If one is suffering from type 2 diabetes, they need to be careful about their diet too, apart from taking the right medications. It is a lifelong condition where your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or is unable to use it adequately, making it difficult to manage the blood glucose level. This is why type 2 diabetes patients suffer from high blood sugar. The consumption of foods that cause a spike in the glucose level requires one to produce more insulin to combat this effect. Hence, patients suffering from this chronic disease are advised to consume more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.

But it is also vital to know about the foods to avoid with type 2 diabetes, especially if you are traveling and don’t have access to homemade foods. So, this is a list of harmful edibles you should stay away from.

Sugary drinks or colas or energy drinks
All of these beverages contain added sugars which can quickly increase your blood glucose level. Even fresh fruit juices are loaded with natural sugars which are not good for diabetics. Drinking plain water or water flavored with lime wedges or mint leaves is better. Unsweetened tea or low-fat milk can be chosen too.

Refined carbohydrates
White rice, bread, or pasta, are made of refined flour and are high in unhealthy carbohydrates. These are foods to avoid with type 2 diabetes as they can spike your glucose level drastically. You should avoid bagels, donuts, pastries, cakes, and cookies too. Go for brown rice or whole wheat bread or pasta instead. Unsweetened oatmeal, quinoa, and barley are good options too. In breakfast cereals, only the unsweetened kind should be chosen.

Foods with natural sugars
While natural sugars are not as harmful as artificial sweeteners, a type 2 diabetes patient must avoid honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar with dishes like pancakes or waffles. These are high in carbohydrates and can spike blood glucose level as well as cause inflammation.

Deep-fried food
Foods like french fries or deep-fried chicken are foods to avoid with type 2 diabetes as they are loaded with unhealthy and saturated fats, which increase blood sugar levels significantly. Plus, potatoes are already high in carbs. Rather, choose baked dishes, be it chicken, veggies or fish.

Anything with trans-fat
Trans-fats are known to increase insulin resistance, which is harmful for type 2 diabetes patients. Plus, they cause obesity and inflammation. Therefore, crackers, spreads, peanut butter, and margarine are foods to avoid if you have type 2 diabetes. Instead, you can consume nuts like almonds, walnuts, or boiled eggs.

Fatty meat and dairy
Meats like beef, pork, and lamb contain unhealthy saturated fats that increase the cholesterol level and your risk of heart diseases if you are a type 2 diabetic. They are also responsible for obesity and high blood pressure, which can only worsen diabetes. So, go for chicken, turkey, fish or eggs. Avoid full-fat dairy products because of the same reason and try low-fat yogurt instead.

While making a note of foods to avoid with type 2 diabetes, remember you should stay away from alcohol completely or have it moderately, as per the doctor’s recommendation. Since your liver processes both alcohol and medicines for diabetes, it might lead to complications.