Diabetes is a condition that affects blood sugar levels. Eating the wrong foods can make it worse. People with diabetes should choose healthy foods and avoid those that raise blood sugar too much.
Eating too much of these can make diabetes harder to control. Instead, focus on fresh, natural foods that are good for your body.
10 Foods & Drinks To Avoid With Diabetes
Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks include soda, fruit juice, energy drinks, and sweet tea.
They have a lot of sugar, which can make blood sugar go very high.
When blood sugar is too high, it can cause tiredness, thirst, and health problems.
These drinks have no fiber or healthy nutrients, only sugar and empty calories.
Drinking them often can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease.
Even “diet” or “zero sugar” drinks may not be good because they have artificial sweeteners.
It is better to drink water, unsweetened tea, or fresh homemade juice in small amounts.
If you like flavored drinks, try adding lemon or cucumber to water.
Always check labels for hidden sugars in packaged drinks.
Avoiding sugary drinks helps control diabetes and stay healthy.
White Bread
White bread is made from refined flour, which has no fiber.
It digests very fast and makes blood sugar rise quickly.
High blood sugar can cause tiredness, hunger, and health problems.
Eating white bread often may lead to weight gain and diabetes complications.
It does not keep you full for long, so you may eat more.
Many store-bought white breads also have added sugar and preservatives.
Whole wheat or multigrain bread is a better choice because it has fiber.
Fiber helps slow down sugar absorption and keeps blood sugar steady.
You can also try brown bread, oats, or chapati instead of white bread.
Avoiding white bread helps manage diabetes and improves digestion.
Fast Food
Fast food includes burgers, fries, pizza, and fried chicken.
It is high in unhealthy fats, salt, and calories, which can harm the body.
These foods can make blood sugar rise quickly and stay high.
Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain and heart problems.
Many fast foods are deep-fried, which adds extra unhealthy fats.
They often contain processed ingredients that are not good for health.
Fast food does not have enough fiber, vitamins, or nutrients.
It is better to eat at home-cooked meals with fresh vegetables and whole grains.
If eating outside, choose grilled or baked foods instead of fried options.
Avoiding fast food helps control diabetes and keeps the body strong.
Candy and Sweets
Candy, chocolates, cakes, and pastries have a lot of sugar.
Eating them can make blood sugar rise very fast.
High blood sugar can cause tiredness, thirst, and other health problems.
These sweets have no fiber or important nutrients, only sugar and calories.
Eating too many sweets can lead to weight gain and diabetes complications.
Some candies also have artificial colors and preservatives, which are not healthy.
Sugar from sweets can make you feel hungry again very quickly.
It is better to eat fruits like berries or apples for a natural sweet taste.
If you crave sweets, try dark chocolate with little or no sugar.
Avoiding candy and sweets helps keep diabetes under control and improves health.
Flavored Yogurt
Flavored yogurt has a lot of added sugar, which can raise blood sugar quickly.
Many store-bought yogurts contain artificial flavors and sweeteners.
Even fruit-flavored yogurts have hidden sugars that are not healthy.
Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and make diabetes worse.
Plain yogurt is a better choice because it has no added sugar.
Yogurt with probiotics (good bacteria) helps digestion and improves gut health.
If you like sweet yogurt, add fresh fruits like berries or a little honey.
Greek yogurt is a good option as it has more protein and less sugar.
Always check the label before buying yogurt to see the sugar content.
Avoiding flavored yogurt helps control blood sugar and keeps the body healthy.
Fried Foods
Fried foods include samosas, pakoras, chips, fried chicken, and french fries.
They are cooked in a lot of oil, which makes them high in unhealthy fats.
These fats can cause weight gain and make diabetes harder to control.
Eating too much fried food can also lead to heart problems.
Fried foods have more calories and can raise blood sugar quickly.
They often contain harmful trans fats, which are bad for the body.
It is better to eat baked, grilled, or steamed foods instead of fried ones.
Using less oil while cooking at home makes food healthier.
Air frying is a better option than deep frying.
Avoiding fried foods helps manage diabetes and keeps the heart healthy.
Alcohol
Alcohol includes beer, wine, whiskey, and other strong drinks.
Drinking alcohol can cause blood sugar to go too high or too low.
Some alcoholic drinks, like cocktails and sweet wines, have a lot of sugar.
Too much alcohol can harm the liver and make diabetes worse.
It can also cause weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease.
Alcohol can make you feel dizzy, weak, or tired if you have diabetes.
Drinking on an empty stomach is dangerous because it can lower blood sugar too much.
If you drink, do it in very small amounts and choose dry wine or light beer.
Always drink water to stay hydrated when consuming alcohol.
Avoiding alcohol helps keep blood sugar stable and protects overall health.
Processed Meats
Processed meats include sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and salami.
They have a lot of salt, unhealthy fats, and preservatives.
Too much salt can raise blood pressure and cause heart problems.
Unhealthy fats in these meats can lead to weight gain.
Some processed meats contain added sugar, which can raise blood sugar.
Chemicals in these meats can increase the risk of health issues.
Fresh chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins are better choices.
If you eat meat, choose grilled or baked options instead of fried.
Always check food labels for added salt, sugar, and preservatives.
Avoiding processed meats helps keep diabetes under control and improves heart health.
White Rice and Pasta
White rice and pasta are made from refined grains with no fiber.
They digest quickly and make blood sugar rise fast.
High blood sugar can cause tiredness, hunger, and health problems.
Eating white rice and pasta often can lead to weight gain.
These foods do not keep you full for a long time.
Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta are better choices.
Whole grains have fiber, which helps control blood sugar levels.
Mixing rice with vegetables or lentils makes it healthier.
Eating smaller portions of rice and pasta can also help.
Avoiding white rice and pasta helps manage diabetes and keeps energy levels stable.
Packaged Snacks
Packaged snacks include chips, cookies, crackers, and instant noodles.
They often have too much sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
These snacks can raise blood sugar quickly and cause weight gain.
Many packaged foods have preservatives and artificial flavors that are not healthy.
They do not have enough fiber, protein, or important nutrients.
Eating these snacks can make you feel hungry again very quickly.
Nuts, seeds, yogurt, or fresh fruits are better snack options.
If you want something crunchy, try homemade popcorn or roasted chickpeas.
Always check food labels to see how much sugar and salt they have.
Avoiding packaged snacks helps control diabetes and keeps the body strong.