1. Red Meat
Red meat often contains high levels of saturated fat, which contributes to inflammation and insulin resistance. These are both key factors in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Jordan Anthony, registered dietitian at Ahara, says, "There are two key issues with red meat that can make it a poor choice for people with diabetes. First, it's especially high in cholesterol and saturated fats, which can lead to cardiovascular issues that complicate diabetes management. It's also a food that tends to be hard to digest, which can slow the effects of insulin on blood sugar."
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is deemed a healthy food among consumers, but it’s important to be aware of its fat content! Used in everything from cooking to baking, coconut oil’s overall saturated fat content can raise cholesterol levels and potentially lead to insulin resistance.
"Coconut oil is actually about 90% saturated fat—even higher than butter! This type of fat has been shown to raise LDL cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease and insulin resistance. For women over 50, who are already at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, consuming too much saturated fat can further affect insulin sensitivity and contribute to blood sugar spikes," says Veronica Rouse, a registered dietitian and expert with WowMD. "While coconut oil can be used occasionally, it’s important to focus more on heart-healthy fats like olive oil or avocado oil, which promote better blood sugar control and overall cardiovascular health."
READ MORE: The One Place You Should Never Put Coconut Oil, Like Ever
4. Ice cream
Ice cream is a treat that's normally linked to weight gain, but it can also put you at risk of type 2 diabetes if eaten in excess because of the high sugar content.
"While it’s a popular treat, ice cream is high in saturated fats and added sugars, both of which can contribute to weight gain and increased blood sugar levels. Opt for lower-fat frozen yogurt or sorbet instead," states Johanna Angman, registered dietitian nutritionist.
5. Full-fat dairy products
Full-fat dairy products such as whole milk, cheese, and butter contain saturated fats that can lead to increased levels of LDL cholesterol. Lahey adds, "Very bad forms of fats, like saturated fats, are found in such products as whole milk, cheese, and butter. These fats increase LDL cholesterol, increase inflammation, and decrease insulin sensitivity—the three elements that increase diabetes risk."
6. Processed meats
Unfortunately, these types of meats are also not doing you any good when it comes to diabetes risk. Processed meats like sausages and bacon are high in fat and also contain harmful ingredients like preservatives and additives.
"Sausages, bacon, and hot dogs are highly saturated with fats, and half of the prepared sausages contain preservatives. These not only impair glucose tolerance but also raise inflammation, which also affects the likelihood of getting a disease," Lahey notes.