Living with diabetes often requires a change in diet. Diabetics are encouraged to eat healthier and avoid food that will trigger spikes in blood sugar levels. Learning which food is good or bad for people with diabetes can be confusing. Lorena Ackerman, Certified Diabetes Educator at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offered clarification and shared a list of some of the food diabetics should avoid.
It is highly recommended that diabetics steer clear of the following:
- Highly processed food such as white rice or any products made with white flour can cause an elevation of blood sugar levels.
- Fruit juices may sound harmless because they are made from fruit; however, most tend be high in added sugar. Opt for water as a beverage instead.
- French fries are packed with carbohydrates and fats, which can be disastrous for blood sugar levels.
- Canned fruits stored in syrup are not recommended because the syrup tends to have high levels of added sugar.
- Candy is a no-no because it can cause dramatic increases in glucose levels.
- Dried fruits such as raisins or prunes may sound like a healthy option, but they are not. Sugars in fruits become very concentrated during the dehydration process.
- Whole milk is high in saturated fats, which can negatively affect insulin resistance.
Ms. Ackerman explained, “Eating the wrong food can be very dangerous for a person with diabetes.” She continued, “Food that is laden with fat, carbohydrates or added sugars, can cause diabetic symptoms such as dizziness, frequent urination or fatigue to occur.”
If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, it is recommended that you speak with a dietary professional to learn about food in relation to diabetes. Choosing the wrong food can be detrimental to your health.
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is offering a free nutritional class “What Can I Eat?” for people with diabetes. The interactive program educates participants on daily nutrition and tips on preparing diabetic-friendly meals. Classes begin in the fall. To register, contact Elena Toumaras at 718-206-7056 or email, etoumara@jhmc.org.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.