Home - health - Foods To Be Avoided By Diabetes Patients
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly:

Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients

Fruit juices and other drinks
Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly.

Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits
Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal. However, most store-bought cereals are also high in carbohydrates and added sugars that can trigger an instant spike in blood glucose levels. Another seemingly healthy food, yogurt is an excellent probiotic necessary for the body to maintain and improve gut health. But, flavored yogurts or yogurt with assorted berries can cause more harm than good to diabetes patients. Additionally, while dried fruits can be had in moderation, it is advisable to stay clear of sweetened berries and raisins. Also, avoid consuming canned fruits as they contain preservatives and artificial sweeteners.

Baked goods and sugar substitutes
Any excess sugar the body cannot process can eventually trigger complications linked to type 1 and 2 diabetes. Sugar is basically empty calories, meaning its consumption adds no nutritional value. Avoid all biscuits, baked goods, and confectioneries made with refined sugars as a diabetes patient. You should also stay away from any fortified snacks that may be healthy but contain added sugar. Even substitutes like honey, agave, nectars, and maple syrup may not necessarily help as these contain fructose, a natural form of sugar. However, do not make these decisions lightly; consult a doctor before altering your meals.

Processed foods
While processed products bought off the shelves in the supermarket may have attractive labels proclaiming their healthy value, they contain trans fats. Common examples include frozen dinners, snacks, peanut butter, nut butter spreads, condiments, coffee creamers, margarine, and shortening. These items have added hydrogenated fats, which have no nutritional value, to increase their shelf life. Hydrogenated fats are also added to vegetable oils used in daily cooking. Many studies have shown that regular consumption of processed trans fats and saturated fats increases the risk of insulin resistance, impairs arterial functions, increases inflammation, and leads to an imbalance in cholesterol levels. Trans fats also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases if left unchecked.

Prescriptions for managing diabetes
While changes in food habits and lifestyle can go a long way in helping manage diabetes symptoms, they cannot be the primary mode of treatment. One must get a proper prescription from their primary healthcare professional to ensure their blood sugar levels are in control.

Invokana®
People with type 2 diabetes and kidney complications can consider Invokana as a method of treatment. It helps lower blood sugar levels by preventing the body from absorbing excess sugar, thus relieving pressure off the kidneys. The prescription also reduces the risk of end-stage kidney disease. This option is not for children under 18 years of age.

Kerendia®
Severe diabetes can trigger chronic kidney diseases, among other known complications. Kerendia® is an FDA-approved oral prescription that helps slow down the disease progression when taken once a day.

Dexcom
Dexcom Continuous glucose monitoring systems include smart sensors, wearables, glucose monitors, and apps that monitor blood sugar levels constantly. Any changes are immediately notified to the user so they can take prompt and swift action. It is an excellent option for those with severe diabetes to consider for daily use.

GlucoTrust
GlucoTrust is an oral treatment option that may help promote better blood circulation and lowers blood sugar levels. However, as the effects of this supplement haven’t been entirely discovered, it is strongly recommended to consult with a doctor to understand whether GlucoTrust is a viable supplementary option for blood sugar control.

Insulin therapy
When the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin, injections are taken to supplement the body’s daily requirement. Insulin therapy helps restore one’s blood glucose balance by replacing the deficit to promote better kidney function. Doses are divided into the following types:

Long-acting insulins work between 8 and 40 hours and gradually help break down glucose to prevent any spikes in levels during the day. These injections are taken before meals when the body uses only glucose for energy.

Short-acting rapid-action insulins work within a few minutes but are only effective for a shorter period, normally within the range of 2 to 4 hours. These injections prevent any spikes in blood sugar levels after eating a meal.

Insulin injections are available as a syringe shot or self-injector pen to deliver the dose directly under the skin. Both options can be administered manually and are required several times during the day. The alternate is an insulin pump designed to automatically deliver doses periodically throughout the day once the appropriate dosage is adjusted.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.