Over 130 million people in the country are prediabetic or suffer from either form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the more prevalent form as per these statistics. It is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates glucose for energy. There is no cure for diabetes. But simple changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle habits along with the use of certain prescriptions can help prevent symptoms from affecting one’s daily routine.
Foods to avoid for better diabetes management
Any nutritional imbalance impacts the progression of chronic diseases like diabetes. The following foods trigger unexpected changes in blood glucose levels. It is better to avoid eating these foods completely or have them in moderation.
Refined carbohydrates
Refined starchy foods are the most common forms of carbohydrates consumed daily. The body’s digestive system breaks down all carbs into glucose for energy. However, this poses a problem for people who are already diabetic. Refined foods like white bread, pasta, cereals, crackers, baked goods, and confectionaries are processed quickly by the digestive system. This triggers a sudden release of glucose into the bloodstream and causes an imbalance in blood sugar levels.
Artificial sweeteners
Added sugars found in sauces, condiments, nectars, sweeteners, syrups, sweets, and flavored beverages contain no nutritional value. Once processed by the body, they release excess glucose. Some sugars can even trigger an insulin resistance that severely affects blood sugar levels. Even natural sweeteners, like honey, is a form of sugar. Since the body cannot distinguish between forms of sugar, it will process these empty calories to release glucose all day long.
Fatty proteins
Multiple studies suggest that processed and fatty red meats including beef, pork, and lamb increase the risk of diabetic complications. One must also limit the intake of fried meats, bacon, hot dogs, processed deli meats, fatty rib eyes, deep fried dark meat poultry, and deep-fried seafood. Fatty sodium-rich meats increase the risk of associated complications like cholesterol. This leads to the development of digestive chronic disorders. However, proteins sourced from lean meats and plants can be eaten, as directed by the nutritionist.
Fast foods
Foods fried in hydrogenated oil will also contain excess amounts of sodium. This includes burger patties, fries, potato chips, pretzels, battered and breaded pieces of meat, among other unhealthy fast foods. The fat and salt content in these foods will force blood pressure to increase unnaturally. Type 2 diabetes damages the walls of small blood vessels. The elevated blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack or stroke if left unchecked.
Heavily processed foods
Unhealthy fats trigger an increase in insulin resistance. So, avoid or limit eating saturated and trans fats found in processed foods. This includes fatty cooking oils, or condiments like margarines, peanut butter, whole cream, cheese, lard, palm oil, hydrogenated oil, dips, dressings, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. Avoid eating premade meals and ready-to-eat foods that are prepared in the microwave. These are all foods that are laced with fats that enhance the flavor without adding any nutritional value.
Sweet mixers
These can have a negative impact on prescriptions taken to manage Type 2 diabetes. The liver processes these mixers and the insulin prescriptions at the same time. This can put a lot of pressure on the organ. It increases the risk of complications like hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar.
Sodas and fruit juices
A can of flavored cola contains carbohydrates, most of which is sugars with no nutritional value. Even homemade beverages like iced tea and lemonade contain more carbs and natural sugars called fructose. Fruit juices are naturally high in fruit sugars. Elevated levels of fructose in the body affects the metabolic activities and triggers an imbalance in blood sugar levels.
It is critical to keep blood glucose levels under control when suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Failing to do so can lead to a number of short- and long-term complications.
Complications of Type 2 diabetes
Diabetic nephropathy, also known as kidney disease, is one of the major complications caused by both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Patients who suffer from hypertension along with diabetes are at an increased risk of kidney failure.
The kidney is one of the main organs in the body responsible for processing waste from the bloodstream. High blood glucose levels caused by diabetes majorly affects this function. The kidneys are unable to maintain a fluid balance, and the body starts to lose essential proteins through urine. If left unchecked, these waste products continue to build up in the blood stream and can eventually result in kidney failure.
To reduce the risk of such complications and to manage diabetes symptoms, doctors suggest these FDA-approved prescriptions:
FARXIGA®
FARXIGA® can be used for managing Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) that prevents the kidneys from retaining any glucose. Doctors suggest taking SGLT2 inhibitors for managing chronic kidney complications due to diabetes.
Trulicity®
Trulicity® belongs to a class of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This once-a-week injectable prescription helps increase B-cell growth, regulates insulin production, and lowers the rate of glucagon use by the body. These actions collectively promote better blood sugar control and lowers the risk of kidney complications.
BYDUREON®
BYDUREON® is an alternative extended release GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is available in the form of an injection that can be used subcutaneously. BYDUREON® has shown significant reduction of A1C levels with regular dosing.