What Foods Should You Avoid with Diabetes?

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the blood sugar levels are abnormally high because the body is either not producing enough insulin or unable to use the insulin produced. Typically, blood sugar rises post-meal and drops in one to two hours, whereas the blood sugar levels in people with diabetes may remain elevated for several hours.

There are two main types diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, each with its own causes and risk factors. Managing diabetes typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring blood sugar levels to prevent complications.

Type 2 diabetes, usually associated with lifestyle factors like poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and inactivity, is largely preventable.

Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition and often hereditary. Here, the body’s immune system may attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in an absolute insulin deficiency.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

There are several factors that may contribute to the likelihood of developing diabetes. 

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes:

• Family history of type 1 diabetes (genetic predisposition)
• Younger age – higher likelihood of being diagnosed as a child, teenager or young adult

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

• Family history of type 2 diabetes 
• Overweight
• Poor dietary habits
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slow wound healing
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Blurred vision

How is diabetes treated?

Diabetes treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin therapy. Here are some common approaches:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle modifications are crucial to managing diabetes. These may include:

• Diet: Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
• Stress management: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques may help keep blood sugar in check.

Medications

Depending on the type of diabetes and individual circumstances, medications may be prescribed to help lower blood sugar levels. These medications include:

• Metformin, gliclazide, glimepiride, alogliptin, sitagliptin or pioglitazone.
• People with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes require insulin therapy to regulate their blood sugar levels. The dosage and timing of insulin injections will vary depending on individual needs.

Read more: How to Prevent Diabetes?

What foods should be avoided for those with diabetes?

For those with diabetes, making informed choices about what you eat is mission-critical. Here is a list of foods to avoid, along with the reasons behind each recommendation:

• Sugary beverages: Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices, as they may cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels due to their high sugar content.
• Refined grains: Studies suggest that foods made from white flour, like white bread and pasta, can lead to sharp increases in blood sugar due to their low fibre content.
• Sugary snacks: Candies, cookies, and pastries are high in sugar and should be limited to prevent blood sugar spikes.
• Processed meats: Sausages, bacon, and hot dogs often contain unhealthy fats and sodium, which can lead to heart problems.
• High-fat dairy: Full-fat dairy products may be high in saturated fat, which may contribute to heart disease. So, opt for low-fat alternatives.
• Trans fats: Avoid foods containing trans fats, such as fried and commercially baked products, as they can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Canned fruits in syrup: These are often packed with added sugars, so choose fresh fruits instead.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and may interact with diabetes medications.

Remember, individual tolerance to these foods may vary, so it is essential to work with your doctor to curate a personalised diet plan tailored to your specific needs.

What foods are best for diabetes control?

Now that we have covered the foods to avoid, let us shift our focus to what you should include in your diet for better diabetes control. These foods may help stabilise your blood sugar levels:

• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, carrots, and collard greens are packed with nutrients and have a minimal impact on blood sugar.
• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and fibre, making them excellent choices.
• Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, whole wheat bread and barley are high in fibre and may help control blood sugar.
• Legumes: Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are rich in fibrr, protein, and complex carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for stabilising blood sugar levels and promoting fullness.
• Healthy fats: Healthy fats are important for heart health and can help improve insulin sensitivity. Include sources of unsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios), seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds), and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are healthy snack options that could help control blood sugar.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Understanding what foods to avoid and making informed dietary choices are essential components of managing diabetes effectively. By avoiding foods that can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and incorporating diabetes-friendly options, you can take control of your health and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

At Pantai Hospitals, we offer a wide range of health screening programs catered to each individual, depending on their health status and needs. The team of healthcare professionals are here to assist and recommend or tailor a screening package to suit your age, gender, family, and medical history.

For appointments, please contact the Health Screening Centre or get in touch with us to book an appointment today to know more about diabetes management, or find out more about our Endocrinology Services at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.