Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, which essentially means that your body cannot respond to insulin the way it is meant to. Produced in the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that controls the level of sugar in your blood. Hence, in type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar is a common symptom. To manage this chronic condition, apart from medications, following the right diet is also essential. This is why you should know about the foods to avoid for people with type 2 diabetes.

Now, while snacking, most people tend to consume items that are high in fats, sugar, and salt. However, type 2 diabetes patients need to be extra cautious to prevent complications. While fresh fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy products, omega-3 rich fish, and whole grains can be included in your diet, there are a few foods you should stay away from. Given below is a list of food items to avoid for people with type 2 diabetes:

• Avoid fruit juices
  While fruit juices may seem healthier than sodas, especially the 100% pure ones, remember that they do not have any fiber and are loaded with natural sugar. This can cause your blood glucose level to shoot up fast. Apart from being rich in fiber, whole fruits can satisfy hunger better as they have carbohydrates. If you want to sip on something refreshing, plain water with a few slices of lemon or cucumber or a few mint leaves will help.
• Say no to sugary treats
  Candies, pastries, donuts, cakes, and cookies are undoubtedly foods to avoid for people with type 2 diabetes as they are usually made of refined carbohydrates and contain processed sugar. Hence, they increase your blood sugar level quickly. Plus, these foods can cause weight gain and have zero nutritional value. Instead, snack on fruits like orange, apple or berries.
• Stay away from dried fruits
  Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, peaches, or figs are high in sugar as they are dehydrated. Though they do contain generous amounts of fiber, they can cause your blood sugar to rise. Since they are smaller in size than the whole fruit, you might end up eating more than what is healthy. So, choose fresh fruits instead for snacking.
• Avoid red and fatty meats
  Beef, pork, sausage, bacon, and bologna are some meats and cuts that are rich in saturated fats. These cause a spike in your cholesterol level, increasing the risk of heart ailments in type 2 diabetes patients. This is because such diabetic patients usually suffer from high blood pressure or high triglycerides already.
• Low-quality carbohydrates are a big no
  White pasta, white rice, white bread, and white flour are refined starches or poor quality carbs, which behave like sugar once consumed. Naturally, they boost the blood glucose level. So, go for whole grains like oatmeal, barley, brown rice, or high-fiber cereals, which are filling and yet will not impact your blood sugar level drastically.

Full fat-dairy products and ice cream are other foods to avoid for people with type 2 diabetes as they increase cholesterol levels. Anything containing trans fats is also not recommended. Flavored drinks, sweet tea or coffee, and sugary cereals should be eliminated from your diet as well.