Home health aides who care for their diabetic patients should take into account their needs while creating a meal plan suitable to their needs. A healthy diet is one that is rich in nutrients but low in fat and calories. The main compounds are fruits, vegetables and whole grains. While many of us already know that a healthy diet is suitable for the patients, here is a list of 5 foods that are actually not so healthy for a diabetic patient and what they should stay away from.
- Corn
Corn is strictly prohibited for patients with type 2 diabetes, even in the form of cereals, muesli and popcorn.
Why isn’t corn a good option?
This food contains many starches and, because of this, it significantly loads the pancreas. An alternative may be a variety of cabbage salads which are allowed with the addition of boiled or canned corn grains, with herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, zucchini, cauliflower. Meat, poultry, or fish, mostly boiled, baked in foil, or stewed (with a little oil) may be added to salads.
- Rice
Though white rice is valuable for its content of B vitamins, which are responsible for the health of the nervous system, it isn’t the best option for a diabetic patient. Rice takes an active part in the production of energy necessary for movement and general life but the glycemic index of white milled rice is 65-70. That is why it is better to switch to alternatives such as barley, oatmeal, wheat bread or cereals high in fiber. However, you do not have to get rid of rice completely, you may just try out brown rice. Brown rice is often used for weight loss, as well as for cleansing the body because such food is rich in fiber, folic acid and vitamin B1.
- Sausages
Smoked, salted and fried foods should not be consumed. This is because, with the way they are processed, even dietary meat and fish become harmful for diabetics. In general, most types of meat and fish are included in the diet of diabetics due to their low carbohydrate content. It is worth excluding only from mutton, the high-fat content of which can cause the development of various pathologies in patients with diabetes mellitus.
- Sweet Yogurts
When choosing dairy products for people with type 2 diabetes, home attendants need to focus on their fat content. Sweet yogurts, fatty sour cream and cheese are not the best choices. The rest of the dairy and fermented milk products are allowed and even highly recommended. People with diabetes can eat homemade yogurt, but low-fat yogurt is prohibited. Diabetes patients cannot have sugar, fruits and various additives.
- White bread
The high content of fast carbohydrates makes wheat flour a dangerous product for diabetics. This is due to the composition of this food since it is baked from premium flour. Because of the carbohydrates shock dose, such bread does not contain anything useful for health. Conversely, even a small loaf of white bread can lead to high blood glucose readings. Diabetes patients should stay away from sweet buns. As an alternative try bread made from rye flour, wholemeal flour or bran.
A heart healthy meal plan is especially important for diabetic patients and requires certain knowledge and attention. First, exclude fatty foods, sweets and alcohol. As their home health aide, pay attention to the patient’s well-being after consuming certain foods. For more information on how to meal prep, contact All Heart Homecare Agency. Our nurses would gladly inform you of the details for properly caring for elderly patients with different diseases.