Diabetes is a condition that develops due to high sugar levels in the blood. Insulin, a hormone in the body, helps the sugar in the blood to be transported to different cells of the body. These cells either utilize this sugar for energy or store it for future use. However, in this condition, the body either fails to produce sufficient insulin or is unable to use the insulin that it makes.  Symptoms Some common signs of diabetes (type 1 and type 2) include: Weight loss Blurry vision Fatigue Excessive hunger or thirst Excessive urination Sores, which do not heal easily Men-centric symptoms Erectile dysfunction Low libido Muscle strength reduces Women-centric symptoms Yeast infections Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Itchy or dry skin Gestational diabetes Usually, a lot of women who suffer from gestational diabetes do not showcase any symptoms. In them, the condition is primarily detected during a routine pregnancy test done between the 24 th and 28 th week. In a few cases, women with gestational diabetes also experience extreme urination or thirst. Causes The cause of diabetes is often dependent upon its type. Type 1 There is no certainty of the exact cause of this form of diabetes. However, what happens is that the immune system tends to attack and further destroy the beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin in the pancreas.

The key to managing diabetes is to follow a healthy diet that can keep your blood sugar levels in control. What you eat in your meal has a direct effect on how much sugar your blood contains. So, making the right food choices is going to help you manage blood glucose levels better. At the same time, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all diet for patients diagnosed with diabetes and you must consult your doctor before making major dietary changes. Your doctor will come up with a meal plan to tell you what you can eat for your main meals and snacks in between meals. The plan also contains details on how much of these foods you should have. A healthy diet for those with diabetes should typically have 40%-60% calories from carbs, 30% or less from fats, and 20% from proteins. How to make a diet plan to manage diabetes? The idea is to follow a diet plan which is low in sodium, cholesterol, and added sugar. You need to identify which foods cause your blood sugar levels to spike. It is not always the type of food that you consume, but the combination of foods that you eat, which can be harmful when you have diabetes.

Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, and food plays an important role in managing its symptoms and related complications. Most severe cases of diabetes are a result of long-term consumption of foods that heighten insulin resistance, increasing blood sugar levels. While we may be aware of obviously sugary foods that aggravate diabetes, there are some seemingly healthy options that can actually cause a lot of harm. Given below are five such foods diabetes patients should avoid. 5 foods that are surprisingly sugar-rich Flavored yogurt The next time you are out buying a healthy snack like flavored yogurt, take a peek at the ingredients and nutrition label. Store-bought flavored yogurt may contain sweeteners in the form of artificial flavors. Switch to plain yogurt and add your favorite fruits to enhance the taste. Breakfast cereals While your preferred breakfast cereals may contain whole grains and be fortified with vitamins, they do contain some amount of sugar that can cause an imbalance in the blood sugar levels. Hence check the label before picking a brand and choose from the ones that have the least amount of sugar. Granola bars Granola bars have gained popularity due to their healthy ingredients like cereals, nuts, and seeds.

Diabetes is an illness in which the sugar levels in the blood are either too high or too low. This condition can be managed with a strict meal plan that ensures the body’s insulin levels do not exceed the normal amount. However, the urge to snack can be random and unplanned. For such an occasion, here are some safe snacking options for those with diabetes who need healthy choices to satiate their food cravings. Guacamole All you need to make this yummy dip is fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, some cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. One of the best ways to prep this is to use a mortar and pestle and grind these ingredients gently together. Avocados are known for their polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help keep insulin levels balanced. It also has vitamins and antioxidants, good for the body and skin. Guacamole makes for a great dip or even a spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Apple and peanut butter This is a nutritious and tasty snack that does not spike insulin levels in the body. It can simply be made at home! Just cut some slices of an apple and use homemade peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as a dip.