Millions of people across the UK suffer from diabetes, which can be difficult to live with.
No matter how hard you try, you may feel like you are losing out on a diet.
People with diabetes need to keep their blood sugar levels in the normal range, so they need to pay particular attention to what they consume.
In type 1 diabetes, the human pancreas does not produce insulin.
In type 2, cells in the body become insulin resistant, so higher doses are needed to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.
The NHS said very high blood sugar levels can cause life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can lead to diabetic coma.
One expert found that five food diabetics should avoid-or at least moderate consumption, as diets are so high on the diabetics priority list.
Talking to Dr Alona Pulde of SunLifesum, he said that diabetics need to choose healthier options.
1. Butter – –
Dr. Purde said saturated fat in dairy products like butter prevents insulin from carrying glucose to cells.
As a result, she explained that it accumulates in the blood and causes hyperglycemia, eventually leading to diabetes.
“In addition to butter, avoid whole milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and other full fat dairy products.
“Depending on the use of butter, there are healthy alternatives such as avocado, sweet potato or pumpkin puree, applesauce, mashed potato banana,” Dr. Purde said.
2. Oil
Oil is a high-fat processed food, and fat is a major cause of insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and ultimately diabetes, Dr. Purde said.
“This is especially true for oils high in saturated fat, such as palm oil and coconut oil.
“Great reliance on oily and greasy foods increases the risk of heart disease as well as diabetes.
“When cooking, try low-sodium soups and sauces instead of oil,” she said.
3. Fast food
Everyone should eat fast food in moderation, but it can be difficult to stick to because it meets the needs of both joy and comfort.
Dr. Purde said that fast food contains fat, sugar and salt, although they may be an easy option.
She explained: “All of these ingredients increase the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
“The good news is that you can eat your favorite foods without sacrificing your health.
“Apps like Lifesum help you find a healthy version of your favorite food that promotes health and reduces the risk of diabetes and other chronic illnesses.”
Know your level
Diabetics are encouraged to monitor their sugar content. If you have diabetes, you may be provided with a device that allows you to do this at home.
You will be told what your average blood sugar level is, and this is called your HbA1c level.
They vary from person to person, but according to the NHS, when monitoring levels at home, the usual goal is less than 4-7 mmol / l before meals and 8.5-9 mmol / l 2 hours after meals. ..
When tested every few months, the typical HbA1c target is less than 48 mmol / mol (or 6.5% on older measurement scales).
4. Processed meat
In addition to high fat content, certain preservatives in processed lean meats such as hot dogs, sausages, and bacon can result in these foods interfering with the normal functioning of insulin, Dr. Purde explained. did.
She said that when insulin is unable to pump glucose (sugar) into cells, it accumulates in the blood, raising our blood sugar levels and ultimately leading to diabetes.
5. Packaged and processed snacks and baked goods
All foods such as potato chips, crackers, biscuits and donuts are on the prank list for foods to avoid, so you can clean up your snack cupboard from this list.
Dr. Purde said that processed foods are generally high in fat, sugar and salt, and low in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
She states: “As a result, it contributes to insulin resistance as well as spikes in blood sugar levels. In addition, processing food removes water and fiber and increases calorie density.
“Therefore, they pack a lot of calories into a small amount of food. Eating these foods regularly disrupts our hunger signals and loses the ability to block them properly. This over time. It leads to weight gain, a known risk factor for diabetes.
“To prevent and / or improve diabetes, replace these foods with a healthy version of your favorite snack.”
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