Type 2 diabetes: This lunch item should be AVOIDED as it increases symptoms - what is it?

TYPE 2 diabetes is when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or when the body can no longer use the insulin it makes. A popular lunch item could make symptoms worse and increase a person’s risk. What is it?

Diabetes: Common signs and symptoms of type 2

is much more common than type 1 and tends to develop gradually as people get older. People aged over 40 are more at risk of developing the condition, however, more and more people every year are being diagnosed at a much younger age. When it comes to food choices, a simple mistake could be putting you at higher risk of develooping the condition or worsening the symptoms. A popular lunch item should be avoided. What is it?

is closely linked with a person either being overweight, being physically inactive or when they have a family history of type 2 diabetes.

When it comes to food choices, type 2 diabetics need to be extra vigilant, and using salad dressing is an often overlooked error.

Salads have often been recommended for type 2 diabetics as they are a healthy option due to their low carbs and sugar content.

Many people are unaware that adding dressing to their salads increases their daily sugar allowance and this could play havoc on their blood sugar levels.

Two tablespoons of fat-free French dressing contains as much as 10 grams of carbs and a portion of fat-free ranch dressing contains 11 grams.

With so many hidden ingredients in salad dressings, the best option is often to make it yourself at home.

Ingredients such as oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper and herbs can make delicious alternatives to store-bought dressings and contain a lot less carbohydrates and sugar.

Type 2 diabetes: Lunch item to avoid

Type 2 diabetes: Salad dressings should be avoided due to their high sugar and carb intake (Image: Getty Images)

Doctor Marilyn Glenville said: “You can find salad dressings without sugar and also no-added sugar mayonnaise and tomato ketchup.

"There’s no need to skimp on flavour. Choose from ginger, garlic, fresh and dried herbs with spices like cinnamon, turmeric, pepper and chilli, lemon juice, sea salt, miso and mustard.

"Arrowroot or kuzu are good for thickening gravies and sauces. Or make your own sauces and dressings.

"Soy or soya sauce is not just for Chinese food, this is good on rice, in vegetable stir-fires and in salad dressings and sauces.

"Choose organic where possible and avoid those contain monosodium glutamate.”

Type 2 diabetes: Salad dressings

Type 2 diabetes: Most shop bought salad dressings have a high sugar and carbohydrate content (Image: Getty Images)

Type 2 diabetes: Making your own

Type 2 diabetes: Using ingredients such as oil, vinegar, lemons and salt to make your own dressing (Image: Getty Images)

Oil-based dressings with added flavouring like sugar, salt, cheese and egg yoke can really bump up the calories, fat and sugar in your meal

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK said on their website: “Oil-based dressings with added flavouring like sugar, salt, cheese and egg yolk can really bump up the calories, fat and sugar in your meal.

"Dressings are usually made with oil, meaning high amounts of total fats, sugars and salt.

"Dressings are usually made with oil, meaning high amounts of total fat and calories.

"Always check the label instead of relying on tags such as ‘reduced fat’ and ‘light’.

"Remember that vinegar-based and less creamy options will always be lower in calories and fat.”

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