What happens if people who are diabetic eat the wrong foods?
Eating the "wrong" foods can have significant consequences for people with diabetes. Here are some potential outcomes:
1. Increase blood sugar levels: Consuming foods high in carbohydrates or sugar can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, making it difficult for people with diabetes to manage their condition.
2. Diabetes related complications: Over time, consistently elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage( diabetic neuropathy), eye problems (diabetic retinopathy, potential vision loss), foot ulcers, and skin issues.
3. weight gain: Eating a diet rich in processed foods, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain, exacerbating insulin resistance and making diabetes management even more challenging.
4. Difficulty in achieving HbA1C goals: HbA1C is a measure of average blood sugar levels over a 2-3 month period. Eating inappropriate foods can make reaching HbA1C targets difficult, indicating poor blood glucose control.
5. Insulin Resistance: certain foods, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars, may contribute to insulin resistance, reducing the effectiveness of the hormone in lowering blood sugar levels.
6. Ketoacidosis: In severe cases, such as with type 1 diabetes, individuals who eat the wrong foods (consistently high intake of carbohydrates without enough insulin) may develop ketoacidosis, a life threatening complication characterized by high blood sugar, ketones in the blood and urine, and dangerously acidic blood.
7. Hypoglycemia unawareness: individuals with type 2 diabetes who use insulin or certain diabetes medications may experience hypoglycemia(low blood sugar) if they consume too many carbohydrates without adjusting their medication or food intake accordingly. Overtime, repeated episodes of low blood sugar can blunt the body's natural warning signs, leading hypoglycemia unawareness and potentially severe consequences.
It's important for individuals with diabetes to follow a balanced diet that promotes stable blood sugar levels. Consulting a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian is crucial for personalized dietary guidance and recommendations to manage diabetes effectively and prevent complications.