Diabetes type 2: Four ‘surprising’ foods that can spike blood sugar levels – what to avoid

Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert

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When it comes to managing type 2 diabetes, “it goes without saying that sugary drinks and sweetened foods, such as cereals, and energy drinks are ones to avoid for diabetics”, said Dr Norton. What you may not know, however, is that there are more “surprising” food choices that could be spiking blood sugar levels. For instance, Dr Norton identified fruit-flavoured yoghurt as one item you should avoid at all costs.

Other foods to completely avoid include dried fruit, white bread and white rice.

Foods to avoid:

1. Fruit-flavoured yoghurts
2. Dried fruits
3. White bread
4. White rice.

“Fruits are often misunderstood when it comes to diabetes,” said Dr Norton.

While dried fruits are not great for your blood sugar reading, other types of fruits, such as grapes, can be a “brilliant source of fibre”.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of fibre,” Dr Norton emphasised.

Dr Norton elaborated: “As fibre consumption slows down the digestion process, it helps control blood sugar levels.

“Foods such as beans, broccoli, avocados and apples (to name a few) are all great sources of fibre.”

As research demonstrates that most cases of diabetes are “heavily linked” to diet, Dr Norton feels strongly about what people choose to consume.

“There are definitely foods which I would suggest consuming over others,” she said.

This includes lean meat or meat alternatives for those who should avoid saturated and trans fats.

“While they can often be overlooked, vegetables form the basis of a healthy diet,” Dr Norton continued.

“They not only offer great sources of vitamins and minerals, but also fibre.”

At The Slimming Clinic – where Dr Norton is the Medical Director – tailored programmes are made to help patients achieve sustainable and healthy weight loss.

Achieving “significant and meaningful weight loss” is said to “help control the symptoms of diabetes”.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

• Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying to
• Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
• Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
• Blurred vision.

Dr Norton explained: “By making the right sustainable lifestyle changes, type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even reversed.”

This is because being overweight, or obese, is a risk factor for developing the condition.

“The first thing to do when embarking on your weight loss journey is to set realistic and small goals,” Dr Norton advised.

“Secondly, getting active is incredibly important. Low-impact activity such as walking is great for lowering blood glucose levels.”

As for those struggling to reduce calorie intake without lacking nutrition in their diet, Dr Norton recommends attending The Slimming Clinic.

The facility can “adapt a diet plan to suit your specific needs”, promote feelings of fullness, and help control your diabetes symptoms.

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