If you have been diagnosed with high blood sugar, your diet and food choices play a vital role in managing the condition. Certain foods can cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly, leading to complications, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Here are the top 30 foods you should avoid to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

1. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, and other sugar-sweetened beverages are loaded with empty calories, and they can increase your blood sugar levels significantly.

A single can of soda contains up to 40g of sugar, which is equivalent to 10 teaspoons of sugar. Instead, opt for water, herbal tea, or unsweetened coffee or tea.

2. White Bread and Pasta

Foods made from refined flour, such as white bread, pasta, and crackers, can also spike your blood sugar levels. These foods have a high glycemic index, which means they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar.

Instead, choose whole-grain bread and pasta that are rich in fiber and have a low glycemic index.

3. French Fries and Potato Chips

French fries and potato chips are high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, and they can cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels.

On top of that, they are also highly processed and can lead to weight gain, another risk factor for high blood sugar. Replace them with roasted sweet potatoes or air-popped popcorn.

4. Candy and Sweets

Candy and sweets contain a lot of added sugar and are one of the worst food choices for people with high blood sugar.

If you have a sweet tooth, opt for fresh fruits like berries or a small square of dark chocolate, which is low in sugar but high in antioxidants.

5. Dairy Desserts

Dairy desserts like ice cream and milkshakes are high in sugar and saturated fat, and they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

Instead, opt for Greek yogurt, which is high in protein and low in sugar, or a fruit smoothie with almond milk and natural sweeteners like honey or dates.

6. Commercial Breakfast Cereals

Most commercial breakfast cereals are processed and loaded with sugar, making them one of the least healthy breakfast options for people with high blood sugar.

Instead, choose whole-grain cereals with no added sugar, or make a homemade granola with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits that are low in sugar.

7. Fried Foods

Fried foods like chicken wings, onion rings, and fried fish are high in fat and calories, and they can also cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

Instead, choose baked or grilled protein sources like chicken or fish, and pair them with a colorful salad or roasted vegetables.

8. Pizza

Pizza is one of the top guilty pleasures that can cause blood sugar levels to spike. The crust, cheese, and toppings are often high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.

Choose homemade pizza with whole-grain crust, fresh vegetables, and lean protein sources like chicken or beans.

9. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and can also interfere with diabetes medication.

If you enjoy drinking, opt for a moderate amount of alcohol, such as one drink for women and two drinks for men per day, and avoid sugary cocktails and drinks.

10. Processed Meats

Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and deli meats are high in saturated fat and sodium, and they can also contain added sugar. They are also linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Choose lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and beans instead.

11. Canned Fruits in Syrup

Canned fruits in syrup are high in added sugar and can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Instead, choose fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and berries, or canned fruits in their own juice or water.

12. Energy Bars

Energy bars can be a convenient snack option, but they are also high in calories and added sugar. Instead, choose snack bars made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits that are low in sugar and high in fiber and protein.

13. Sauces and Marinades

Sauces and marinades like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and teriyaki sauce are high in added sugar and sodium, which can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

Instead, make homemade sauces and marinades using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

14. Canned Soup

Canned soup is often high in sodium and can contain added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Instead, choose homemade soup or opt for low-sodium and low-sugar options.

15. Fried Rice

Like white bread and pasta, white rice has a high glycemic index and can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Fried rice can also contain added sugar and unhealthy fats. Replace it with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

16. Fruit Juice

Fruit juice may seem like a healthy choice, but it is also high in sugar and lacks fiber. Instead, choose whole fruits that are high in fiber and nutrients, and if you want to drink juice, dilute it with water to reduce the sugar content.

17. Sweetened Yogurt and Milk

Yogurt and milk can be a healthy part of your diet, but sweetened varieties can also be high in sugar. Instead, choose plain yogurt or milk and sweeten them with fresh fruits, honey, or cinnamon.

18. Trail Mixes

Trail mixes can be a convenient and healthy snack, but they can also be high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead, make your own trail mix using unsalted nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.

19. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and acesulfame-K can still cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and may also have negative health effects. Instead, choose natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.

20. High-Fat Salad Dressings

High-fat salad dressings like ranch and Caesar can be high in calories and unhealthy fats, and they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Instead, make your own dressing using olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs.

21. Baked Goods

Baked goods like muffins, cookies, and cakes are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, and they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

Instead, bake your own healthy treats using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and whole-grain flour.

22. Canned Vegetables with Added Salt

Canned vegetables are often high in sodium, which can cause water retention and increase blood pressure. Instead, choose fresh or frozen vegetables, or opt for low-sodium canned vegetables.

23. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese can be high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and additives, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, choose natural cheeses like feta, cheddar, and Swiss, and enjoy them in moderation.

24. Chocolate Bars

Just like candy and sweets, chocolate bars can be high in added sugar and calories, and they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

Instead, choose dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa, which is low in sugar but high in antioxidants.

25. Commercial Smoothies

Commercial smoothies are often high in sugar and calories, and they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Instead, make your own smoothies using fresh fruits, vegetables, and natural sweeteners like honey or dates.

26. Instant Noodles

Instant noodles are high in sodium and unhealthy fats, and they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Instead, choose whole-grain pasta or brown rice noodles, and add lean protein sources like chicken or tofu and fresh vegetables.

27. Granola Bars

Granola bars can be high in sugar and calories, and they may also contain unhealthy fats. Instead, choose snack bars made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits that are low in sugar and high in protein and fiber.

28. Processed Snacks

Processed snacks like crackers, chips, and pretzels can be high in sodium and unhealthy fats, and they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Instead, choose fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

29. Restaurant Meals

Restaurant meals can be high in calories, sodium, unhealthy fats, and added sugar, and they can also interfere with diabetes medication. Instead, choose simple meals made with fresh ingredients, and check the nutrition information before ordering.