If you have diabetes, then there are certain foods that raise blood sugar that you should avoid. It is important to keep blood sugar levels under control because unbalanced blood sugar levels can put you at risk for developing diabetes-related conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and eye problems.
Refined Sugars
Avoid refined sugars. These include white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, rice syrup and evaporated cane juice.
Refned Flours
Refined flours react just like refined sugars in the blood stream, and should be avoided. These include white flour, rice flour, spelt flour and any flour that is highly refined. Substitute whole grains and whole grain flours instead.
White Foods
White foods include white rice, white potatoes and highly starchy foods. White foods have a high glycemic index and react like sugar in the blood stream.
Substitutes
There are many sugar substitutes that are natural and will allow you to enjoy a sweet dessert. They do not raise blood sugar levels, and you can find them at any health food store. They include agave nectar, Stevia and Xylitol.
Warning
Never use artificial sugars like aspartame or sucralose. These are harmful to the body and should be avoided.
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