Foods to avoid with high glucose levels

Published on: 6 September 2022, 10:00 am IST

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For a diabetic, eating the wrong foods can result in high blood sugar levels. Experts believe that what you eat significantly affects how well your blood sugar levels are managed. There are many foods high in vitamin C, protein, antioxidants, and fibre that are known to manage blood sugar levels. There are, however, some worst foods for diabetes since they can suddenly raise blood sugar levels.

Health Shots got in touch with dietitian Hari Lakshmi, Consultant – Dietitian/Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Chennai to find which are the worst foods to avoid with high blood sugar levels or diabetes.

Lakshmi says, “You don’t always have to rely on medications for keeping diabetes under control. Your diet also heavily influences your health. Making minor changes to your diet can do wonders in the long run. Let’s look at what food items are to be removed from your plate.”

Here are 5 foods that you need to avoid with high blood sugar levels:

1. Sugar

People with diabetes should avoid sugary foods such as pastries, sweets, cakes, cookies, candy, and chocolate. According to Lakshmi, excessive use of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages can lead to obesity, which raises the risk of high blood sugar. Additionally, raised blood pressure, inflammation, and fatty liver disease are all side effects of added sugar consumption that have been related to an elevated risk for heart attack and stroke. Moreover, sweet foods are a source of carbs, which can raise blood sugar levels.

2. Processed food with trans and saturated fats

For those with diabetes, processed foods are an absolute no-no because they can raise blood sugar levels. Lakshmi says, “Trans fat is used in food items to preserve them for a longer duration, and it increases the risk of diabetes and heart related complications.” Additionally, eating processed foods high in saturated fats might raise your body’s levels of harmful cholesterol.

3. Canned food

To extend the shelf life of canned foods, excess sodium and other preservatives are frequently added. Lakshmi says, “The ‘can’ of canned food items contain a chemical called BPA or bisphenol-A which is used to strengthen the can. This is the main reason why diabetic people experience negative side effects.” This doesn’t just increase the risk of heart related complications but also can alter normal bodily functions in the long run.

4. Sugary cereals

A majority of people choose cereal because they believe it to be a filling and healthy breakfast option. However, that’s not true! Especially if you have diabetes. cereals, which are highly processed and abundant in refined grains, contain sugar. Consuming them in the morning can increase the risk of a range of chronic health concerns, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver difficulties. So, at all costs, avoid them. As an alternative, you can eat a soaked oatmeal bowl every morning for breakfast.

5. Fruits

Fruits are a healthy option as a snack and as a balanced meal, it contains important nutrients and fiber. However, “some fruits such as figs, grapes, mangoes, cherries, and bananas, have high sugar content; therefore, if you have high blood sugars, they need to be restricted. But you can still enjoy fruits such as jamun, pear, sweet lime, peaches, apples, and plums. Make sure you consume in moderation.

Takeaway

Maintaining your blood sugar is essential to avoid severe diseases because high blood sugar is also a risk factor of heart diseases and strokes. So, make sure you eat healthy, avoid these foods and check your blood sugar levels regularly for timely treatment.

The blood sugar level regulation mechanism

When you eat rice, bread, or any other typical food high in carbohydrates, it is digested by the stomach and small intestine, where it is absorbed into the blood as glucose. Figure 1 shows how it is absorbed into the body.

Figure 1: Absorption of glucose

1. 1The sugar in food is absorbed into the blood as glucose.
2. 2The pancreas secretes insulin in reaction to the increase in glucose.
3. 3Because the glucose is absorbed into the liver, muscle, adipose (fat) tissue and other cells, the blood sugar level drops to the level it was before anything was eaten.
   This is the mechanism found in healthy people.

When glucose enters the bloodstream, insulin facilitates its uptake into the body's cells. When an excess of glucose is ingested, insulin over secretion occurs. Insulin increases the biosynthesis of fat and suppresses its breakdown. Thus, it becomes easier for fat to accumulate in body tissues.

Blood sugar level will not drop if the sugar in the blood is not properly processed due to, for example, too little insulin being secreted, or resistance to the action of insulin. If blood sugar levels have not decreased several hours after eating on a regular basis, this indicates a susceptibility to diabetes. To avoid this and stay healthy, we should eat types of foods that will not cause a sudden, extreme rise in blood sugar levels.

What is BMI?

BMI = weight (kg) ÷height (m)2	BMI is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. BMI less than 18.5 = low body weight, BMI 18.5 to 25 = ordinary body weight, BMI 25 or more = obese.

What is a healthy blood sugar level

• Fasting blood sugar level 99mg/dL (Japan Society of Ningen Dock)
• Postprandial blood sugar level (2 hours after eating) 7.8mmol/L (140mg/dL) (International Diabetes Federation)

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