Diabetic require special attention. It is extremely important to mange their condition so worse symptoms do not pop up. Not only is taking medications and exercise important, but eating healthy and maintaining their weight is crucial. Some diabetics treat their disease by diet only.
There are many foods to avoid. Carbohydrates are on the top of the list. They are terrible for a diabetic. They have a high glycemic index and raise glucose levels. These would include white breads, rice, and pasta. It can also include fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, bananas, and oranges. Cereals are also packed with carbohydrates. Of course potatoes are high in starch too.
Sugary foods are a definate food to be avoided. This would include desserts. Avoid anything made with table sugars and honey. Check lables on canned foods because a lot of them have hidden sugar and high sodium.
Fruit juices and fruit need to be limited. They contain high sugar contents. Even natural sugar can be dangerous for a diabetic.
Diabetics need to cut down on foods high in cholesterol. These include dairy, chicken, red meat, and egg yolks. Friend foods are a diabetic nightmare. Try to avoid them. At the very least they should be limited.
Not only should certain foods be avoided, but alcoholic beverages should be considered too. Alcoholic drinks can affect the way the liver reacts and can alter blood sugar levels. Occasionally a drink may ingested, but carefully monitor blood sugar levels.
Coffee can also raise the blood sugar levels. It is wise for someone who has diabetes to reduce their coffee intake, or quit drinking it altogether. Sweet tea should also be avoided for the same reason. It can do more harm than good. If tea is the drink of choice try to have it without sugar, or use a sugar supplement that is not harmful to diabetics.
When a person is diagnosed with diabetes their doctor should give them a diabetic exchange chart. This will help the patient know exactly how much of each food group they can eat. Stick with these helpful hints and diabetes will not control the patient’s life.