Blood sugar levels of diabetic patients can dip or peak depending on the food they consume. Hence, it is extremely important to eat right. A nutritious meal should include a balance of carbs, protein, starches, and sugar. But it can be tricky to get proper nutrition, especially with foods that sound healthy but, in reality, cause damage to overall health. Let’s take a look at some of the bad foods for diabetic patients.

Sugar-sweetened beverages

Avoid drinking cola, sweetened ice tea, or lemonade as they contain an excessively high amount of added sugar and carbs. Additionally, these drinks contain fructose, which can lead to insulin resistance, belly fat, and unhealthy metabolic changes. According to studies, people who consume too many sugar-sweetened beverages have a higher risk of developing diabetes-related conditions like fatty liver disease. A surprising beverage to avoid is fruit juice. Although they contain more vitamins and minerals than sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices have concentrated amounts of fruit sugar that can spike your blood sugar. Opt for cucumber and mint-infused water or naturally flavored seltzer with a dash of lime for a refreshing taste.

White bread, rice, and pasta

All these processed foods contain a high amount of carbs that can significantly raise blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They also contain very little fiber, which is significant in slowing the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. Replace white bread, rice, and pasta with brown rice, barley, oatmeal, high-fiber cereals, and whole-grain bread. The increased fiber content in these foods improves the gut microbiota, enhancing insulin resistance.

Full fat dairy

Saturated fats in dairy products can worsen insulin resistance in diabetic patients. It can also raise your LDL cholesterol levels and put you at risk of developing heart disease. Avoid full-fat dairy products like ice cream, cream cheese, and other full-fat cheeses. Even fruit-flavored yogurts are not good for people with diabetes since they are loaded with sugar and carbs. Opt for plain whole-milk yogurt that contains zero sugar.

High-fat meats

Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should limit or avoid the consumption of high-fat meats such as ground beef, bologna, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and ribs. They contain saturated fats, which increase cholesterol and inflammation in the body. Diabetic patients who consume saturated fats in high amounts are at risk for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and obesity. Opt for lean meats like skinless chicken and turkey, fish and shellfish, pork tenderloin, and lean beef.

Dried fruit

Fresh fruits are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. But in dried fruits, sugar content is high, as the dehydration process removes all water. One cup of dried raisins contains 115 grams of carbs as compared to grapes, which only contain about 25 grams. Eating a few raisins may be better than eating a cookie, but it can still raise your blood sugar levels. Instead of dried foods, eat whole fruits that are high in fiber, like an apple or fresh berries.