The Worst Foods For Diabetics (Even Ones That Seem Healthy)

Diabetes affected more than 9% of the American population in 2015, and the figure has only risen since then. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s insulin response. When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, their diet drastically alters.

Some meals that appear to be healthful are really harmful. Many contain hidden sugars, preservatives, and salts that are difficult to detect on the nutritional label. Continue reading to learn about the worst meals for diabetes.

Fresh Fruit Is Safer Than Dried Fruit

Certain fruits are safe for diabetics to eat since they are part of a balanced diet. They should, however, avoid dried fruit because it is a condensed version of entire fruit. “Everything goes up in these concentrated forms,” explains dietician Rupali Datta. “The glycemic index, the sugar levels.”

People consume more dried fruits since they are smaller than fresh fruits. A cup of fresh grapes, for example, has 27 carbohydrates, but a cup of raisins has 115 carbs. Dried fruits are considerably more likely to cause a blood sugar increase in diabetics.

Saltine Crackers Are Not as Healthful as Other Snacks

Saltines are not one of the diabetic-friendly crackers available. According to Diabetes Meal Plans, saltines are made with improved flour. This is a refined grain that the body converts to sugar. If you have diabetes, buy whole wheat crackers.

Saltines include partially hydrogenated oils including soybean and cottonseed oil. By promoting inflammation in the body, these oils promote weight gain. We haven’t even discussed salt yet! Saltines are not a good diabetic cracker.

 

Wheat bread should be used instead of white bread.

People with diabetes can consume bread, contrary to popular belief. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) supports it, but only if you consume whole grain bread in moderation. According to Diabetes Care studies, white bread boosts people’s risk of diabetes due to its high glycemic index.
According to registered dietitian Susan Weiner, whole-grain bread offers more fiber, which helps your glycemic response. Because white bread lacks fiber, it is more likely to induce blood sugar spikes. Whole-grain versions of your favorite breads, such as sourdough and rye, are available.

 

Most fast food meals should be avoided.

Although diabetics may eat fast food, much of it is harmful to their health. “[Fast-food meals] are heavy in salt, carbohydrates, and harmful saturated fat,” says Sandra Arevalo, a spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Many dinners that include fries and a Coke contain more than 1,000 calories.
Many fast-food places, thankfully, now provide salads and low-carb sandwiches. The American Diabetes Association offers some dining out advice. Get the smallest meal possible; substitute the beverage for water; and swap the side of fries or split it with someone else.