Over 25 million people in the United States have diabetes, and diabetes takes an enormous toll on the health of our population.1 Diabetes accelerates aging; damaging the kidneys, cardiovascular system, eyes and nerve tissue, and increases cancer risk.2-4
The devastating complications and premature deaths associated with diabetes can be prevented. The primary cause of the parallel increases in obesity and diabetes is the nutrient-depleted American diet. The worst foods for diabetes – the foods that elevate blood sugar, reduce insulin sensitivity and increase Type 2 diabetes risk – are the foods that are most common in the standard American diet.
Added Sugars
Since diabetes is characterized by abnormally elevated blood glucose levels, of course, it is wise to avoid the foods that cause dangerously high spikes in blood glucose – primarily refined foods such as sugar-sweetened beverages, devoid of fiber to slow the absorption of glucose into the blood. Fruit juices and sugary processed foods and desserts have similar effects. These foods promote hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and promote the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the body: AGEs alter the normal, healthy function of cellular proteins, stiffen the blood vessels, accelerate aging, and promote diabetes complications.5,6
