Diet gun

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Eating a balanced diet can help people manage diabetes and reduce their risk of complications.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body’s most important source of energy. The quality and quantity of carbohydrates we eat have the biggest impact on our blood sugar.

There are three main types of carbohydrates in food: starches, sugars, and fiber. Starches and sugars, if consumed in excess, are the biggest problems if you have diabetes because your body breaks them down into glucose.

Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates (also called refined starches) are broken down during processing, causing our body to absorb them more quickly and convert them into glucose. This results in a greater increase in blood sugar.

If we have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes (pre-diabetes), we should limit some of these types of carbohydrates, such as white rice, white bread, white pasta, cereals with added sugars, most crackers and baked goods.

Sugar

Foods that contain mainly sugar have little or no nutritional value and can cause sudden, particularly large increases in blood glucose.

Such foods that should be limited are agave nectar, maple syrup and almost all syrups, baked goods (croissants, donuts, cakes, cookies), pizza dough, ready-made sauces, ready-made yogurt desserts, chocolate bars, Turkish delights, dried fruits with sugar, ready-made juices.

Artificial sweeteners are actually low in calories compared to sugar, but research shows that they also have a negative effect on blood sugar by increasing insulin resistance.

Proteins

Protein helps to grow, maintain and replace the tissues of our body.

If we have diabetes, we should choose protein sources without large amounts of fat.

When foods rich in protein are also rich in saturated fats, they contribute to high cholesterol and an increase in cardiovascular disease.

Also, high-fat meals increase postprandial glucose levels and insulin requirements, especially in insulin-dependent diabetic patients.

We should avoid bacon, cold cuts, hot dogs and all processed meats, breaded meats, fried foods, ribs and all fatty cuts of meat, fried fish and seafood, cheeses fried in butter or oil, fried eggs.

Fats

Fat is a source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K and is essential for a balanced and healthy diet.

There are, in general, two categories of fats: saturated and unsaturated fats.

Saturated fats are found in all animal products, some oils, and processed foods. Limiting saturated fat intake may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and help reduce postprandial blood sugar levels and insulin requirements.

Foods that contain saturated fats and should be avoided include: palm oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, butter, lard, mayonnaise, French fries, potato chips, fried and breaded foods, ready meals, fast food, salad dressings.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Most soft drinks and juices contain carbohydrates and added sugars.

Alcoholic beverages can also contain sugar and carbohydrates and affect how insulin works.

We should limit the consumption of soft drinks and juices and the following alcoholic beverages: beer, sweet wine, fruit drinks, cocktails, liqueurs.

Dry white wine, tsipouro and drinks such as whiskey or vodka with water or lemon juice are the safest solutions.

Up to 1 unit of alcohol for women and up to 2 for men per day (one unit of alcohol corresponds to 330 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine or 45 ml of spirits and contains 15 grams of alcohol) is the best choice.