
- Banana.
- Grapes.
- Mango.
- Pineapple.
- Chirimoya.
- Watermelon.
- Papaya.
- Nuts such as raisins, figs, or dates.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited for people with diabetes.
Many liqueurs and cocktails have high sugar content, either due to the origin of the liquor itself or the way it is usually served. For all this, the alcoholic beverages prohibited for diabetics are:
- The rum and any of the cocktails made with it.
- Any sweet liquor such as vermouth, anise, amaretto, etc.
- Cocktails with added sugar such as mojito, gin, tonic, screwdriver, or caipirinha.
- Beer, whose consumption should be very moderate.
You can ingest dry drinks such as dry wine, cava, or light beer in very controlled quantities.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Forbidden Foods for Diabetics , we recommend that you enter our Endocrine System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.