Do you know according to CDC data, more than 37 million US citizens (that is 1 in 10) are diabetic? And 90-95% of this population are suffering from type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common at age 45 and above.

But now, more children and even teens are coming up with diabetes. According to the American diabetes association (ADA), a beneficial diet is a key to healthy living for type 2 diabetes patients.

And Mayo Clinic recommends that the best food for diabetes control is rich in nutrients and low in calories and fat. Meaning foods that will help lower your blood sugar level and decrease your risk of heart disease.

However, choosing an appropriate food is not enough when you have type 2 diabetes. But also avoid any food that can elevate your blood sugar. Because elevated blood sugar will cause complications to you as a diabetes patient.

What Food Is Bad For Diabetes?

In managing diabetes, the most important thing is to moderate your diet. Eating the best food for diabetes control and avoiding the bad foods that will lead to complications. Here are 7 foods to avoid as a diabetes patient.

1. Sugary Foods Like Soda and Sweets

Many desserts, sodas, and candy are primarily made of refined sugars. And because refined sugars can elevate your blood sugar, there will be a need for extra insulin to lower the raised blood sugar.

Knowing that insulin is a fat-storage hormone, more insulin in your circulation means increased conversion of carbohydrates to fats. These fats will be stored in your hips, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks leading to obesity which can complicate diabetes.

2. Full-Fat Dairy

While saturated fat contained in dairy products elevates LDL cholesterol increasing your risk of heart disease. Saturated fats may cause a more serious problem for people with type 2 diabetes.

Research has found insulin resistance to be associated with diets rich in saturated fats. Therefore, patients with type 2 diabetes are strongly advised by the American Diabetes Association to avoid products like cream cheese, ice cream, full-fat yogurt, and cream which are full-fat dairy products from whole milk.

3. Fatty Cuts of Meat

Like full-fat dairy products, high-fat cuts of meat like ribs, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, bologna, and the normal ground beef have high saturated fats. These meats will increase your level of cholesterol, and also promote inflammation in your circulatory system.

Type 2 diabetes patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases when there is increased inflammation and elevated cholesterol in their circulatory system. The risk is lower on average for people without diabetes.

4. Limit Baked Goods and Packaged Snacks

Baked goods and packed snacks such as cookies, chips, crackers, pretzels, snack cakes, and doughnuts are unhealthy because they contain trans-fat. They lower your HDL (good cholesterol) and elevate your LDL (bad cholesterol). They are even worse than saturated fats for patients with type 2 diabetes.

5. Avoid Oily, Breaded Fried Foods

Fried foods such as potato chips, fried chicken, and French fries contain a lot of oil in addition to being coated with breading. This makes these foods have heaps of calories making your blood sugar rise.

6. Sherbet

Sherbet is believed by many to be a replacement for ice cream. However, half a cup of sherbet has close to twice the sugar of half a cup of ice cream. This makes it bad for type 2 diabetes patients.

7. Completely avoid Alcohol else in Moderation

Alcohol can affect your blood sugar level. Safe to consult your trusted healthcare provider before considering anything alcohol as a diabetes patient. And if at all you must take it, make sure it is moderate for your gender.

According to the American Diabetes Association, moderate alcohol means a maximum of one cup a day for women and two cups a day for men. And that the cup should be 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, and 1.5 ounces of distilled liquor.

Conclusion

The risk of type 2 diabetes is inclined to an elevation of blood sugar level which has various complications on the cardiovascular system (the heart). Therefore, any food substances that are likely to raise your blood sugar should be avoided.

Instead, it should be replaced with more healthy food. The aim is to maintain a healthy lifestyle eating what you want as much as possible.