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What should diabetics not eat?


Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the sugar levels in the blood are permanently elevated without treatment.


The body gets energy from carbohydrates. Our digestive system breaks them down into glucose, which is transported from the blood into the body's cells with the help of the insulin hormone.


However, this mechanism does not (or no longer) work properly in diabetics. This is because either too little of the hormone is produced or the cells no longer react to the insulin available. For this group, it is particularly important to eat mainly carbohydrate-rich foods that are broken down into their individual components more slowly. This prevents the sugar level in the blood from soaring.


Find out here what you should pay attention to in this case and why the right diet can be helpful!


What forms of diabetes are there?


Type 1 diabetes:

In type 1 diabetics, the pancreas is unable to provide sufficient insulin due to a genetic defect. As a result, not enough glucose can be passed on to the cells and the sugar level in the blood remains high. The result is problematic: the cells are not supplied with enough energy to fulfil their functions. This results in hyperacidity of the blood, which impairs all metabolic processes and can even lead to death. With this disease, support from a doctor and medication to improve blood sugar levels is urgently required.


Type 2 diabetes mellitus:

In type 2 diabetes, the cells' insulin receptors gradually lose the ability to react to the insulin hormone and become insulin-resistant, i.e. less glucose is absorbed into the cells and sugar accumulates in the blood. Liver, muscle and fat cells are particularly affected. The pancreas tries to compensate for the insulin resistance by producing ever increasing amounts of insulin, which in the long term results in the organ being overtaxed and less and less of this hormone can be produced. The decreasing amount is then no longer sufficient to lower the sugar level in the blood.


How is diabetes recognised?


Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus are tiredness, weakness, weight gain, constant hunger and depression. As these symptoms also occur in many other diseases, the diagnosis is initially more difficult, but you should also be aware of any severe obesity!


A blood test can reveal the disease: Normal blood glucose is approximately between 60 and 100 mg/dl when fasting and can rise to 140 mg/dl after eating. Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed if the blood sugar level is above 126 mg/dl when fasting or above 200 mg/dl 2 hours after eating large amounts of carbohydrates.


How does insulin help with diabetes?


The body gets energy from carbohydrates. Our digestive system breaks them down into glucose, which is transported from the blood into the body's cells with the help of the hormone insulin. However, this mechanism does not (or no longer) work properly in diabetics. This is because either too little insulin is produced or the cells no longer react to the insulin available. It is particularly important for them to only eat foods rich in carbohydrates, which are broken down into their individual components more slowly. This prevents the sugar level in the blood from spiking.


What does insulin resistance mean?


The hormone insulin is produced in the pancreas and is responsible for lowering the sugar level in the blood. When simple carbohydrates are ingested, the body breaks them down into glucose and these enter the bloodstream via the intestines, causing the blood sugar level to rise. The body then releases the hormone to lower the sugar level again and transport the glucose into the body's cells. As soon as the blood sugar level has stabilised, the insulin level in the blood drops again. However, if the blood sugar level in the fasting blood sugar test is higher than 100 - 125 mg/dl blood, this may be an indication of resistance. This is also referred to as pre-diabetes or the preliminary stage of type 2 diabetes, in which case the blood glucose levels are already slightly elevated and the insulin levels are greatly increased. Symptoms rarely occur at this stage, which means that pre-diabetes often remains undetected. One indication may be the developing dark patches on the elbows, knees, ankles, armpits or neck, known as acanthosis nigricans.


The cause of resistance is not yet known exactly, but it is assumed that diet plays a major role. Large quantities of sugary drinks and highly processed foods with a low nutrient content favour fatigue of the pancreas.


Do I have to give up sweets and alcohol if I have diabetes?


Sugar:

Sugar drives up blood sugar levels and contains unnecessary calories. Honey, agave syrup & Co. are not healthier alternatives, and sweet snacks for in-between meals should also be avoided. Galactose, on the other hand, does not affect the pancreas and can be consumed.


Alcohol:

In general, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes do not prohibit the consumption of alcohol. However, women should drink a maximum of 10 grams of alcohol (equivalent to 125 ml of wine or 250 ml of beer) and men a maximum of 20 grams of alcohol (equivalent to 250 ml of wine or 500 ml of beer) per day. You should not inject yourself with additional insulin hormone for this, as alcoholic drinks lower the sugar level in the blood later on! To avoid subsequent hypoglycaemia, you should always have a meal containing carbohydrates (e.g. wine with cheese and bread instead of just cheese).


Is galactose good for diabetics?


Galactose is a monosaccharide, which means it consists of just one sugar molecule. It is mainly found in natural milk sugar (lactose), but also in fruit and vegetables. It differs from dextrose (glucose) in its chemical structure. Unlike glucose, galactose is a high-energy sugar that can be consumed independently of the release of the insulin hormone, as it does not require the hormone, nor do the insulin receptors on the cells have to function in order to be able to utilise this sugar. Galactose can therefore be part of the diet in moderation for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as it has no effect on insulin secretion.


What not to eat with diabetes?


Fat and high-fat foods in large quantities should be avoided in the diet of people with diabetes, such as fatty meat and sausages, fatty baked goods, fatty convenience foods, fast food, cream, crisps and chocolate.


When it comes to food, also watch out for hidden sugars from sugary drinks and other processed foods such as baked goods or salad dressings.


Alcoholic drinks subsequently push down the sugar level in the blood by blocking the release of glucagon by the liver into the blood. As this effect lasts for a very long time, it can lead to delayed hypoglycaemia during sleep.


Diabetics should avoid the following types of fruit in their diet as they have a high glycaemic index: Grapes, pineapple, bananas, pears, nectarines, persimmons, pomegranates, mirabelles, mango, lychees and figs.


What can diabetics eat without hesitation?


Diet has a major influence on blood sugar levels.


People with type 2 and type 1 diabetes should aim for a balanced diet with foods such as carbohydrates from vegetables, pulses, fresh fruit and wholemeal products. These foods are very high in fibre, which slows the rise in blood sugar. People with diabetes should eat around 40 grams of fibre a day.


Predominantly plant-based:

A healthy diet consisting of plant-based foods such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, small amounts of fruit and nuts should make up the majority of the daily diet. Low-fat dairy products, eggs, lean meat (once or twice a week) and fish complement the diet.


Fat:

The body needs fat, but too much of it is harmful. This makes it all the more important to make the right choice as part of a healthy diet: vegetable oils such as rapeseed, walnut, olive, wheat germ and soya oil, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, are recommended. Be sparing with hidden fats, for example in sausage, fried products, pastries or crisps.


Water:

The best way to quench your thirst is with water, either drinking water from the tap or bottled mineral water. There is nothing wrong with unsweetened teas and coffee in moderation. Diabetics should also drink around 1.5 to 2 litres of liquid per day.


Oatmeal:

Oats are healthy and should be included in the diet. Like other cereals, it contains a lot of fibre, which slows down the rise in blood sugar. The soluble fibre in oats, known as beta-glucans, delays the absorption of carbohydrates. This not only keeps sugar levels low. They are also said to have a cholesterol-lowering effect. Oat flakes are great for muesli or a warm porridge for breakfast and also keep you full for a long time.


Lentils:

Lentils and other pulses are healthy, filling foods that only cause a moderate rise in blood sugar levels despite their high carbohydrate content. Because they are also rich in protein, B vitamins and minerals, lentils, peas & Co. should be part of your diet at least once a week.


Zucchini:

Zucchini, like most vegetables, contain very few carbohydrates. That's why they are safe for the blood sugar level. They are also full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Courgettes taste good raw or gently cooked in many dishes. Cut into thin strips as "zoodles", they can be an exciting part of your diet and replace carbohydrate-rich pasta.


Apples:

Apples and other types of fruit such as berries, oranges, watermelons, cherries, grapefruits, peaches and plums contain natural sugars. However, due to their fibre content, these carbohydrates do not necessarily cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels and can therefore be included in the diet. Combined with protein-rich foods such as yoghurt or quark, an apple will not affect blood sugar levels. However, caution is advised in juice form: The sugar in fruit juices can quickly enter the bloodstream.


Nuts:

Nuts and almonds have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Due to their saturating fibre and protein content, they delay the digestive passage and allow nutrients to enter the bloodstream more slowly. Nuts also provide healthy unsaturated fatty acids, which have many positive properties. However, they also provide some calories. Half a handful a day is a perfect snack.


The German Diabetes Aid and the German Diabetes Association also offer support with any questions on the topic at www.deutsche-diabetes-gesellschaft.de.


Pay attention to the right diet, get enough exercise through physical activity and stay healthy!


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