People with type 2 diabetes should limit or avoid high-fat cuts of meat, such as regular ground beef, bologna, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and ribs, because like full-fat dairy, they're high in saturated fats, explains Kimberlain.
Bacon has a valued role in a healthy diet for many people, but medical professionals agree that it is a complicated dietary choice for diabetics. Its high fat content and salt levels can cause spikes in blood sugar and serious health problems if eaten to excess.
Other considerations while eating bacon as a diabetic
One or two slices of bacon is typically a reasonable serving size. Choose high-quality bacon: Look for high-quality, uncured bacon that is lower in sodium and free of added sugars.
The American Diabetes Association recommends sticking to Canadian bacon over other alternatives which tend to be higher in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Based on these and similar studies, dietitians at Diabetic Living recommend avoiding the typical eggs, pancakes, bacon, and hash browns combination breakfast. Instead, choose the omelet with veggies with lean bacon and a side of fresh fruit for a better balance of protein and sugar.
How Much Bread Can You Eat with Diabetes? "People with diabetes can eat bread as long as it fits either their meal plan or within their carbohydrate counting allowance," says Kitty Broihier, M.S., RD, LD. "In general, that means choosing a slice that has 15 grams of carbohydrates for sandwiches."
People with type 2 diabetes should limit or avoid high-fat cuts of meat, such as regular ground beef, bologna, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and ribs, because like full-fat dairy, they're high in saturated fats, explains Kimberlain.
People with diabetes can safely eat cheese as part of a balanced, healthful diet. As with other foods, moderation is key, and so a diet that includes too much cheese would be harmful to people with or without diabetes.
High in fiber and protein, beans are digested slowly in your body, making them great for managing blood glucose levels in a type 2 diabetes diet. Just ¼ cup of any type of beans will provide as much protein as 1 ounce (oz) of a meat protein equivalent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Can people with diabetes eat potatoes? According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes. The total amount of carbohydrate consumed at any given meal or snack is what is most important.
Lean Meat Choices (3g fat/ounce and 55 calories)
Lamb: Roast, chop or leg. Veal: Leap chop, roast. Poultry: Chicken, turkey (dark meat, no skin), chicken (white meat, with skin), domestic duck or goose (well-drained of fat, no skin).
Unless you overturn the original Fish and Chips recipe, you can't reduce its fat and carbohydrate content. For this reason, Fish and Chips are not a dish typically suitable for those who have diabetes.
Opt for menu items with lower carbs and watch those calories. For example, a good choice for breakfast could be an Egg McMuffin, with 30 g carbohydrates and 300 calories. A sausage McMuffin comes with 29 g carbs and 400 calories. Leave off the cheese, and you decrease your carb intake and save yourself 50 calories.
If you have type 2 diabetes breakfast cereals made with wholegrains can help to manage blood glucose levels, they release glucose more slowly as they are low GI. Weetabix, Oatibix and Shredded Wheat can make for good choices.
Toast vs Bread: Which Is Good For Diabetes? According to a study, toasted bread has a lower GI than plain bread, making toasted bread healthier than untoasted for diabetics.