People with diabetes experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels not only because of their health condition but also certain treatments used to manage the same. Snacking is a great way to ensure your blood sugar doesn’t drop too low while keeping sugar intake minimal. However, not all snacks are suitable for diabetics, so patients must choose wisely. Here are some great snacking ideas that are low in sugar and great for health. Hard-boiled eggs This is one of the easiest snacks to make since not a lot of effort is required on your part. Hard-boiled eggs are rich in proteins and can help people with type 2 diabetes maintain their blood sugar and hunger levels. If you can, try and eat just the egg whites. Seasoning with pepper or your favorite herbs can enhance the taste. Veggies and hummus Vegetables are always a great option for snacking. They’re rich in essential vitamins and minerals and can make you full quickly due to their high fiber content. Veggies also help maintain a healthy body weight since most varieties aren’t as high in calories as other snacking options. If you’d like some flavor, try eating your vegetables with a side of hummus, another excellent fiber source. Apples with peanut butter This is probably one of the most popular healthy snacks since it is so delicious. Apple slices with peanut butter offer various vitamins and minerals that are specifically beneficial for people with diabetes. If you aren’t a fan of apples, try other fruits such as bananas. You can also use almond butter instead of peanut butter. Hot cocoa made with dark chocolate Different kinds of sugar-free hot cocoa mixes are available that taste amazing. You can enjoy a delicious hot cup of cocoa without any guilt by adding sugar-free hot cocoa powder to fat-free or non-dairy milk.

Diabetes causes blood sugar and glucose levels to either go too low or too high. One of the ways to maintain balanced levels in the body is to have a strict meal plan. While a few food groups are known to not be friendly for those with diabetes, here are some other common yet unsuspecting foods that are a big no-no for those looking to keep their sugar levels in check. Yogurt Yogurt is usually a healthy option but is probably not recommended for those with diabetes. Flavored yogurt sold in the market comes with preservatives and sugar, quickly triggering insulin levels. Dairy is generally not advised for diabetes patients, but having small quantities of homemade yogurt with no flavoring or artificial preservatives is fine.  Cereal Although cereal is something many of us eat in the morning, it’s not the best option for those looking to keep their glucose in check. This food comes with added sugars and artificial preservatives that spike sugar levels. Another factor to consider is that cereal and milk make for quite an unhealthy combination, so those with diabetes need to find alternatives to these foods for breakfast. Granola bars Normally sold as a healthy snack, some granola bars are filled with sugar and carbs. Even the dry fruits in them, like raisins, have a high glycemic index. The number of calories in one granola bar may not suit one’s daily nutrition requirements. Some bars also have jams, honey, and even chocolate to give them a sweet and distinct flavor.  Bottled smoothies A smoothie made freshly at home is your best bet! The bottled versions sold in the market have a ton of preservatives and sugars to give them their addictive taste. A homemade smoothie with ingredients that do not spike sugar levels is easy to make and good for health.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that interferes with the body’s ability to process blood sugar, or blood glucose, properly. If not managed, it can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, and other serious complications. Fortunately, one can achieve and maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent these complications by simply limiting or avoiding foods that can cause a spike in blood sugar. Accordingly, we’ve listed below the worst foods for people with diabetes. 6 foods to avoid to successfully manage diabetes Cakes When trying to control diabetes, cakes and pastries are a strict no-no. These desserts are loaded with sugar and low-quality carbohydrates. Cakes provide little to no nutritional value while causing a sharp spike in blood sugar levels. Besides, they contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Raisins Dried fruits, like raisins, contain a higher concentration of various nutrients, including sugars, than their fresh counterparts. Since the dehydration process also removes the water, it becomes easier to eat large quantities of raisins at a time. This can cause a severe spike in blood sugar. It’s best to replace dried fruits with fiber-rich whole fruits. White bread White bread is made with low-quality, refined carbohydrates. The body can quickly absorb these carbs and convert them into glucose, causing a rise in blood glucose levels. It’s also important to avoid other refined carbs, such as white rice and white pasta, and switch to whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain bread. Full-fat milk Full-fat milk is rich in saturated fats, which can raise the LDL or bad cholesterol level and increase the risk of heart disease. Studies have also found that saturated fats may worsen insulin resistance, which makes full-fat milk one of the worst foods for diabetics. Those who want to consume dairy must opt for low-fat or fat-free versions of milk and other dairy products.

Binge eating is a guilty pleasure that most people indulge in on occasion. And sugary foods, baked confectioneries, and sweet beverages are the ultimate options to satisfy such cravings. However, people with diabetes should be aware that excess sugar can instantly spike blood glucose levels, causing significant damage. But fret not. Here are a few simple to-dos to lower the risk of complications from eating too much sugar at once. Stay hydrated After detecting a lot of sugar in the body, the pancreas release more insulin. This can trigger polyuria, a condition that increases the urge to urinate. To counter dehydration caused by excess urination, doctors recommend drinking plenty of water after a sugar binge. Water also helps dilute extra sugar in the bloodstream to manage diabetes symptoms better. Engage in physical activity Physical activity releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. Endorphins counter symptoms like fatigue, bad mood, and general lethargy, all commonly observed with diabetes. In addition, physical movement engages core muscle groups, allowing the body to burn more carbohydrates and break down sugar faster. Track blood sugar levels Excess sugar increases the risk of hyperglycemia among those with diabetes. And hyperglycemia can trigger temporary weight gain, fatigue, irritable mood swings, and frequent urination. This is one of the main reasons to check blood sugar levels continually. Depending on the type and severity, doctors may suggest using insulin to manage hyperglycemia better. Plan the next meal It is essential not to skip a meal, as fasting after a sugar binge can trigger an imbalance in blood glucose levels. Instead of eating one heavy meal, spread the food intake throughout the day. This allows the body to easily break down carbohydrates without releasing excess glucose. Switch to low-carb foods Foods with a lower glycemic index contain fewer carbohydrates and calories. These foods lower the risk of blood sugar spikes, especially after a sugar binge.

Diabetes patients need to maintain disciplined habits to manage blood sugar levels. These habits include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and eating well. Being judicious is crucial as far as food control is concerned. But with so many so-called healthy options lining supermarket shelves, the right choice is hard to make. So, we’re highlighting some sugary foods that seem safe but are, in fact, dangerous for those with diabetes. Flavored yogurt This food has found a place in the pantry of many households, but the nutritional value of this packaged food is questionable. Like most flavored food products, yogurt contains fruit flavoring in it. If the nutritional chart at the back of the packet is any indication, most of the sweetness comes from added sugars instead of fruit. A safer option is to replace packaged fruit yogurt with some natural fruit or veggie sticks paired with unflavored yogurt. Artificial sweeteners Often, artificial sweeteners are labeled safe to be included in beverages and foods, especially for people with diabetes. While the data available is limited, sweeteners are beneficial for people who are used to adding sugar. Additionally, the calorific value of artificial sweeteners is significantly lower than that of table sugar. But people who regularly have these artificial sweeteners still show a noticeable rise in blood sugar levels. Fast food Potatoes make up a considerable part of fast foods and are among a class of foods that pack high carbohydrate content. High carb and trans-fat content make fast foods one of the most dangerous items on the menu for those with diabetes. Foods high in carbs can cause unchecked spikes in blood glucose levels. On the other hand, having foods with high carbs and trans fats can lead to an increased risk of cardiac diseases, tissue inflammation, cancer, and other health concerns.

The human body can only process a finite amount of sugar every day. Any excess retained in the bloodstream only increases the risk of chronic health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, leading to unhealthy weight gain. The good news is that simple substitutions in daily foods that are organically sweet can supplement requirements without severely affecting blood glucose levels. There are six noticeable benefits of eliminating sugar from daily consumption to promote a healthy lifestyle. Reduced risk of inflammation Sugar leads to an increase in abdominal fat due to the excess amount of insulin produced by the body. Over time, these layers of fat release hormones that trigger inflammation in blood vessels. Cutting off sugar lowers the risk of chronic inflammation to a great extent and prevents several health complications. A boost of energy The body has to work overtime to produce insulin and break down the excess carbohydrates circulating in the bloodstream. Eliminating sugar while simultaneously increasing natural protein and fiber intake boosts energy levels to a great extent. It also improves metabolic activity. Helps with a proper BMI Excess sugar in the bloodstream is one of the main reasons for many people not being able to lose those extra pounds. Fat acts as a storage cell for all the calories released when the body breaks down sugar for energy. Excess insulin also speeds up the process of fat accumulation. Eliminating additional sugars promotes improved metabolic activity to manage a healthy weight in the long run. Improved oral hygiene Millions of bacteria found inside the mouth feed off and thrive on the sugar left behind stuck in the molars. Eating foods laced with added sugar or drinking flavored sugary beverages can lead to cavities. Eliminating these sugars lowers the risk of dental problems. Improved mood and overall outlook Excess sugar consumption can impair cognitive functions and negatively impact overall mood.

Statistics suggest that almost 90% of the people in the country regularly exceed their daily sugar intake. Excess sugar intake contributes to obesity and diabetes. Moreover, people who are unaware of their blood sugar levels may consume more sugar, worsening the condition. Hence it is important to be aware of symptoms that develop with increased intake of sugar. Let’s take a look at what happens to the body when excess sugar is consumed. Tooth Decay This is the first sign the body sends when you eat excess sugar. The acid produced when sugar is broken down interacts with the enamel of the teeth, which causes them to decay. Increased hunger with weight gain With an increased sugar intake, there is also a surge in calorie intake, which increases bouts of hunger pangs. Stuffing with sugar instead of proteins and healthy fats can lead to excess weight. Skin problems  This is yet another thing that happens to the body when you eat sugar. Sugary foods (except fruits that are naturally sweet) have a high glycemic index, and such foods are associated with skin problems, like acne and wrinkles. Irritability It has been   observed that excess sugar intake can make you stressed and irritated. This is because of increased inflammation and high blood sugar that can make you feel sluggish and irritated. Increased sugar cravings When we eat sugar, the brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that is typically released upon having positive interactions. As a result, the brain sends signals to eat more sugar to maintain dopamine levels. Digestive issues Excess sugar is a gut irritant, as it increases the risk of suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and even ulcerative colitis.  These digestive disorders may lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, stomach pain, and bloating.

Sugar is delicious; there’s no denying that. Eating it triggers opioid receptors in the brain, releasing tons of feel-good chemicals. So, it’s only normal to struggle with completely cutting sugar from your meal. But then the question that begs an answer is, do you really need to cut sugar from your foods completely? Read on to find out the answer and to understand how completely eliminating sugar can affect the human body. The difference between natural sugars and processed sugars So, do you really need to remove sugar from your meals? The answer to this question is a resounding no. This is because health experts suggest cutting out processed sugars from your meals. Processed or refined sugars are made from sugarcane and sugar beets. They are high in sucrose and provide no nutritional value. Instead, you do have the option to choose healthier natural sugars. Natural sugars are found in fruits, honey, and milk. They contain tons of natural vitamins and minerals. If you were to cut out sugar completely from your meals for health or other purposes, here are some things that would happen to your body Mood swings Consuming sugar can lead to the release of many feel-good chemicals in the brain. These chemicals include dopamine and serotonin responsible for a happy mood. If you were to suddenly cut off sugar from your meals, it could affect the body’s reward system. You could experience withdrawal and start to feel cranky or irritable. You may experience cravings and want to eat sugar, especially during the first couple of days. Other symptoms of sugar withdrawal include depression, headaches, and fatigue. Better skin health Processed sugars can be responsible for poor skin and acne as they can lead to insulin spikes and inflammation of the skin. But, if you were to cut out processed sugars, you would notice a dramatic change in your skin.