Eating the wrong foods may lead to an increase in blood sugar and insulin levels. Increase in the sugar levels adds to the risk of several diseases, which makes it necessary to avoid certain foods if you are diabetic. Here’s a list of foods that pre-diabetics and diabetics should avoid:

1. Sugar-sweetened beverages
Sugary beverages are loaded with fructose, which is strongly linked to diabetes. Studies say that the intake of sugary beverages may increase the risk of diabetes and diabetes-related conditions like fatty liver. Sugar-sweetened beverages are harmful drinks for diabetics following a sugar-free diet. To help control blood sugar levels, switch to club soda or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary beverages.

2. White bread, pasta, and rice
White bread, rice, and pasta are processed foods and are high in carbs and low in fiber. This combination results in high blood sugar levels. Also, studies have found that eating bagels, bread, and other foods with refined-flour increases blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Instead, switch to a sugar-free diet with high-fiber and whole foods to reduce blood sugar levels. Studies have also proved that replacing white bread with high-fiber bread reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics.

3. Fruit-flavored yogurt
Flavored yogurt is generally loaded with carbs and sugar, and plain yogurt is a better option for a sugar-free diet. Many people prefer frozen yogurt as a healthy option instead of ice cream, but frozen yogurt contains as much or more sugar than ice cream.

4. French fries
Potatoes are high in carbs, which increases blood sugar levels. You need to stay away from French fries, especially if you are diabetic or are on a sugar-free diet for any other reason.

5. Dried fruits
Generally, fruits are great sources of several vitamins and minerals like potassium. However, when a fruit is dried, it results in loss of water and becomes more concentrated in sugar. This doesn’t mean you have to give up fruits; instead, you can prefer fruits low in sugar like small apples or fresh berries, which will not spike blood sugar levels.

6. Packaged snacks
Packaged snacks like pretzels and crackers are not good choices for a sugar-free diet or diabetics. They are made with refined flour and have plenty of fast-digesting carbs, which may increase in blood sugar levels.

7. Sweetened breakfast cereals
Eating cereal for breakfast is one of the worst ways to start the day for a diabetic. Breakfast cereals are high in carbs, which increase blood sugar levels. Opt for a protein-based low-carb breakfast instead of cereal.

8. Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup
People with diabetes should follow a sugar-free diet. Trying to minimize the intake of white table sugar and opting for brown sugar and natural sugars like maple syrup, honey, and agave nectar is one way. However, though these alternatives to sugar are not as processed, they contain the same amount of carbs as white sugar and may have similar effects on blood sugar levels. It is best to avoid all forms of sugar and prefer low-carb sweeteners instead.