Foods to Avoid with Diabetes
Dr. Ritu Sethi
Jan 23, 2025•3 min read
Fighting diabetes may seem like an uphill battle that demands major transformation in your life, but it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper vigilance and a change in lifestyle & diet, you can get a hold of your condition and learn how to manage it. Daily care is crucial to prevent sugar spikes in your blood glucose levels.
Foods Diabetics Should Avoid
Just like there are foods that nourish your body, there are some food items that might actually be harmful to a diabetic. If you are a diabetic, you need to cut down or restrict the intake of following food items.
Foods with added sugars
We all love sugar-filled foods, be it chocolates, candies, cakes, or sweets. But, such food items do not contain any fiber or protein. They instead cause a sharp sugar spike followed by a sharp drop. This fluctuation in sugar levels make foods with added sugars a big no-no to those who are diabetic. Also, sugary foods are linked with weight gain and other chronic diseases.
Sugar-sweetened beverages
Today, if you check the nutritional table of any beverage, you will find that they are filled with sugar or with another form of sugar which is equally harmful. The best alternative to consume beverage for diabetics is water infused with fresh, natural herbs & citrus.
Foods with saturated fats
Saturated fats have very minimum benefits to our health. It not only lowers the good cholesterol – high-density lipoprotein – but also shoots up bad cholesterol – low-density lipoprotein. Some of the good items that contain saturated fats are pies, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, frozen pizza, & fried fast foods.
Alcohol
Regular alcohol consumption is not recommended for those suffering with diabetes. While it is not recommended, individuals can indulge in occasional drinks without mixing spirits. However, avoiding alcohol would help greatly with managing diabetes.
Ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed foods like packaged snacks, candies, & soft drinks contain unhealthy fats, high sugar, & refined flour. This affects our health significantly, especially those who are diabetics. Furthermore, these foods are filled with chemical ingredients, preservatives, coloring, and flavouring agents which spike up the sugar levels in our body and make you susceptible to even more chronic conditions.
Full-Fat Dairy
Full fat dairy products are brimming with saturated fat & have been directly linked to heart conditions. Switching to non-fat dairy items, non-dairy milks, or low-fat dairy products must be the way forward. Taking small but effective steps is the best way to manage diabetes like a pro.
High-Fat Cuts of Meat
Meats that are high in fats such as prime rib, rib-eye steak, pork ribs, and meat briskets can cause cardiovascular issues and blood sugar spikes. Replace these higher-fat meats with leaner meats such as turkey breast or chicken.
High Sodium Foods
Although sodium isn’t directly linked with unstable blood sugar levels, it does spike your blood pressure. When you are suffering from diabetes, your body becomes more vulnerable & susceptible to diseases. Hence, a simple spike in your blood pressure can cause diabetes-related complications. So, steer clear of high sodium foods and minimize the unnecessary risk.
Breakfast Cereals
Many companies create genuine, healthy breakfast cereals, but there are several companies' that sell cereals filled with refined carbs and sugar. Imagine consuming such a type of cereal as the first meal of your morning? Your diabetes management will go for a toss and your blood sugar levels will be unstable. Start reading the nutritional tablet behind the packages to make decisions good for your health.
Dried Fruits
While dried fruits are a perfect staple for a healthy individual, those living with diabetes must avoid it. Dried fruits comprise high sugar levels ideally present in a fruit. So, instead of consuming small amounts of large sugar in dried fruits, stick to fresh fruits which are rich in fibers and proteins as well.
White carbohydrates
Often known as ‘simple carbohydrates,’ white carbs do not have any nutritional value. These white carbohydrates break down fast in your body & cause rapid sugar spikes in your blood. Thus, making white carbohydrates a big no-no to those suffering from diabetes.
Conclusion
Living with diabetes can seem daunting and a bit challenging, but with proper care, changing your lifestyle, and diligently following foods to avoid with high blood sugar can help manage the condition. Along with maintaining a healthy routine, you can take Gluco Anti Spike Tablets to manage diabetes and subdue diabetes-like situations such as hyperglycemia causes at the root. So, if you haven’t already, switch to a healthier routine and stay on the driving seat of diabetes management.
FAQs
1) What foods are worst for diabetes?
Some foods to avoid with diabetes are sugar-sweetened beverages, processed foods, full-fat dairy, alcohol, & high-fat meats.
2) Is milk bad for diabetes?
Ideally, milk is generally safe for diabetes, but high-fat dairy can cause trouble in sugar levels. So, stick to low-fat options for effective diabetes management.
3) Is egg good for diabetes?
Yes, eggs have low carbs and high protein. Thus, helping in effective sugar management.