Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar, increasing your chances of nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney disease. Blood sugar is regulated by insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows cells to use glucose in the blood. If your body produces little or no insulin, the condition is called type 1 diabetes.

With type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to use the glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1. Common symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite. To manage their blood sugar, people with diabetes need to eat a diet that includes non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins. People with diabetes should avoid the following snacks:

1. Sweetened cereals

Cereal can be a healthy breakfast or a quick snack, but you have to choose wisely. Sugar is added in varying amounts to many kinds of cereal. It is essential to check the label and look for high in fiber and low in sugar. In general, these cereals will be made from whole grains. Steel-cut oats and wheat bran cereals are usually healthy selections.

2. Dried fruits

These are packable items that need no refrigeration. Included in trail mixes and cereals, they add fiber and sweetness. Since they require no refrigeration, they are easy to take in a lunch bag, backpack, or purse. They are a sweet addition to salads and sandwiches. Because they are dried, there are more carbohydrates per serving. Dried fruit can be part of your diet but choose carefully and select ones that have less sweet. For example, raisins and dates have higher sugar content than dried apples or apricots.

3. Soda and sugary beverages

While an ice-cold soft drink, slushy drink, or sweet tea may be refreshing on a hot day, sodas and beverages high in sugar should be avoided. The sugary drink can raise blood sugar quickly and can cause problems for people with diabetes. Keep in mind that fruit drinks, punches, sweet teas, and even some sports drinks contain high amounts of sugar and are not good choices. You can enjoy the diet versions of these beverages but in moderation. Water, club soda, or seltzer water are better alternatives to quench your thirst.

4. Chips

Potato, corn, and tortilla chips are the quintessential snack food. Crunchy, salty, and tasty, it is easy to munch on one after another. However, if you are watching your carbohydrate intake and concerned about blood sugar, walk away from them. They can cause blood sugar spikes and make it more challenging to manage your diabetes. These snacks are usually high in sodium and fats as well.

5. White bread

Bread is a staple in most people’s diets. However, this is not a good choice for people with diabetes and is not part of a healthy diet. It is low in fiber and high in the glycemic index. The refined starches in foods like white bread and pasta can cause your blood sugar to spike. Many varieties of whole-grain bread are delicious, rich in fiber, and do not cause blood sugar spikes.