For Type 2 diabetes, the best breads are 100% whole grain, sprouted grain, whole rye, or whole wheat, focusing on high fiber (3+g/slice) and low added sugar to slow glucose absorption and manage blood sugar, with options like sourdough, barley, and flaxseed bread also being excellent choices. Avoid white bread and highly processed varieties that spike blood sugar.
People with type 2 diabetes who want to include bread in a balanced diet should choose whole-grain varieties like whole wheat, whole oat, and whole rye, searching for loaves that offer 3 g of fiber per slice.
Rye bread stands out as a great option for managing blood sugar levels. Whole grain rye bread has a low glycaemic index, with scores around 49, making it a solid choice for those looking to stabilise blood sugar [10].
Choose wholemeal, wholegrain, brown or high fibre white bread. Try to include at least 3 servings throughout the day. Aim to include these foods with 2 of your meals daily.
The best bread for blood sugar is bread made with whole grains. Breads that do not spike blood sugar include low-GI breads such as pumpernickel, sourdough rye, sourdough wheat, and spelt multigrain.
The type of breads you eat, how they're made, and what you eat them with matters most for your blood sugar and overall health.
A Diabetes-Friendly Sandwich on Whole-Grain Bread
Whole-grain breads, which have more protein and fiber, are another good way to limit your carb count. Then you want to load up your sandwich with crunchy vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onions.
While toasting alone has been shown to slightly lower the glycemic index of bread, both experts agreed that portion control and nutrient-dense bread varieties will always deliver bigger results.
Examples of the worst foods for diabetics include:
According to its proponents, you use the pinch method by holding the thumb and index finger of one hand just above the wrist of the other hand and then exerting a little bit of pressure on the wrist. Doing this will supposedly cause the release of insulin and break down glucose.
What kinds of cheeses should diabetics avoid? Unless you really love them, processed cheese like American cheese and those that are low fat are best to consider off-limits. Processed cheese often has a variety of additives that can impact the carbohydrate, fat, protein and sodium content in unpredictable ways.
Plain types, such as rich tea, digestives, Hob Nobs, fig rolls, garibaldi, ginger nuts, marie biscuits, rice cakes, breadsticks, oatcakes and rye crackers. No added sugar squash, diet fizzy drinks or slimline drinks.
The healthiest supermarket bread in Australia is typically whole grain or wholemeal sourdough/rye, offering high fiber, low GI, and better digestion, with brands like Edwards Sourdough, Burgen, and Tip Top 9 Grain often cited, but the best choice depends on your needs, focusing on short ingredient lists, minimal sugar/sodium, and prioritizing whole grains over refined flour.
Look for Whole Grain on Labels
"People with diabetes who are on a limited income should still look for whole grain options, such as whole wheat, sprouted and rye breads," said Reed. Refined, processed breads—such as white bread—have excess calories and low nutritional value.
Examples of complex carbs include starchy vegetables (white and sweet potatoes, peas, corn), legumes (beans, lentils), and whole grains. Choose these carbs to get the most nutrition with the least impact on blood sugar.
A 100% wholegrain is the best bread for those with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as it is not made with processed ingredients or additions such as sugar, and can help keep blood sugar levels stable.
6 foods to avoid if you have diabetes
Potatoes that are boiled, baked, or mashed can be a part of a diabetic-friendly diet. Research shows that eating French fries often raises type 2 diabetes risk—but other forms of potatoes don't. Baking, boiling, or mashing potatoes avoids the adverse health effects of deep frying.
Too much sodium and fat can lead to heart disease, which diabetic people are already at a higher risk for. While people with diabetes can enjoy bacon or ham for breakfast, it's best to enjoy these processed meats in moderation.
Life expectancy is known as the number of years a person is expected to live. At age 50, life expectancy is 6 years shorter for people with type 2 diabetes than for people without diabetes. By meeting type 2 diabetes treatment goals, life expectancy can increase by 3 years, or for some, as much as 10 years.
Diabetics can freely enjoy non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, peppers), lean proteins (fish, chicken, beans, tofu), healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil), and some fruits (berries, apples, citrus) and whole grains (quinoa, oats) in moderation, focusing on whole foods, fiber, and portion control to manage blood sugar. Key is balancing meals around non-starchy veggies, choosing low-GI carbs, and limiting added sugars and refined grains.
The tuna salad is served on a whole grain English muffin with a side salad to complete your meal. With its blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it's a great choice for keeping blood glucose (blood sugar) levels steady.
Healthier bread choices
13 Foods to Avoid if You Have Diabetes