People with prediabetes or diabetes can choose certain foods or drinks that may be better when managing the condition. Moderation and understanding how different foods and ingredients may affect your blood sugar levels are key.
The foods and drinks you consume can help keep your blood glucose levels in the target range your healthcare team recommends.
Read on to learn about five types of foods and drinks you can eat while living with prediabetes or diabetes, as well as five you may want to avoid.
What foods are worse for diabetes and prediabetes?
Certain foods and drinks can raiseTrusted Source blood glucose and insulin levels and promote inflammation.
These effects can increase your chance of developing prediabetes or diabetes. And these conditions can increase Trusted Source your chance of developing other chronic health problems, including heart disease.
Limiting certain foods and drinks may help you manage your condition and reduce your chance of such complications. These foods include:
Foods with added sugars
Limiting added sugars can help keep your blood glucose levels in the target range. Examples include baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and pies.
The American Heart Association recommendsTrusted Source limiting added sugar consumption to:
- 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day for women
- 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day for men
Sugar-sweetened beverages
Sweetened drinks offer little nutrients but still have a lot of added sugar. These may include sodas, flavored coffee drinks, energy drinks, fruit punch, lemonade (and other “-ades”), and some mixed drinks.
Limiting these may help lower your glucose levels, blood fatTrusted Source, and chance of developing fatty liver diseaseTrusted Source.
Foods with saturated fats
Consuming saturated fats can increase your cholesterol levels and your chance of heart disease. The American Diabetes Association recommends ensuring that no more than 10% of your daily calories come from saturated fats.
Some foods containing saturated fats are high fat meat and dairy products, poultry skin, and oils such as palm and coconut.