apollo

Diabetes Management

What Not to Eat in Diabetes: A Guide to Managing Your Diet

3 min read

What Not to Eat in Diabetes: A Guide to Managing Your Diet

For individuals living with diabetes, dietary choices play a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels and overall health. Understanding what foods to avoid is as important as knowing what to include in your diet. In this article, we'll explore what not to eat in diabetes to help you make informed and healthier choices.

1. Sugary Beverages

One of the top things to avoid in diabetes is sugary beverages like soda, specially packaged fruit juices, and energy drinks. These drinks are loaded with high amounts of sugar, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Opt for water, herbal tea, or unsweetened natural beverages instead.

2. Sugary Snacks and Sweets

Candies, cookies, cakes, and other sugary snacks can impact blood sugar levels. These items are often high in refined carbohydrates and offer little nutritional value. Choose healthier snacks like a combination of nuts, seeds, or low-fat yoghurt sprinkled with pomegranate or diced apple.

3. White Bread and Refined Grains

White bread or white Indian bread commonly known as ‘naan’, white rice, and most processed cereals are examples of refined grains that can cause sharp increases in blood sugar. Instead, opt for whole grains like whole wheat bread, brown rice, jowar, bajra, quinoa, and oats, which have a lower glycemic index.

4. Fried and Fatty Foods

Fried foods like pakoras, bhajias, french fries and fried chicken are typically high in unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats. These fats can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of heart disease. Choose cooking methods like baking, grilling, or steaming.

5. Full-Fat Dairy

Full-fat dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc.) contain saturated fats that can negatively impact insulin sensitivity. Opt for low-fat or non-fat dairy options or consider plant-based alternatives like almond or soy milk.

6. Processed Meats

Processed meats like cutlet mix, salami, bacon, sausages, and hot dogs often contain added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. These should be replaced with lean protein sources like skinless poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, or legumes.

7. Sweetened Condiments

Condiments like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings can hide significant amounts of added sugar. Check labels for sugar content and choose low-sugar or homemade alternatives like tomato salsa, herbed yoghurt dip, green chutney etc.

8. High-Sugar Cereals

Many breakfast cereals are marketed as healthy but are often loaded with added sugars. Opt for classic varieties of whole-grain, low-sugar cereals or oatmeal and load it up with a mix of low GI fresh fruits, nuts and seeds for a healthier start to your day.

9. Alcohol

Alcohol can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and should be consumed in moderation. It's essential to monitor your blood sugar when drinking and consider choosing light beer, dry wine, or spirits mixed with sugar-free mixers.

Conclusion

Effective diabetes management involves being aware of plating a balanced meal suitable to your body needs. Opting for healthier alternatives can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risks associated with diabetes. It's essential to seek guidance from healthcare professionals or dietitians to create a personalised diabetes management plan that suits your unique needs and goals.

Consult Apollo's Expert Diabetologists

Diabetes Management

Leave Comment

Name

Email Id

Comment

Recommended for you

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain in Feet and Essential Care Tips

Are you facing an unexplained tingling sensation or intense pain in your feet? You might be experiencing diabetic nerve pain. Regular foot care, including daily inspection for injuries, proper hygiene, wearing suitable shoes, regular check-ups, and maintaining blood sugar control can significantly alleviate these symptoms. Furthermore, with lifestyle changes and professional support, such as Apollo's Super 6 program, you can effectively manage your diabetes and reduce the risk of nerve damage.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Diabetic-Friendly Biscuits: A Guilt-Free Indulgence?

Choosing the right sugar-free biscuit for diabetics involves more than just looking at the sugar content. The macronutrient profile of the biscuit, including its carbohydrate, fibre, protein, and fat content, plays a critical role. Make smart choices by opting for biscuits that are low in carbohydrates and fats, high in fibre and moderate in protein. Always remember portion control and consider enrolling in a comprehensive diabetes management programme like Apollo Super 6 for further support.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Understanding the Honeymoon Phase in Diabetes: Impact on Management and Treatment

Understanding the honeymoon phase in diabetes can be key to managing the condition effectively. This period of improved blood sugar control can be misleading, but with careful monitoring and the right support, patients can navigate this phase safely. Continuous management and lifestyle adjustments remain crucial in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. To make this journey easier, consider a comprehensive guide like the Apollo Super 6 programme for effective diabetes management.

Subscribe

Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter

Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more.

Email

Visual Stories

story-img

8 Fruits That are Incredibly Healthy for Diabetes

Tap to continue exploring

  • Share this article

  • 0

  • 0 like

Recommended for you

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain in Feet and Essential Care Tips

Are you facing an unexplained tingling sensation or intense pain in your feet? You might be experiencing diabetic nerve pain. Regular foot care, including daily inspection for injuries, proper hygiene, wearing suitable shoes, regular check-ups, and maintaining blood sugar control can significantly alleviate these symptoms. Furthermore, with lifestyle changes and professional support, such as Apollo's Super 6 program, you can effectively manage your diabetes and reduce the risk of nerve damage.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Diabetic-Friendly Biscuits: A Guilt-Free Indulgence?

Choosing the right sugar-free biscuit for diabetics involves more than just looking at the sugar content. The macronutrient profile of the biscuit, including its carbohydrate, fibre, protein, and fat content, plays a critical role. Make smart choices by opting for biscuits that are low in carbohydrates and fats, high in fibre and moderate in protein. Always remember portion control and consider enrolling in a comprehensive diabetes management programme like Apollo Super 6 for further support.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Understanding the Honeymoon Phase in Diabetes: Impact on Management and Treatment

Understanding the honeymoon phase in diabetes can be key to managing the condition effectively. This period of improved blood sugar control can be misleading, but with careful monitoring and the right support, patients can navigate this phase safely. Continuous management and lifestyle adjustments remain crucial in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. To make this journey easier, consider a comprehensive guide like the Apollo Super 6 programme for effective diabetes management.