10 foods to avoid for healthy blood sugar levels


LearnHormone healthHealthy choices for type 2 diabetes10 foods to avoid for healthy blood sugar levels
White rice
Potatoes
Ketchup
White pasta
Bagels
Artificial sweeteners
Fruit juice
Energy bars
Low-fat sweetened yogurt
Sports drinks and energy drinks

1 of 11

Certain foods can send your blood sugar levels rising, with insulin rushing to keep up.

"Refined flours and sugar cause huge spikes in insulin and get absorbed quickly, which causes problems," says Mark Hyman, author of The Blood Sugar Solution.

When you are looking to adjust your diet to benefit your blood sugar levels, look at the whole meal instead of just individual ingredients, adds Jackie Mills, MS, RD. Pairing carbohydrates with protein, fat, or fiber helps slow down the absorption process. As you create your meals and snacks watch out for these 10 foods that can have a negative affect on your blood sugar levels.

Written by Jameson Kowalczyk.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.March, 2024
Updated onOctober, 2026

Featured content

4 easy exercises you can do at home
Video

4 easy exercises you can do at home

Learn easy exercises you can do around the house to improve your overall health and help keep diabetes under control.

3 reasons to try a T2D self-management education program
Video

3 reasons to try a T2D self-management education program

Learn how a T2D self-management education program can put you on the right track to managing the condition.

5 hacks to help stay organized
Video

5 hacks to help stay organized

Staying organized can help you manage your diabetes care. Learn how to get started.

AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.