What foods should a newly diagnosed diabetic avoid?

Steven Green

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Specialist in Sexual Health California, USA Thu

What foods should a newly diagnosed diabetic avoid?

A newly diagnosed diabetic should focus on managing blood sugar levels and maintaining overall health. This involves avoiding or limiting foods that cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, are high in unhealthy fats, or offer little nutritional value. Here’s a list of foods to avoid or limit:

High-Sugar Foods

These cause quick and significant spikes in blood sugar levels:

• Sugary beverages: Soda, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened teas.
• Desserts and sweets: Cakes, cookies, pastries, candy, and ice cream.
• Processed sugary snacks: Granola bars, breakfast cereals (with added sugar), and sugary yogurts.

Refined Carbohydrates

These are quickly digested into glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels:

• White bread, rice, and pasta: Replace with whole-grain alternatives.
• Processed snacks: Chips, crackers, and pretzels made with refined flours.
• Pastries: Croissants, donuts, and muffins made from white flour.

High-Fat and Processed Foods

These can contribute to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk:

• Fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, and other deep-fried items.
• High-fat meats: Bacon, sausages, and fatty cuts of red meat.
• Trans fats: Found in margarine, packaged baked goods, and processed snacks.

Sugary Fruits and Fruit Products

Even though fruits are natural, some can spike blood sugar:

• Dried fruits: Raisins, dates, and dried apricots are concentrated sources of sugar.
• High-GI fruits: Watermelon and overly ripe bananas should be eaten in moderation.

Sweetened and Flavored Dairy

• Flavored milk and yogurt: These often contain added sugars.
• Sweetened condensed milk and other sweetened dairy products.

Alcohol and Sugary Mixers

• Alcohol can interfere with blood sugar management, especially when combined with sugary mixers like cola or fruit juice.

Other Foods to Watch:

• High-sodium foods: Many processed and canned foods can worsen blood pressure, which is often a concern in diabetes.
• Condiments: Ketchup, barbecue sauce, and sweetened dressings can have hidden sugars.

Better Choices:

• Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats (like avocados and nuts), and plenty of non-starchy vegetables.
• Use natural, fiber-rich foods to maintain steady blood sugar levels. For sweet cravings, small portions of low-glycemic fruits (e.g., berries) are better choices.

Working with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator can help tailor a diet plan to individual needs