A balanced diet is important for everyone and it is especially important for those who suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes. If you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial that you have certain medical supplies and medical devices at home to monitor your blood sugar levels. Durable medical devices and disposable medical supplies can be purchased online from accredited retailers such as Save Rite Medical at affordable prices, and they will be delivered to your door, which is extremely convenient.
In order to avoid spikes in your blood sugar levels, you should avoid eating certain foods that can rapidly raise blood sugar and insulin levels. If you suffer from diabetes and you do not avoid eating the below-mentioned foods, you can increase the risk of inflammation, which may also increase the risk of heart disease.
#1 Sweetened Beverages
Sugary drinks should be avoided if you have diabetes because the added sugar can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and may also increase the risk of a fatty liver and diabetes-related conditions. Sweetened drinks can also contain high levels of fructose, which can cause a rise in insulin levels and cause metabolic changes that encourage stomach fat and rapid weight gain, potentially leading to high cholesterol. If you suffer from diabetes, you should rather keep yourself hydrated by opting for sugar-free drinks and water to help control your blood sugar levels.
#2 Margarine
Margarine is high in trans fat, which should be avoided if you suffer from diabetes because it can raise insulin resistance, inflammation, and stomach fat. Additionally, trans fat in foods like margarine can also lower good cholesterol, HDL, and risk impaired arterial function. While these effects are not good for anyone, they are particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes because they can greatly increase the risk of heart disease.
#3 White Bread, Rice, and Pasta
You should avoid these foods because they are processed foods that are considered high carb foods that can dramatically raise blood sugar levels for individuals with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Because these foods contain a significantly low amount of fiber, they can restrict the absorption of sugar in your bloodstream. By opting to replace white bread with high-fibre bread, you can significantly lower blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol levels as well.
#4 Flavored Yogurt
Flavoured yogurts usually contain more carbohydrates and a lot of sugar, which should be avoided if you have diabetes. A healthier option for individuals with diabetes is plain yogurt as it does not contain any added sugars and it is made with full cream milk, rather than low-fat milk, which is much healthier in general.
#5 Breakfast Cereals
Starting your day with cereal is a terrible idea if you suffer from diabetes. Not only are most breakfast cereals loaded with sugar but they also contain an extremely high carbohydrate content and they are highly processed, unhealthy foods to consume. Breakfast cereals also contain very little protein, which means that they really cannot fill you up for very long. A better breakfast choice for individuals with diabetes would be low carb, protein-based foods such as eggs.
#6 Honey and Maple Syrup
While white sugar should be avoided, natural sugars and brown sugars are also bad if you have diabetes and therefore, honey and maple syrup should also be avoided. Even though these foods are considered natural sweeteners, they can contain just as many carbohydrates as white sugar does. It is best to rather stay away from all forms of sugar to prevent spikes in your blood sugar levels.
#7 Dried Fruit
While fruit is a fantastic source of various beneficial vitamins and nutrients, dried fruits are not as healthy as a result of the drying process that leads to a higher concentration of nutrients as well as a much higher concentration of sugar. For individuals with diabetes, low-sugar fruits such as berries are a better option and dried fruits should be avoided altogether.
Monitor Diabetes and Control your Blood Sugar Levels
It is vital to avoid certain foods if you have diabetes and opt for a nutritious and balanced diet. Avoiding fast foods and sugary meals can help you to better control your blood sugar levels and manage your symptoms. While routine check-ups with your healthcare practitioner will be essential for staying healthy, monitoring your blood sugar levels from home and making proper use of your diabetes medication such as insulin, can encourage general health and enable you to be aware of your current state of health. It is a great idea to keep a first aid kit at home that contains essential medical supplies such as monitoring devices to help you manage your blood sugar levels. Save Rite Medical is a fantastic choice to conveniently purchase both disposable medical supplies and durable medical devices to help you manage your chronic condition on a daily basis.