Type 2 diabetes is characterised by volatile blood sugar levels brought on by a dysfunction in the way the body produces insulin. The primary role of insulin is to regulate blood sugar levels, so when this mechanism is faulty, blood sugar levels can rise to dangerous levels. Fortunately, you can counter blood sugar level rises by making sensible dietary decisions.
Blood sugar levels rise in response to eating food and not all foods have the same impact on blood sugar levels.
Those with a high carbohydrate and sugar content are the worst offenders because they cause blood sugar levels to rise sharply.
Although it may seem simple enough to avoid the worst culprits – sugary pastries are clearly risky – some can food items can present hidden health risks.
For example, despite their nutritional benefits, certain fruits can cause blood sugar levels to shoot up if you’re not careful.
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Doctor Mahmoud continues: “Rather than sugar, the amount of carbohydrate you consume affects blood glucose levels the most.
“Even still, the likes of cakes and fizzy drinks have more carbohydrates than fruits.”
According to the doc, one issue which arises is that when people eat fruit, they often have very large portions in one sitting relative to the recommended serving size.
“One portion of fresh fruit is roughly what fits into the palm of an adult’s hand, per NHS guidance.”
As he rightly pointed out, “eating one large banana, for example, counts for one and a half portions of fruit – equating to approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates”.
“However, eating a banana is healthier than chocolate or sweets and safer for people with diabetes as it doesn’t have any free sugar, but people living with diabetes should be mindful of the amount of carbohydrates they consume.”
The doc added: “Fruit juices and smoothies accentuate this issue and are the worst offenders, as they make it very easy to eat a large portion of fruit in a manner which is easier to digest (liquid).
“Many will also contain the same free sugars found in chocolate and sweets. Just 150 millilitres can contain 15 grams of carbohydrates, the equivalent of a medium apple, taking into consideration that a standard glass fills nearly 250 millilitres.”
