What Are Bad Foods for Diabetics?
Diabetes, the chronic disease that limits the body's ability to use blood glucose, is becoming a fact of life as our diet and lifestyle catches up with aging Americans. Although Type 1 diabetics must strictly follow a special diet, Type II diabetics have some flexibility, if they choose wisely and in moderation. Some foods, though, are better avoided by both types of diabetics.
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Large Portions
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Too much of even a good thing is bad. Thanksgiving-sized portions are out; take home half or more of those big restaurant portions in a carryout container.
Fats
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Limit any food, particularly fried foods, that contains saturated fats, trans-fats or unnecessary cholesterol. Use fat-containing dressings and spreads sparingly.
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Sweets
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Avoid refined sugar, which becomes glucose the second it enters your system. Limit sweets, including artificial sweeteners and diet sodas that keep your taste buds trained to crave sweets.
Refined Grains
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White or single-grain bread, cakes or pastries deliver all of the glucose-producing starch without any fiber.
Salt & MSG
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Processed and prepared foods are full of salt and preservatives that are bad for your circulation and your heart---a vulnerable organ for all diabetics.
Alcohol
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A glass of wine with dinner may be fine, but blood sugar can fall suddenly, or "crash," if you drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Too much can send you into shock.
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Resources
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