According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a major cause of morbidity and deaths globally. The current COVID 19 pandemic has disproportionately hit people with preexisting conditions including diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic illness which impairs the ability of the body to process and uptake sugar.
The major types of diabetes include Type 1 caused by inadequate production of insulin and Type 2 from ineffective uptake. Some of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, urination and fatigue. Here are some things to watch out for in your breakfast to keep diabetes away and manage it for those already with diabetes:
1. Eating trans fatty foods
Whereas health risks of trans-fatty acids are well known, not many people know that their favorite breakfast meals and foods could contain high levels of trans-fatty acids that could increase their risk to diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. Some of the most common breakfast foods with fatty acids include the sweet pies, cakes and cookies that we love very much, frozen pizza, refrigerated doughs and fried foods such as chicken and fries. These diets and foods have a higher chance of leading to diabetes and risk of heart diabetes. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration the federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety has prohibited food manufacturers from adding the artificial trans fat to beverages and foods in order to protect citizens.
2. Drinking sugary beverages
For most people, avoiding that extra bottle or sip of your favorite drink is so irresistible It however could make male that difference in keeping you away from the risk of diabetes. The main breakfast culprits are sugar-laden juices, energy drinks, and coffee drinks with a lot of added refined sugars in items like whipped cream, caramel, and other sweet additives and toppings.
3. White bread pancakes, baked goods, and toast
For most people, breads are the among the most common foods at the breakfast table. Not only are they delicious, fulfilling but also very accessible from the convenience stores or easily be baked at home. However, bread, particularly white bread or flour has a tonne of harmful ingredients including added preservatives, salts and sugars that could increase risk of diabetes and cause dangerous blood sugar spikes.
4. Eating sweetened cereals
Sweetened cereals are breakfast staples for most families. They are favorite foods for all generations. They not only take seconds to prepare but are also very delicious and sweet. Sweetened cereals are also often advertised as healthy, wholefoods and nutritious. However, contrary to these appealing adverts, most sweetened cereals are loaded with sugar and refined carbs and could put one at heightened risk of diabetes.
5. Using honey or maple syrup
The myth that honey is often better than sugar is so prevalent. Whereas indeed most people rightfully prefer honey or maple syrup for a number of reasons including the natural taste and scent. However, contrary to popular opinion, honey actually has slightly more carbohydrates per teaspoon than sugar. Just like with everything else in life, moderation is key.
6. Eating dried fruits
There is no doubt that eating dried fruits have nutritional and health benefits including boosting that needed fiber. However, dried fruits have very high concentration of sugar that can severely increase one’s risk to diabetes. if not done in moderation, eating dried fruits could thus have more health risks than benefits. It is thus advisable that dried fruits are eaten alongside other whole foods.
