At Risk For Diabetes? Avoid These Foods
By Sara Butler
Type 2 diabetes is a serious illness and one that impacts the lives of millions of Americans. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in three Americans has what is called prediabetes -- and a vast majority of those folks aren't even aware that they fall into that category.
If you suffer from prediabetes, then it means that you have higher average blood glucose levels. The levels are not high enough to put you into the diabetes category, but unless you take action, then you are headed for type 2 diabetes.
It's important to know that diabetes doesn't have to happen to you. In fact, you can reverse prediabetes and keep yourself from sliding into full-blown type 2 diabetes if you make better food choices. If you're struggling with prediabetes, then here are some foods that it's a good idea to avoid in your diet.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol increases your risk of type 2 diabetes due to the way it impacts your pancreas -- the organ that produces insulin. Alcohol can lead to inflammation of the pancreas and reduce its ability to produce insulin, which then puts you at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It's best to enjoy alcohol in moderation or not at all.
Soda
Soda and other sugary drinks are a no-no. They blow your daily recommended intake of sugar out of the water and consuming too much sugar at once causes your blood sugar to spike. This then stresses your body's insulin response.
A sugary drink should be a once-in-a-while treat, not a daily habit.
Ice Cream
As delicious as ice cream is, it's something that should only be a treat. Ice cream can have more than three times your daily suggested serving of sugar and twice the amount of saturated fat. Saturated fat can also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so make sure to have your favorite ice cream only once in a very great while.
Processed Carbohydrates
Highly processed carbohydrates such as rice, white bread, and pasta will raise your blood sugar levels quickly. If you have type 2 diabetes, then it's dangerous to consume these types of carbohydrates because they can throw your body into hyperglycemia, or blood sugar levels that are too high. Hyperglycemia can lead to complications and health issues in the long run, such as kidney damage.
Diabetes is serious, so do what you can to help reduce your chances of developing it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sterling, Va.