Foods to Avoid with Type 2 Diabetes

November 26, 2024

Introduction

Managing Type 2 diabetes goes beyond medication—diet plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels. Certain foods can negatively affect your health, making it harder to manage the condition. In this blog, we'll highlight the foods to avoid and offer tips for healthier alternatives to help you better control your diabetes.

How Diet Affects Type 2 Diabetes

Diet plays a crucial role in managing Type 2 diabetes by influencing blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Foods that are high in refined carbs, sugars, and unhealthy fats can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to insulin resistance and worsening the condition. On the other hand, a balanced diet rich in fiber, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps stabilize blood sugar, improve insulin function, and reduce the risk of complications. Making mindful food choices can be key to controlling Type 2 diabetes and maintaining overall health.

Foods to Avoid with Type 2 Diabetes

1. Sugary Foods and Drinks
Foods and beverages high in sugar, such as sodas, candy, and fruit juices, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, making it harder to manage diabetes. These sugary options provide little nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance.

2. Refined Carbs
Refined carbohydrates, like white bread, pasta, and pastries, are quickly broken down into sugar, leading to blood sugar spikes. These foods lack fiber and essential nutrients, which makes them a poor choice for people managing Type 2 diabetes.

3. Fried and Fatty Foods
Fried foods and fatty cuts of meat are high in unhealthy fats, which can worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of heart disease. These foods can also contribute to weight gain, further complicating diabetes management.

4. Full-Fat Dairy and Processed Meats
Full-fat dairy products (such as cheese, butter, and cream) and processed meats (like bacon and sausages) are high in saturated fats, which can lead to increased cholesterol levels and inflammation. These foods can negatively affect heart health, which is especially important for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Why These Foods Are Harmful

1. Sugary Foods and Drinks: They cause rapid blood sugar spikes, worsening insulin resistance.

2. Refined Carbs: Quickly convert to glucose, leading to blood sugar spikes and lack of fiber.

3. Fried and Fatty Foods: High in unhealthy fats, they increase insulin resistance and heart disease risk.

4. Full-Fat Dairy and Processed Meats: Contain saturated fats that raise cholesterol and worsen insulin resistance.

Healthier Alternatives

1. Sugary Foods: Drink water or unsweetened beverages, and eat fresh fruit.

2. Refined Carbs: Opt for whole grains like brown rice and whole-wheat bread.

3. Fried and Fatty Foods: Choose grilled, baked, or steamed foods with proteins and healthy fats.

4. Full-Fat Dairy & Processed Meats: Go for low-fat dairy, or try plant-based proteins.

Tips for Better Diabetes Management

1. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly check your blood sugar to understand how different foods affect you.

2. Practice Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

3. Eat Balanced Meals: Include a mix of fiber, proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains in every meal.

4. Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and manage blood sugar.

5. Plan Meals Ahead: Prepare healthy meals and snacks to avoid the temptation of unhealthy foods.

6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Shri Chyawan's Ayurvedic Solution

Our ayurveda experts have formulated an ayurvedic medicine for diabetics - Diabetes Care Kit. It helps to control your blood sugar levels. This Ayurvedic medicine is meticulously crafted to assist in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, promoting overall well-being through natural ingredients.

Shri Chyawan Diabetes Care Kit

The Kit contains four types of ayurvedic medicine that play a major role in the management of blood sugar levels:

Madhumoksh Vati
Chandraprabha Vati
Karela & Jamun Ras
Giloy Juice

1. Madhumoksh Vati - Shri Chyawan Ayurveda's Madhumoksh Vati Supports healthy blood sugar levels in the body and removes the problems caused by it.

Ingredients: The main ingredients used in Madhumoksh Vati are vasant kusumakarra, madhumeh harirasa, neem panchang, jamun beej, gudmar, karela beej, talmakhna, jalneem, amla, and baheda.

How To Use: If blood sugar level of patient is 200mg/dl, then he/she is required to take 2 tablet, twice a day, before meal or as directed by the physician.

2. Chandrabha vati - Shri Chyawan Ayurveda's Chandraprabha vati Supports healthy uric acid levels and may contribute to overall wellness.

Ingredients: It consists of Amla, Sandalwood, Daruharidra, Devdaru, Camphor, Cinnamon, and Pipal.

How To Use: Consume 1 tablet at night before going to bed. or as Directed by the Physician.

3. Karela Jamun Ras - Shri Chyawan Karela Jamun Ras supports metabolic health and may contribute to balanced blood sugar levels in the body and Jamun contains jamboline and jambosine, which are believed to support metabolic health.

Ingredients: The main ingredients of this juice/ras are Karela and Jamun juice.

How To Use: Consume 10ml, twice a day, after 1 hour post lunch and dinner or as Directed by the Physician.

4. Giloy Ras: Giloy Ras is an herbal and ayurvedic supplement known for its potential health benefits, including supporting overall well-being and Supports healthy blood sugar levels in the body.

Ingredients: It consists of juice extracted from Giloy.

How To Use: For children 5ml-10ml,

For adults 10ml-20ml, thrice a day. or as Directed by the Physician.

Conclusion

Managing Type 2 diabetes involves making informed food choices that help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health. By avoiding sugary foods, refined carbs, fried items, and unhealthy fats, and opting for healthier alternatives, you can better control your condition. Pairing a balanced diet with regular physical activity and mindful eating habits will further support your diabetes management. With the right approach, you can live a healthy, active life while keeping your blood sugar levels in check.