Diabetes is a chronic condition common among adults as well as children. If not taken care of, it may lead to heart and kidney diseases, blindness, and other complications. As a diabetic, you must pay attention to what you eat at all times. While nothing is completely off-limits if consumed occasionally, it is better to avoid some eatables as far as possible. Here is a list of the worst foods for diabetics.

1. High-carb foods
Foods rich in carbohydrates, such as white rice, pasta, white bread, and other products made of refined flour may increase blood sugar levels significantly in those suffering from diabetes. Fiber is important to delay the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. These processed foods are high in carbs and low in fiber. Hence, they are among the worst foods for diabetics.

2. Cereals
Although cereals appear to be healthy, they are highly processed and contain large amounts of carbohydrates. They are also low in protein, an important nutrient that keeps you feeling full for longer and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Sweetened cereals are worse as they contain more carbohydrates due to added sugar. You should opt for a high-protein and low carb breakfast instead.

3. Packaged snacks
Crackers, pretzels, baked goods, and other snacks are not ideal for diabetics. Most of these snacks are made using refined flour, and are rich in carbohydrates and sugar content, while being low in nutrients. These carbs may raise blood sugar levels rapidly. If you feel hungry between meals, a bowl of low-carb vegetables with some cheese is a healthy and safe option.

4. French fries
Fries are among the worst foods for diabetics. Potatoes have extremely high carbohydrate content and once they are fried, they may spike blood sugar levels and this can be bad for diabetics. Also, deep-fried foods produce toxic compounds that may increase the risk of inflammation, heart diseases, and other conditions.

5. Dried fruits
While dried fruits are packed with important nutrients, they also have a higher concentration of sugar. For instance, 150 grams of grapes contain about 27 grams of carbohydrates and 1.4 grams of fiber. On the other hand, 150 grams of raisins or dried grapes contain about 115 grams of carbohydrates and about 5.5 grams of fiber. Similarly, other types of dried fruits also contain more carbohydrates than fresh ones. If you are a diabetic, opt for low-sugar fresh fruits, such as apples and berries.

6. Packaged lunch meats
These contain high amounts of sugar and saturated fat. Choose low-sodium deli meats or home-roasted sliced meats for sandwiches. Also, high-fat condiments such as mayonnaise and ketchup can be unhealthy in sandwiches. You can use mustard, hummus, or veggies instead.

These are some of the worst foods for diabetics and avoiding them is important to keep your blood glucose levels in check. Apart from these foods, you must also limit the intake of sweetened beverages, flavored coffee drinks, fruit-flavored yogurt, and similar products that are high on carbs and sugar.