saturated fat
saturated fats are often found in animal-based foods, such as cheese, butter, milk and meat. High saturated fat intake is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. This is a condition that people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing.
In addition to heart health, supplementing too much saturated fat can affect blood sugar levels by increasing the risk of insulin resistance.
Limit saturated fat consumption. See nutrition labels and set a saturated fat target as close to zero as possible.
Instead, choose unsaturated fats when you can include whole plant-based food sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Fatty fish, such as salmon, are also beneficial thanks to their omega-3 fatty acid levels, which can help reduce chronic inflammation.
Sodium
People with diabetes should limit their sodium intake. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure. This is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
To help prevent high blood pressure, focus on eating more low-processed and low-sodium foods. At the same time, choose foods rich in potassium.
High-sodium foods like fast food, packaged snacks, and fried foods also tend to be high in saturated fat and low in fiber.
Highly processed, salty foods often contain refined carbohydrates and additives that increase inflammation throughout the body and make insulin resistance worse. Choosing whole, less sodium foods helps stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
