In France, nearly 4.5 million people suffer from diabetes. In the vast majority of cases, it is type 2 diabetes (T2D), which develops in adulthood.

Diabetes is a disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and often develops in people with poor dietary habits. Once diagnosed, it's crucial to pay close attention to your diet. Here are 12 foods to avoid if you have diabetes.

Dessert creams

It's hard for anyone with a sweet tooth to resist a dessert cream. However, these products should be avoided by diabetics. They contain too much fat and sugar. Fortunately, some brands sell sugar-free creams that offer the same addictive smoothness.

The nuggets

The chicken nuggets sold in fast-food chains don't just contain lean chicken meat. They also contain a large amount of fat. Combined with frying and the sauce they're dipped in, this creates a dangerous mix for people with diabetes.

Prepared meals

Commercially prepared meals are certainly convenient. However, the time saved comes at a price. These types of meals are high in saturated fats and therefore should be avoided by those with diabetes. Nothing beats a homemade meal which, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require hours of cooking.

Mayonnaise

It's high in fat but contains almost no carbohydrates. However, mayonnaise isn't recommended for managing diabetes. This is because it's often eaten with foods that can affect blood sugar levels, such as sandwiches or fries.

Fresh cream

Unfortunately, heavy cream is bad for people with diabetes. It generally contains 30% fat. However, there are low-fat versions of heavy cream available that are suitable.

Sodas

Sodas are particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. According to experts, they may even be responsible for the surge in cases. Their high sugar content causes blood sugar levels to spike. While diet versions do contain less sugar, studies have shown that these drinks increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in moderation is not a problem for people with diabetes. However, exceeding two drinks per day can lead to complications. Alcohol can cause blood sugar imbalances, resulting in hypoglycemia during the night or upon waking.

White rice

This type of rice, which has undergone several processing steps, will spike blood sugar levels, making it difficult for the body to manage. For this reason, brown rice (which takes a little longer to cook) is preferable.

CANDIES AND CONFECTIONERY

Sweets contain high amounts of simple sugars that cause blood sugar levels to spike. These sugar spikes are particularly difficult for people with diabetes to manage. It's best to opt for snacks without added sugar to curb a sweet craving.

INDUSTRIAL PASTRY FACILITIES

Industrially produced pastries, such as cakes and viennoiseries, are full of sugar and saturated fats. Between refined flours, added sugars, and additives, they should be avoided by people with diabetes, as they cause a blood sugar imbalance that is difficult to stabilize.

French fries

Fried potatoes, while delicious, should be avoided by people with diabetes. Rich in simple carbohydrates and saturated fats, they cause a rapid and significant spike in blood sugar. In addition to their impact on blood sugar levels, frying adds unnecessary calories that contribute to weight gain, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. For a healthier alternative, opt for baked potatoes without added oil.

White bread

White bread is also among the foods to limit if you have diabetes. Made from refined flour, it has a high glycemic index, meaning it causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Regular consumption, especially at breakfast or in sandwiches, can make it difficult to control blood sugar levels.