| Diabetes results from high blood sugar due to the | | | | Fats provide a high amount of calories to the diet |
| body not producing enough insulin or the rejection | | | | of an individual and they come in three main |
| of insulin by the cells. Individuals who are | | | | types. Saturated fats are found in animal products |
| diagnosed with this condition are treated with | | | | like red meat and unsaturated fats are found in |
| insulin injections or other medication. They should | | | | plant-based products like beans, vegetables, and |
| also take steps to control their blood pressure, | | | | fruits. There are also trans fats, artificially |
| maintain a healthy body weight, eat a proper diet, | | | | manufactured from plant fats and commonly |
| and not smoke. There are foods that diabetics | | | | found in margarine, processed, and fried foods. |
| should avoid because they tend to cause the | | | | The daily caloric intake of a person with diabetes |
| blood sugar levels to peak. | | | | should be comprised of 30 to 35 percent fats. |
| Foods that are high in fat or carbohydrates should | | | | The best types of fats to consume are |
| be avoided because they can have negative | | | | polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. Trans |
| effects on diabetics. Carbohydrates are the | | | | fatty acids and animal fats provide a major |
| highest source of blood sugar and should account | | | | source of cholesterol and can negatively impact |
| for only 40 to 60 percent of daily caloric intake. It | | | | heart health. Individuals should refer to the |
| is better to ingest complex carbohydrates that | | | | glycemic index rating system to learn how |
| come from whole grains and vegetables. These | | | | different foods affect the level of blood sugar in |
| take longer to break down and they contain fiber, | | | | the body. This will help those with diabetes |
| which can promote weight loss and prevent heart | | | | determine the kinds of foods to avoid. |
| disease. | | | | Excessive carbohydrates, highly fatty, and |
| Pasta, potatoes, and other starchy foods are | | | | starchy items are some foods that diabetics |
| important to the diet, but should be consumed in | | | | should avoiddue to their tendency to raise blood |
| limited quantities. The simple carbohydrates found | | | | sugar levels. A person who has diabetes should |
| in processed foods and table sugar are unhealthy | | | | take steps to reduce or eliminate simple |
| for someone with this condition and foods | | | | carbohydrates, trans fats, and saturated fats |
| containing these should be avoided. These are the | | | | from the diet. Referring to the glycemic index |
| best practices for a diabetic person to follow | | | | food rating system will provide an individual with |
| when it comes to carbohydrates. | | | | further guidance regarding the foods to avoid. |