Diet plays a significant role when it comes to managing diabetes. A healthy lifestyle that consists of a strict diet is imperative to control the condition. While certain foods help manage the condition, others shoot up sugar levels. So, here’s a look at the worst foods people with diabetes must avoid.

1. Sodas and sweets
Foods such as sodas, candies, and other desserts contain processed sugar. They have low-quality carbohydrates and do not have any nutritional value. They can make one’s blood sugar levels shoot up. Also, these foods contribute to increased body weight. Therefore, one must ensure these foods are off-limits if they wish to keep diabetes in check.

2. White bread
Diabetics can eat bread, but only if it is not white. White bread contains refined, not whole grains. They have a high glycemic index and can thus make one’s blood sugar levels shoot up instantly. If a person wishes to eat bread, they must switch from white to whole grain.

3. Fruit-flavored yogurt
While plain yogurt is considered healthy, fruit-flavored yogurt might be bad for diabetics. The fruit-flavored yogurts are made of low or no-fat milk and contain sugar and carbohydrates in abundance. About one cup of flavored yogurt, which is 245 grams, can contain 31 grams of sugar. This means more than 60 percent of the calories in the yogurt is coming from the sugar content. Many people satisfy their sweet tooth by eating frozen yogurt as it is a better and healthier choice than ice creams. But frozen yogurt can have the same, or sometimes even more amount of sugar than ice creams. Therefore, fruit-flavored yogurts are one of the worst foods for people with diabetes.

4. Breakfast cereals
Diabetics must avoid breakfast cereals completely. Often perceived as healthy breakfast options, people opt for cereals to start their day. However, contrary to popular belief, they contain processed carbohydrates in excessive quantity. Besides, they do not provide enough protein, which is essential for making a person feel full and keeping the blood sugar levels under control throughout the day.

5. Flavored coffee
Coffee provides several benefits and reduces the risk of diabetes. But that does not apply to flavored coffee. It should be viewed as a liquid dessert instead of a healthy alternative. They are also loaded with carbohydrates. 473 ml of caramel coffee will contain 57 grams of carbohydrates. Similarly, a vanilla-flavored coffee drink will contain 30 grams of carbohydrates. Therefore, to keep diabetes under check, one must stay away from flavored coffee.