Diabetics should absolutely avoid sugary drinks, refined carbs (white bread, pasta, rice, sweets), processed meats, fried foods, and excessive unhealthy fats, as these spike blood sugar and increase heart risks; instead, focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, managing portions for a balanced diet. "Diabetic" labeled foods often aren't better, so stick to a generally healthy eating pattern, prioritizing water and nutrient-rich options.
Examples of the worst foods for diabetics include:
Diabetics can freely enjoy non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, cucumbers), lean proteins (fish, chicken, beans, tofu), healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil), some fruits in moderation (berries, apples), whole grains (oats, quinoa in measured portions), and low-fat dairy, focusing on nutrient-dense, high-fiber options to manage blood sugar. Foods to limit are sugary drinks, refined carbs, and processed items high in unhealthy fats and salt.
Vegetables – Potatoes and corn are not recommended as they count as carbs. Iceberg lettuce is not as great either, because it's low in nutrients. If you've been advised low sodium, avoid canned vegetables, pickles. Veggies cooked with lots of added butter, cheese, or sauce could also be unhealthy choices.
Healthy fruit choices include:
Other breakfast options
“Refined flours and sugar cause huge spikes in insulin and get absorbed quickly, which causes problems,” says Mark Hyman, author of The Blood Sugar Solution (Little, Brown and Company). Look at the whole meal instead of just individual ingredients, adds Jackie Mills, MS, RD.
Fruits to avoid with diabetes
While you don't need to avoid these high glycemic fruits, you should limit or eat them in moderation: Bananas. Mangoes. Pineapple.
Protein-rich foods like eggs can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Plus, eggs contain many essential vitamins and minerals, and have just 80 calories each.
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.
Diabetes-friendly fast food options
Losing sleep—even just one night of too little sleep can make your body use insulin less well. Skipping breakfast—going without that morning meal can increase blood sugar after both lunch and dinner. Time of day—blood sugar can be harder to control the later it gets.
6 foods to avoid if you have diabetes
Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and foods high in trans fats and sodium, like most fried foods and salty snacks, because they raise bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, significantly increasing heart disease risk. Focusing on whole foods and limiting these culprits is key for heart health.
1. Processed Meats Like Bacon, Hot Dogs, and Cold Cuts. Processed meats like bologna, ham, and bacon are high in calories and salt and are linked to increased risk of heart disease due to their impact on cholesterol and blood pressure, says Julia Zumpano, RD, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
Testing your blood sugar is an essential part of managing your diabetes. Test your blood sugar first thing in the morning to get a baseline reading for the day. This can help you adjust your diabetes management plan as needed.
Two of the breakfast cereals - Nestle Shredded Wheat and Weetabix - were all green, meaning they're low in sugar, fat, saturated fat and salt. Other cereals were found to have moderate to high amounts of sugar and fat.
Eating apple does not significantly affect blood glucose level. Apples contain sugar, but most of the sugar in apples is fructose. Fructose, which is found in fruits, has a very small effect on blood glucose. Additionally, apples contain fiber - which slows down the digestion and absorption of sugar.
Eat healthy plant foods
Fiber-rich foods promote weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes. Eat a variety of healthy, fiber-rich foods, which include: Fruits, such as tomatoes, peppers and fruit from trees. Nonstarchy vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower.
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.
The #1 worst foods for blood sugar are sugary drinks (soda, fruit juice, energy drinks) and foods high in refined sugars and carbohydrates (pastries, white bread, white rice, candy, sugary cereals), as they cause rapid, significant blood sugar spikes due to fast absorption and lack of fiber, increasing risks for type 2 diabetes and heart issues. These simple carbs offer little nutrition but deliver quick glucose, forcing the body to produce more insulin.
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Drink more water
“Water helps your kidneys filter out excess sugar through urine,” says Khan. “So, the more hydrated you are, the more urine production you'll have, which flushes out sugar in the body.” Always opt for water instead of sugary drinks, like soda and juice.