Diabetes is one of the common internal medical conditions nowadays. The daily diet significantly impacts the disease’s condition, particularly concerning vegetables, often recommended for those with diabetes. However, there are still specific vegetables that individuals with diabetes should avoid. Hence, the following article will discuss the types of vegetables that individuals with diabetes should avoid. Please refer to the article below for more information!
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot balance the amount of glucose in the blood, leading to increased blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Diabetes is a common medical disease
Type 1 diabetes:
The primary cause of type 1 diabetes is damage to the beta cells in the pancreas, which produce the hormone insulin. Insulin is a crucial hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by allowing muscle and fat cells to absorb glucose for energy.
The primary causes of type 1 diabetes include:
– Immune system impact: In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them. This leads to decreased or halted insulin production.
– Genetic factors: There’s a genetic component to type 1 diabetes. If a family member has the condition, the risk of developing it might be higher.
Type 2 diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes often appears in adults and is primarily related to a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle:
– Genetic factors: There’s a genetic component to type 2 diabetes. If a family member has the condition, the risk of developing it might be higher.
– Lifestyle and diet: Unhealthy lifestyles and imbalanced diets can significantly contribute to type 2 diabetes. Weight gain, lack of physical activity, and high consumption of sugary and fatty foods can contribute to its development.
– Insulin utilization: Some people may produce enough insulin, but their bodies cannot use it effectively, known as insulin resistance.
In summary, the causes of diabetes can vary depending on the type of the disease and individual factors. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or related conditions.
Symptoms of diabetes
1. Increased thirst and water intake:
One of the initial signs of diabetes is often increased thirst more than usual. However, it’s important to differentiate between thirst due to dehydration, increased activity, or hot weather from thirst caused by diabetes.
2. Frequent urination and increased urine volume:
A common manifestation of diabetes is increased urination. If you find yourself urinating more frequently, especially at night, and the volume of urine is higher than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes.
3. Regular fatigue and body weakness:
Continuous fatigue and feelings of weakness aren’t usually immediately associated with diabetes. However, during this phase, glucose remains in the body without being converted into energy due to insulin deficiency. This can lead to excessive fatigue and a feeling of weakness.
4. Increased eating but weight loss:
Unexplained weight loss, even when eating well or maintaining a regular diet, can be another sign of diabetes. As glucose cannot be converted into energy due to insulin deficiency, the body may use fat for energy, resulting in sudden weight loss.
5. Diminished vision:
Blurry vision, reduced clarity, and difficulty seeing clearly can be another symptom of diabetes. It might not be easily noticeable in the modern environment where people heavily use electronic devices, but diminished vision could stem from diabetes and needs examination.
6. Gum inflammation:
Diabetes can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight bacteria, especially in the mouth. Therefore, gum inflammation often occurs and requires attention.
7. Slow-healing wounds:
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and slow down the healing process for wounds. Wounds may be hard to heal and might even lead to infections.
Vegetables that individuals with diabetes should avoid
Below is a list of vegetables that individuals with diabetes should avoid, including some unsuitable types of root vegetables:
Potatoes:
Despite being beneficial for health, potatoes contain high starch content and calories. Therefore, people with diabetes should limit potato consumption to avoid sudden increases in blood sugar levels.
Potatoes are one of the vegetables that diabetics should not eat
Sweet potatoes:
Similar to potatoes, sweet potatoes have high glucose content, despite their benefits for memory and digestion. However, those with diabetes should avoid consuming sweet potatoes to control blood sugar.
Yams and taro:
Both types of tubers contain high starch and have the potential to increase blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, it’s advisable to limit the consumption of yams and taro to maintain blood sugar control.
Beets:
Despite containing high water content, beets also have a high sugar content.
Corn:
Corn has a sweet taste and high starch content, often popular in snacks. However, for individuals with diabetes, limiting corn consumption is recommended as it can cause challenging blood sugar increases.
Tomatoes:
While tomatoes contain citric acid, they generally have a sweet taste. Experts advise individuals with diabetes to avoid consuming raw tomatoes and opt for ripe ones in smaller quantities.
Plantains:
Plantains have a sweet taste similar to bananas and contain high starch content. Therefore, individuals with diabetes should avoid consuming plantains.
What vegetables should individuals with diabetes eat?
Vegetables with a low glycemic index (GI):
Apart from avoiding the mentioned vegetables unsuitable for those with diabetes, it’s also essential to focus on vegetables with a low GI to control blood sugar levels. The glycemic index evaluates the rate of sugar absorption in the body. Foods with a high GI can rapidly increase blood sugar. For instance, the GI of cooked potatoes is 78, categorizing them as having a very high GI. Thus, individuals with diabetes should avoid consuming them.
Below is a list of vegetables with a low GI, safe for individuals with diabetes:
– Celery
– Turnips
– Broccoli
– Carrots, tomatoes, eggplants
– Cauliflower
– Spinach
– Green beans
– Leeks
– Snow peas
– Celery root
Vegetables with naturally high nitrate levels:
Additionally, choose vegetables with naturally high nitrate levels, which can help control blood sugar and are good for heart health:
– Celery
– Spinach
– Beets
– Beetroot juice
– Swiss chard
– Lettuce
Note that natural sources of nitrate are preferred, and it’s advisable to avoid using nitrate-enriched products during processing.
Vegetables rich in protein:
Adding various vegetables rich in protein to the diet can help individuals with diabetes feel fuller for longer and reduce cravings for snacks throughout the day. The necessary protein intake depends on several factors such as gender, weight, age, and other individual factors. To ensure suitable protein supplementation, individuals with diabetes should consult their doctors based on their health condition. Especially, those engaging in physical activities, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with high body weight may need more protein intake than others.
Below is a list of some vegetables rich in protein that individuals with diabetes can consider adding to their daily diet:
– Celery
– Spinach
– Broccoli
– Brussels sprouts
– Cauliflower
– Green peas
– Green leafy vegetables
– Artichokes
Vegetables rich in fiber:
Fiber aids in reducing blood cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of diabetes, and maintaining stable body weight. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States suggests that women consume about 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should aim for around 38 grams daily. However, these recommendations may vary based on individual physiology and health status. Here are some fiber-rich vegetables:
– Carrots
– Beets
– Leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, kale, lettuce…
– Broccoli
– Green beans
– Watercress
Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and others are vegetables that should be included in daily diets
The article has listed vegetables that individuals with diabetes should avoid, as well as those that should be part of their daily intake. Alongside daily dietary habits, those with prediabetes or diabetes should focus on exercising and physical activities, coupled with consistent routines (avoiding late nights, oversleeping, irregular eating, or fasting) to prevent disruptions in metabolic processes, which could exacerbate the condition.
Moreover, adhering to regular check-up appointments is essential to monitor and track the progression of the condition. This helps detect any abnormal changes early on, allowing for timely adjustments in lifestyle and the most suitable medication.
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
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