Top 51 diabetic foods to steer clear of

Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps to control blood sugar levels. Foods that are high in sugar can contribute to diabetes, so it’s important to avoid them if you have the condition.

Diabetics have to be especially careful with what they eat because blood sugar levels can fluctuate wildly. Diabetes is a serious disease that can be controlled through proper diet and exercise. However, many people with diabetes don’t know which foods to avoid. These are the top 51 diabetic foods to steer clear of.

1. Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is a food to steer clear of if you have diabetes. This type of chocolate spread contains high levels of sugar and calorie, which can raise blood sugar levels in diabetics. Additionally, hazelnuts are high in fat and protein, which can also cause spikes in blood sugar.

2. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a popular food that many people enjoy. However, for people with diabetes, it is important to be aware of the ingredients and how they may affect blood sugar levels. Ice cream typically contains high levels of sugar and calories, which can lead to Diabetics having high blood sugar levels.

Additionally, ice cream can contain high amounts of saturated fat which can also contribute to higher blood sugar levels. So, while ice cream is a delicious treat, those with diabetes should be careful when selecting it as a meal or snack.

3. Packaged Baked Goods

Packaged baked goods are a common source of sugar for people with diabetes. Many of these foods are high in carbs and sugar, and can be harmful to your blood sugar levels. This is especially true if you’re not following a diabetic diet.

If you do decide to indulge in packaged baked goods, make sure to read the labels and choose items that have less sugar or carbs.

4. Popcorn

Popcorn is a popular snack food that can trigger Type 2 diabetes. The high-fat and refined ingredients in popcorn can quickly spike blood sugar levels, leading to dangerous consequences such as weight gain and heart disease. Some of the worst diabetic foods to avoid include: popcorn, candy bars, cake pops, ice cream, and donuts.

These are all high in calories and sugar, which can quickly damage your blood sugar control and create long-term health problems. Instead of eating these unhealthy snacks, try some healthier options like fruit or vegetables instead.

5. Chocolate Milk

Chocolate milk is one of the most popular diabetic foods to avoid. The sugar in chocolate milk can quickly spike blood sugar levels in those with diabetes, leading to complications such as heart disease and stroke.

Other high-sugar drinks, such as energy drinks, sweetened teas and fruit juice, are also risky for diabetics. It’s important to keep track of blood sugar levels and make sure that any snacks or meals are appropriate for someone with diabetes.

6. Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts may look like a healthy snack, but they’re actually a diabetic food to avoid. They’re high in sugar and calories, which can add up quickly if you’re on a diabetes diet. Plus, their artificial colors and flavors can be harmful to your blood sugar levels. If you must have a pop-tart, make sure to choose one that has no added sugar or saturated fat.

7. Sweetened Cereals

A recent study published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” found that people with diabetes should avoid sugary cereal because it can spike blood sugar levels. The study found that people who ate a bowl of sugary cereal for breakfast had spikes in blood sugar levels compared to those who didn’t eat cereal.

This was especially true for those with diabetes who have trouble managing their blood sugar levels. The study authors recommend that people with diabetes limit their intake of sugary cereal to once a week or less.

8. Honey

Honey is a sweetener that can be found in many diabetic foods. Honey contains glucose, which can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. People with diabetes should avoid eating foods that contain honey because it may increase their blood sugar levels.

9. Jams and Jellies

One food that you should avoid if you have diabetes is jams and jellies. Jams and jellies are high in sugar, and as such can quickly contribute to your blood sugar levels rising too high. Additionally, many jams and jellies are filled with preservatives that can harm your health over time.

If you are looking for diabetic foods that will help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level, try opting for berries instead of jams and jellies.

10. Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is a type of sandwich that can be a bad meal choice for people with diabetes. It’s made with bread and cheese, which are high in carbohydrates. This means that grilled cheese can cause blood sugar levels to spike quickly. If you have diabetes, it’s important to watch your diet and avoid foods that will cause your blood sugar to skyrocket.

11. Mixed Drink Cocktails

There are a few mixed drink cocktails that are high in sugar and could be harmful to diabetics. One example is the Moscow Mule. This cocktail consists of vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and club soda. All of these ingredients are high in sugar, which can quickly spike blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Other dangerous mixed drink cocktails include the piña colada and the margarita.

Both of these drinks contain lots of sugar (especially the margarita), which can lead to insulin resistance and other health problems in people with diabetes. It’s important to remember that it’s never safe to consume large quantities of sugary drinks on a regular basis; try to stick to safer options like sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea instead.

12. Saltines

Saltines are a high-carbohydrate food that should be avoided by people with diabetes. They contain a lot of sugar and can make blood sugar levels rise quickly. In addition, saltines are often unhealthy for other reasons, such as being high in sodium.

13. Instant Noodles

Instant noodles are often a go-to choice for people with diabetes, as they’re low in calories and carbs. However, instant noodles are not recommended for those with diabetes because they’re high in sugar. Additionally, many instant noodle brands contain MSG, which can increase blood sugar levels. If you must eat instant noodles, make sure to read the ingredients list carefully and choose brands that don’t contain MSG.

14. Flavored Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is a common breakfast food for people with diabetes. It’s an easy way to get your morning nutrients, and it’s usually low in sugar. But some instant oatmeal brands contain ingredients that can make your blood sugar spike. If you have diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the foods that can affect your blood sugar level, and to avoid those that can.

Here are four flavored instant oatmeal brands that should be avoided if you have diabetes: Honey Bunches of Oats, Quaker Quick Oats, Fruit Loops Instant Oatmeal, and Cheerios Instant Oats.

15. Mac & Cheese

Mac & Cheese can be a diabetic food to steer clear of if you’re watching your calorie intake. It’s a high-carbohydrate food that can spike your blood sugar levels. Plus, the cheese and pasta can pack on the calories. If you need to eat a carbohydrate-rich meal, try substituting mashed potatoes for pasta or rice in your mac & cheese recipe.

16. Sandwich Crackers

Sandwich crackers are a type of food that can be a problem for people with diabetes. This is because they are high in sugar and may not be good for your blood sugar levels. There are other types of crackers that are better to eat if you have diabetes.

17. Biscuits

Biscuits are a common food to steer clear of for people with diabetes because they are high in sugar and carbs. Biscuits can also be high in fat, which can make blood sugar levels spike. It’s best to stick to healthier options like fruit or vegetables when it comes to diabetic food choices.

18. Fruit Snacks

Fruit snacks are a common food for people with diabetes to avoid. This is because many fruit snacks contain high amounts of sugar, which can aggravate the condition. Some examples of fruit snacks that are especially bad for diabetics include energy bars, gummy bears, and candy bars.

19. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a type of saturated fat that is high in calories and can lead to weight gain and diabetes. While some people may believe that vegetable oil is a healthy food, the truth is that it should be avoided by people with diabetes because it can damage their blood vessels.

In fact, even small amounts of vegetable oil can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you are looking for healthier foods to eat, try using olive oil or avocado instead of vegetable oil.

20. Fat-Free Vinaigrettes

When it comes to food, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. That goes for diabetic foods as well. Just because a food item is low in carbohydrate doesn’t mean it’s a good choice for people with diabetes. In fact, there are many “fat-free” vinaigrettes that are packed with sugar and other carbohydrates. So, if you’re looking for a diabetic food to avoid, keep your eyes peeled for fat-free vinaigrettes.

21. Skim Milk

There are several types of foods that can be beneficial for diabetics, but skim milk is not one of them. Skim milk is high in carbohydrates and sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike in people with diabetes. Additionally, skim milk contains unhealthy fats that can also contribute to health problems. If you are struggling to manage your blood sugar levels or if you have diabetes, it’s important to steer clear of skim milk and other high-carbohydrate foods.

22. Parfaits

There are a few types of food that are particularly dangerous for diabetics to eat. One of these is parfaits, which are high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Other diabetic foods to avoid include: white bread, pasta, sugary drinks, and processed foods.

When it comes to food choices, it’s important to be as mindful as possible of your blood sugar levels. Doing so will help you maintain good health and minimize the risk of developing diabetes complications down the road.

23. Fat-Free Frozen Yogurt

Fat-free frozen yogurt may seem like a healthy snack option, but it’s actually one of the worst foods to eat if you have diabetes. Frozen yogurt is high in sugar and contains little to no nutrients, which can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels.

In fact, a single serving of fat-free frozen yogurt can contain as much sugar as a candy bar! If you’re diabetic and looking for snacks that won’t spike your blood sugar levels, steer clear of fat-free frozen yogurts and choose something else instead.

24. Pancakes

Pancakes are one of the most popular diabetic foods to avoid. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that people with diabetes who ate pancakes more than once a week were nearly twice as likely to have an impaired fasting glucose level as those who ate them less often.

Pancakes are high in sugar and carbs, which can raise blood sugar levels quickly. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control by eating foods that will not spike your blood sugar.

25. Potato Chips

If you’re diabetic, it’s important to be aware of the foods that could cause your blood sugar levels to spike. One such food is potato chips. Potato chips are high in carbs and can quickly spike your blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes. Instead of eating potato chips, try some other diabetic-friendly snacks like raw carrots or celery sticks.

26. Flavored Yogurts

If you’re a diabetic, it’s important to stay away from foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. One of these foods is flavored yogurts. Flavored yogurts are loaded with sugar and carbs, so they’re not good for diabetics. In fact, many flavored yogurts are even labeled as “diabetic-friendly.” However, this doesn’t mean that they’re actually good for diabetics.

Many of these yogurts contain high levels of sugar and carbs, which can make blood glucose levels spike. If you have diabetes, it’s important to stick to healthy foods that won’t spike your blood glucose levels. Some good options include plain yogurt, fruit smoothies, and vegetables instead of flavored yogurts.

27. Cereal Bars

There is no need to sugarcoat it – cereal bars are a high-carbohydrate food that should be avoided by those with diabetes. Not only are they dense in sugar and calories, but many contain hidden sugars that can spike blood sugar levels quickly. Stick to healthier snacks like fruit or yogurt instead.

28. Muffins

Muffins are a popular breakfast food for many people, but they may not be the best choice for diabetics. Many muffins contain sugar and other carbohydrates that can contribute to blood sugar levels going high, especially if someone with diabetes is trying to manage their disease. Additionally, some muffins contain unhealthy fats and calories that can make it difficult for people with diabetes to stick to their daily diet goals.

29. Orange Juice

Orange juice is a high-carbohydrate food that can be a source of sugar for diabetics. In addition, orange juice is high in vitamin C which can raise blood sugar levels. For these reasons, it is important for diabetic patients to steer clear of orange juice as part of their diet.

30. Dried Fruit

Dried fruits are a type of carbohydrate that should be avoided by people with diabetes because they contain high levels of sugar. These fruits are also high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. Some dried fruit, such as raisins, have been known to cause blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes.

31. Bottled Tea

Bottled tea is a popular diabetic food to avoid because of the high sugar content. The average bottle of tea contains about 15 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily allowance for most people with diabetes. Beverages with a high sugar content can cause blood sugar levels to spike quickly, leading to problems such as weight gain, fatigue, and even heart disease. So if you’re looking for a diabetic food to avoid, bottled tea should be at the top of your list.

32. Energy Drinks

The popularity of energy drinks has led to a surge in diabetes cases in recent years. These drinks are loaded with sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to people with diabetes.

People with diabetes should avoid energy drinks altogether because of their high sugar content. In addition, these drinks are often packed with calories and unhealthy fats. Instead, try to drink water or unsweetened tea instead.

33. Pretzels

Pretzels are a popular snack food that many people with diabetes can enjoy. However, pretzels are high in sugar and carbs, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike quickly. Additionally, pretzels are often covered in unhealthy fats such as butter or margarine, which can increase your risk for heart disease. If you’re looking for a snack that’s healthy and won’t cause your blood sugar to spike, steer clear of pretzels.

34. Processed meat

Processed meat is a diabetic food to steer clear of. Not only does processed meat contain high levels of saturated fat, but it is also a known contributor to type 2 diabetes. A study published in the journal “Diabetes Care” found that individuals who eat processed meats are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who do not. The study participants were asked about their diet and lifestyle habits, including whether or not they ate processed meat.

The results showed that those who consumed processed meat were three times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as those who didn’t. Processed meats are also high in calories and contain little nutritional value. In addition, they have been linked with an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. If you’re looking to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, avoid processed meat completely.

35. Coffee Creamer

Coffee creamers are an easy way to add creaminess and sweetness to your coffee. However, because these drinks are high in sugar, they can be harmful for people with diabetes. Instead of using a coffee creamer, try using unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream to give your coffee the flavor you want.

36. Mixed Coffee Drinks

Mixed coffee drinks are a popular type of diabetic food to avoid. These drinks typically contain sugar and milk, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. In addition, coffee is a diabetics’ primary source of caffeine, which can also exacerbate blood sugar levels.

To make matters worse, many mixed coffee drinks are also high in calories and fat. If you’re looking for a drink that will keep your blood sugar under control, steer clear of mixed coffee drinks and choose something else instead.

37. Gluten-Free Foods

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. People with diabetes are often advised to avoid foods that contain gluten, as it can trigger blood sugar spikes. This includes items like bread, pasta, cereal and cookies. If you have to eat gluten-containing foods, make sure they are seasoned well and served in small portions.

38. Fast Food

Fast food is a food that is high in sugar and unhealthy fats. It is best to steer clear of this type of food if you have diabetes. There are many diabetic foods that are better choices, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

39. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are not recommended for people with diabetes, as they can increase blood sugar levels. These foods can also cause weight gain and other health problems. Instead, focus on healthy eating habits and try to avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.

40. Frozen Dinners

Frozen dinners are often seen as a diabetic food to avoid, but this is not always the case. Certain frozen dinners that are labeled as diabetic-friendly can actually still contain high amounts of sugar and calories. If you are looking for a healthy frozen dinner option, try making your own instead of opting for one of the many pre-made options available on the market.

41. Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a popular food item that many people enjoy. However, cinnamon rolls are also a type of food that is high in sugar and carbohydrates. These types of foods can be dangerous for people with diabetes because they can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. It is important to keep cinnamon rolls out of the diet if someone has diabetes because they can be harmful to their health.

42. Diet Soda

Diet soda is often a drink people turn to when they are trying to lose weight or lower their blood sugar levels. However, diet soda is not good for those with diabetes. Diet sodas are high in sugar and have been linked with diabetes. If you have diabetes and drink diet soda, it’s important to limit your intake of these drinks to no more than one per day.

43. Soda

Soda is a popular beverage choice for people with diabetes, but it’s important to be aware of the potential consequences of drinking soda. Soda contains high levels of sugar and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, soda is acidic and can cause tooth decay. If you’re looking to avoid foods that could impact your diabetes management, steer clear of regular soda as well as other sugary drinks like energy drinks. Instead, try water or unsweetened tea/coffee.

44. Sports Drinks

When it comes to sports drinks, diabetic patients need to be especially cautious. These drinks are high in sugar and can quickly spike blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. In fact, some of the most common diabetic foods to avoid are also sports drinks.

45. Shortening

Shortening is a common ingredient in many diabetic food products, but it’s important to be aware that it can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. Look for healthier alternatives to shortening in your diabetic diet, such as olive oil or butter.

46. French Fries

French fries are a popular food that is often eaten as a snack. They are high in carbohydrates and can be a trigger for type 2 diabetes. French fries are also known to contain unhealthy fats, so it is important to stay away from them if you have diabetes. There are many other types of snacks that are healthier and less likely to cause complications for people with diabetes.

47. Country-Fried Steak

Country-fried steak is a type of steak that is fried in a lot of oil. This type of steak can be very high in carbohydrates and sugars which can cause blood sugar issues for people with diabetes. You should steer clear of this type of steak if you have diabetes.

48. Char-Grilled Meats

There are a few foods to avoid if you have diabetes, and char-grilled meats definitely make the list. These meats are high in sugar and carbs, which can quickly spike your blood sugar levels. Plus, they’re full of unhealthy fats that will add inches to your waistline. If you want to keep your glucose levels stable and avoid weight gain, steer clear of these grilled meats!

49. White Bread

White bread is a type of carbohydrate that is not good for people with diabetes. This type of carbohydrate is high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. White bread also contains chemicals that can damage the blood vessels, which can lead to diabetes complications such as heart disease or stroke.

It’s important for people with diabetes to avoid white bread and other types of processed carbohydrates because they are so easy to over-consume and can lead to health problems.

50. Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothies are a popular diabetic food to avoid. They are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can quickly raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In addition, fruit smoothies are often packed with unhealthy fats and cholesterol. And because they are so popular, many of them also contain high amounts of sodium.

51. White rice

White rice is a staple food for many people with diabetes, and it’s important to know the reasons why you should avoid eating it. White rice is loaded with carbs and doesn’t provide much nutritional value.

In fact, research shows that white rice can actually increase your blood sugar levels and cause other health complications in those with diabetes. If you must eat white rice, make sure to pair it with healthy side dishes or snacks to keep your blood sugar under control.

Frequently Asked Questions

In conclusion, if you are diabetic and looking to cut down on the number of foods that will affect your blood sugar, it is important to avoid the top 51 diabetic foods. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional to get their opinion on which items make the list, as some may not be harmful for diabetics, but others could be harmful if not monitored closely. Finally, remember to keep your blood sugar levels in check by monitoring your food intake and taking your medications as prescribed.