Why carbohydrate intake plays a role for people with diabetes?
Carbohydrate is a macronutrient that provides your body with energy. It has the greatest effect on a person’s blood sugar because it is the one which broke down into sugar (glucose) and absorbed into your bloodstream. Carbs include fibre, sugar, and starches. When a diabetes patient consumes too many carbs at a time, his/her blood glucose levels can rise too dangerously, which can harm some major body organs such as heart and kidney.
Over time, these dangerously high sugar levels can damage your body’s nerves and blood vessels, leading to heart disease, renal insufficiency, and other serious health complications. Maintain a low carb diet can help prevent sudden spike and cause a significant reduction in the risk of diabetes complications. Therefore, it is important to avoid food and drinks that are listed below strictly:
White Bread, Pasta, and Rice
White bread, pasta, and rice are processed foods. Eating these types of foods has shown significantly increased blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In some studies, it is found out that high carb foods affect the brain functioning of people with type 2 diabetes and mental deficits. This response is not just limited to products made with refined white flour.
A few studies show that gluten-free pasta was also shown to raise blood sugar, with rice-based types having the greatest effect. The processed food contains little fibre and fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. So, it is important to replace these low fiber foods with high fiber foods as high fiber foods significantly reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Moreover, people with diabetes experience reductions in blood cholesterol. Eating high fiber food also improves gut microbiota, leading to improved insulin resistance.
Fruit Flavored Yoghurt
Plain yoghurt is a good option for people with diabetes. However, fruit-flavored varieties can show negative effects on people with diabetes. Flavored yoghurts are generally made from nonfat or low-fat milk and loaded with carbs and sugar. Fruit flavored yoghurt is generally low in fats but high in sugar, leading to higher blood sugar and insulin levels. Plain, whole milk yoghurt is a better choice for people with diabetes.
Sweetened Breakfast Cereals
If you have, diabetes having cereals in the morning can be one of the worst ways to start your day. Most cereals are highly processed and contain far more carbs than many people realize. So, to keep your sugar level in control, skip most cereals and choose a protein-based low carb breakfast instead.
Coffee Drinks
Coffee has benefits, and it can help reduce the risk of diabetes. However, flavored coffee drinks are like a liquid dessert rather than a healthy beverage. To keep your blood sugar under control, choose plain coffee or espresso with a tablespoon of heavy cream or half-and-half.
To stop the progression of diabetes, eat healthy foods and avoid foods which can increase the blood sugar level. Healthy eating programs are proven to work well more than your diabetes medications. Also, keep on monitoring your blood glucose with Accu chek active.