If you have diabetes, some foods can make blood sugar (glucose) harder to control. Avoiding or limiting these foods can help you keep your blood sugar in a healthy range and lower your risk of complications. Here’s a list of common foods to avoid with diabetes and what to eat instead for better blood sugar management.
Why Certain Foods Cause Problems with Diabetes
When you eat, your body turns carbohydrates (carbs) into glucose, which raises your blood sugar. Some foods make blood sugar rise very quickly, while others have a slower, steadier effect. People with diabetes (type 1, type 2, or prediabetes) need to pay special attention to foods that spike blood sugar fast or are high in unhealthy fats and salt.
Eating too many of these foods can make it harder to manage your diabetes and increase your risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and other complications. (Diabetes UK)
Foods to Avoid with Diabetes: The Main List
Here are some of the top foods to avoid or limit if you have diabetes, along with typical carb counts and better choices:
| Food to Avoid | Carbs per Serving | Why Avoid? | Better Swap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular soda & sugary drinks | ~39g (12 oz/355ml can) | Very high in sugar, spikes blood sugar fast | Water, sparkling water, unsweetened tea |
| White bread, bagels, pastries | ~15-50g (1 slice/1 bagel) | Refined carbs, low fiber, fast spike | Whole grain bread, seeded bread, small portions |
| Sweetened breakfast cereals | ~20-45g (1 cup/30g) | High sugar, low nutrients | Oatmeal, unsweetened whole grain cereal |
| White rice & instant rice | ~45g (1 cup/150g cooked) | High glycemic index, spikes blood sugar | Brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice |
| Fried foods (fries, fried chicken) | Varies, often 30-60g per meal | High in unhealthy fats & carbs | Baked, grilled, or air-fried options |
| Candy, chocolate bars | ~25-40g (1 bar/50g) | Pure sugar, no fiber | Fresh fruit, small piece of dark chocolate |
| Full-fat ice cream | ~30g (1/2 cup/120ml) | High sugar & saturated fat | Greek yogurt with berries |
| Processed meats (sausages, bacon) | 0-2g (2 slices) | High in salt, unhealthy fats | Lean poultry, fish, plant proteins |
| Chips (crisps) & salty snacks | ~15g (1 oz/28g) | Simple carbs, high salt | Air-popped popcorn, nuts (unsalted) |
Foods to Avoid with Diabetes Type 2 (and Type 1)
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the foods to avoid are mostly the same. Both types can benefit from limiting foods that are high in added sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats. For people with type 2 diabetes, avoiding these foods can help with weight management and insulin sensitivity. For type 1, it helps keep blood sugar swings under control.
Portion size matters too. Even healthier carbs can raise your blood sugar if you eat too much at once. Try to fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains or starchy veg. (CDC meal planning)
For more on balancing your plate, see Diabetic Diet: What to Eat for Better Blood Sugar Control.
Foods to Avoid with Diabetes and High Cholesterol or Blood Pressure
If you have diabetes plus high cholesterol or high blood pressure, it’s even more important to limit foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and salt. These can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke, which are already higher with diabetes.
- Limit: Processed meats, fatty cuts of red meat, fried foods, full-fat dairy, and salty snacks.
- Choose instead: Fish, skinless poultry, beans, lentils, low-fat dairy, and plenty of vegetables.
- Watch for hidden salt: Canned soups, ready meals, sauces, and restaurant food can be very high in sodium (salt).
Check food labels and aim for less than 2,300mg of sodium (about 1 teaspoon of salt) per day. (NHS)
Foods to Avoid with Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. If you have both, you may need to avoid foods high in potassium, phosphorus, or sodium, depending on your blood test results. Common foods to limit include:
- Processed meats and salty snacks (high in sodium)
- Bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes (high in potassium)
- Dairy products, nuts, and cola drinks (high in phosphorus)
Always talk to your care team or a registered dietitian for a meal plan tailored to your needs. For more, see NIDDK.
Simple Swaps for Better Blood Sugar Control
Making small changes can have a big impact. Here are some easy swaps to help keep your blood sugar steady:
- Swap white rice for cauliflower rice or brown rice. Cauliflower rice has about 5g carbs per cup (150g), compared to 45g in white rice.
- Choose whole grain bread instead of white bread. Whole grain bread is higher in fiber, which slows down blood sugar spikes.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of regular soda. Sugary drinks are one of the fastest ways to raise blood sugar.
- Snack on raw veggies, unsalted nuts, or air-popped popcorn. These have less impact on blood sugar and are more filling.
- Try Greek yogurt with berries instead of ice cream. Greek yogurt is lower in sugar and higher in protein.
For more swap ideas, check out The Ultimate Guide to Food Swaps for Diabetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods should I avoid with diabetes type 2?
With type 2 diabetes, avoid foods high in added sugar (like soda, candy, and cakes), refined grains (such as white bread and white rice), and foods high in unhealthy fats and salt (like fried foods and processed meats). Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables for better control. (American Diabetes Association)
Are the foods to avoid different for type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Most foods to avoid are the same for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both types should limit sugary drinks, refined carbs, and processed foods. The main difference is that people with type 1 diabetes need to match their insulin to their carb intake, while those with type 2 often focus on weight loss and insulin sensitivity.
What foods should I avoid if I have diabetes and high cholesterol?
If you have both diabetes and high cholesterol, avoid foods high in saturated fat (like fatty meats, butter, and full-fat dairy) and trans fats (found in some baked goods and fried foods). Choose lean proteins, healthy fats (like olive oil), and high-fiber foods instead.
Are there foods to avoid with diabetes and kidney disease?
Yes. With diabetes and kidney disease, you may need to limit foods high in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium—such as processed meats, salty snacks, certain fruits and vegetables, and dairy. Your care team can help you create a meal plan that fits your needs.
Can I get a printable list of foods to avoid with diabetes?
Many diabetes organizations, like the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK, offer downloadable guides and printable lists. You can also make your own list based on the table above and keep it handy when shopping or meal planning.
Where can I learn more about healthy eating with diabetes?
Check out these resources for more help: American Diabetes Association, Diabetes UK, and CDC Healthy Eating. For more on making healthy swaps, see The Ultimate Guide to Food Swaps for Diabetics or How Many Carbs Per Day for Diabetics? A Simple Guide.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association: Food & Nutrition
- Diabetes UK: Eating Well with Diabetes
- CDC: Healthy Eating with Diabetes
- NHS: Food and Diabetes
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This article is general information, not medical advice. Everyone's diabetes is different, so talk to your doctor, diabetes nurse or dietitian before making big changes to your diet or treatment.