‘Prevention is better than cure’ is a saying that is very much applicable when it comes to preventable conditions. One such condition is diabetes, which is mainly caused by our diet. In this article, we will list a few types of food that lead to an increased risk of diabetes when consumed in excess.
White Bread and White Rice
As a refined carbohydrate, white rice is easily digested. Due to this as well, the bloodstream may be overloaded as the bread is quickly broken down into sugar by our gastrointestinal system. There are also ingredients in bread that lead to weight gain.
White rice is a food that also quickly increases your blood sugar level. Eating it with other foods that do the same, will result in the pancreas having to work harder so as to manufacture and release insulin in order to ensure that the blood sugar levels remain at regular levels. Over time, diabetes develops when the cells that secrete insulin in the organ are unable to properly function.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is a popular snack or dessert and is fine to be eaten occasionally. It is also a food that contains carbohydrates, fats, and sugar. Half of the fat content of ice cream is saturated fat when it is made with whole milk or cream, which results in increased cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of ice cream raises the chances of gaining additional weight. The risk of diabetes and resistance to insulin developing is increased by both obesity and high cholesterol levels.
Processed/Red Meat
Processed meats such as sausages and hot dogs have high levels of salt, fat, and nitrites. Cardiovascular issues and weight gain can be caused by these ingredients, and they are also likely to raise blood pressure. Simply by consuming these types of meat regularly increases your risk of developing diabetes by up to 51%.
Sweet Foods and Beverages
Baked goods prepared commercially, and sweet beverages such as fruit juices and sodas are usually high in sugar. Including these as part of your daily diet often leads to a greater risk of weight gain, which is undesirable as obesity is often linked to diabetes. Foods that have been sweetened artificially are also not recommended. These contain saccharin, which interferes in the digestive system and the actions of healthy gut bacteria. Wherever possible, choose water!
Sweet Breakfast Cereals
Abundant sugar is found in most instant, boxed breakfast cereals. A single cup serving of the generally popular sweetened cereals might contain 15 grams of sugar and 28 grams of carbohydrates. If you really do want to eat cereals, the ones to choose are those with an approximated 1 gram of sugar and 20 grams of carbohydrates.
As diabetes is an avoidable condition, but one that many older adults are susceptible to, it is best to take steps to prevent diabetes by reducing the risk of diabetes through the food we consume. Occasionally eating the food stated in the article is fine, but having it in your regular diet greatly increases the risk of diabetes. In general, eating healthy and staying active is a lifestyle we should all strive for.
