Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the blood sugar level in the body shoots up. The condition could result from an unhealthy diet or irregular levels of insulin, a hormone that maintains blood glucose levels in the body.

Lifestyle adjustments, such as changes in diet, is essential for maintaining blood sugar levels. So, here is a list of the five worst foods that should be people with diabetes.

Trans fats
When hydrogen is added to unsaturated fatty acids, trans fats are created. Trans fats are found in abundance in peanut butter, margarine, creams, spreads, and even frozen foods. They are also added in baked goods like muffins and cakes to increase their shelf life. These fats are harmful, but they do not raise blood sugar levels directly. Instead, they increase insulin resistance, which affects the blood sugar level, thus worsening diabetes symptoms.

Low-quality carbohydrates
Primarily, these are one of the worst foods for diabetics. Low-quality carbs are nothing but refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, rice, or anything made from white flour. They are as harmful as sugar for diabetics. When absorbed and processed by the body, these carbs increase the blood glucose level. Hence, it is recommended to switch to whole grains, like oatmeal, wild rice, barley, high-fiber cereal, and whole-grain bread, as they break down slower than their refined counterparts.

Sweetened beverages
These are primarily the worst foods for diabetics. According to nutritionists, a 12-ounce can of a sweetened beverage contains more than 40 grams of sugar and at least 35 grams of carbohydrates – both of these increase the blood sugar level. Additionally, sweetened drinks are also loaded with fructose and potentially harmful cholesterol and triglycerides that can increase the body’s insulin levels. This increases the risk of suffering from diabetes and other conditions like fatty-liver disease. Hence, it is recommended to swap sweetened beverages with freshly squeezed juices with no added sugars.

Full-fat dairy
Full-fat dairy products, such as cream, butter, cheese, and yogurt, can increase heart disease risk by raising LDL cholesterol levels. This can also result in irregular insulin levels, which can worsen diabetes symptoms. Hence, doctors recommend switching to low-fat dairy products like skimmed milk, cottage cheese, and low-fat yogurt. However, it is essential to consult a doctor for other alternatives in case of lactose intolerance.

High-fat meats
High-fat meats, such as cuts of beef, pork, lamb, bologna, sausage, bacon, and ribs, are high in saturated fats that raise cholesterol and increase inflammation in the body. This increases the risk of both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also increase the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. Hence, it is recommended to switch to lean proteins such as skinless chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, fish, and shellfish as they have as much as eight percent less fat.