Reducing Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides are simple sugars found in foods that contain glucose, fructose or galactose in the ingredient list. Simple sugars are also known as simple carbohydrates, which raise blood-glucose levels so you feel a quick spurt of energy, but with little nutrition. It is important to limit your simple-sugar consumption if you are a diabetic or diagnosed as having pre-diabetes. You can reduce your monosaccharide intake by limiting or eliminating consumption of sugary snacks, juices and other processed foods.

Switch to complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, like simple carbohydrates, provide your body energy, but they digest at a slower rate in order to maintain a consistent level of energy. Complex carbs can be found in whole-wheat bread, beans, vegetables and whole grains. Most food products contain some glucose, so while you cannot completely eliminate it from your diet, cut back by limiting your consumption of starches.

Reduce fruit intake. Even healthy fruit contains sugar known as fructose, which is also found in fruit juices and many foods with high-fructose corn syrup in their ingredients. High-fructose corn syrup can be found in cookies, cakes, cereals, cooking ingredients, soups, condiments and even processed meats.

Limit dairy consumption. Dairy products including ice cream, cheese, butter and yogurt contain galactose, a monosaccharide. Substitute dairy products with soy to reduce galactose intake.