Avoid This Kind Of Bread If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which your body has problems properly making or regulating the hormone insulin, which it needs to deliver glucose to your bloodstream. With type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin, and medication is needed. With type 2 diabetes, which is more common, the body cannot regulate insulin properly. Some people can manage type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes, but others may need to take medication, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Carbohydrates are significant when it comes to diabetes because they impact your blood sugar. Carbohydrates are generally categorized as simple or complex, and they also have a glycemic index, and both can impact how your body responds to them. Foods rated as simple carbs and those with a higher glycemic index present more of a danger to diabetics because they deliver glucose to the bloodstream much quicker than complex carbs (via Harvard School of Public Health).

Aside from being a simple carb with a high glycemic index, white bread is a concern because it is made from highly refined flour, meaning all nutrients and fiber have been removed, per Everyday Health. In fact, white bread might be the worst choice you can make. A study conducted in Australia showed that white bread was linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, as stated by WebMD.

This does not mean that you cannot eat bread — but it does mean you need to read labels and make a healthy choice. The first word on the ingredients should be "whole," as in whole wheat or whole rye, notes Everyday Health. Sprouted breads are also safer choices for diabetics, adding that bread made with almond flour, flaxseed, chia seeds, and spelt are options. In addition, choose breads that have less than 15 carbs and less than 100 calories per slice.