22 Foods to Steer Clear of If You Have Diabetes

Managing diabetes isn’t just about monitoring blood sugar levels—it’s about making smart dietary choices that help keep those levels stable while promoting overall health. While some foods provide essential nutrients and steady energy, others can cause dangerous spikes in blood sugar, increase insulin resistance, and contribute to long-term complications. To help you navigate your diet more effectively, we've updated our list to 22 foods you should steer clear of if you have diabetes. From seemingly healthy options that hide excessive sugars to processed foods that wreak havoc on insulin sensitivity, this guide will help you make informed choices and avoid dietary pitfalls. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, understanding which foods to limit or avoid can make a huge difference in your overall well-being. Let’s dive into the key culprits that could be sabotaging your blood sugar control.

1. Fruit Products

Some whole fruits have more sugar than others. Individuals with diabetes do not have to avoid all whole fruits because it is the total number of carbohydrates consumed that matters. For this reason, fruit containing fewer carbohydrates can be consumed in larger portions whereas fruit containing more carbohydrates should be consumed in smaller portions. In general, whole fruits contain nutrition and fiber, which make them a desirable food choice for diabetes patients. However, in fruit products, much of the nutrition and fiber is processed out, and the remaining product usually contains concentrated fructose, which makes blood sugar spike. Thus, although diabetes patients can eat natural fruits in moderation, it is best for them to avoid processed fruit and fruit products.