Foods That Drive Blood Sugar Up

Sugary drinks can raise blood sugar quickly. Soda and sweet tea are common examples. They add sugar with little else to slow it down. Water and unsweetened tea add no sugar at all.

Think of it as a sprint, not a slow walk.

White bread and white rice are refined grains. Refined grains lose the bran, the outer layer with most of the fiber. Without it, the starch digests faster than in whole grains.

Think of bran as a coat that slows things down. Whole grain versions keep it. Even whole grains need a sensible portion.

Foods with added sugar or refined starch often lead to larger blood sugar rises. Added sugar is put in during making, like in cookies, sweet cereal and some sauces.

The ingredient list can show added sugar, even in foods that do not taste sweet. Reading it helps you notice what is really in the food.

Key takeaways

• Sugary drinks like soda and sweet tea can raise blood sugar quickly.
• Refined grains lose the bran and digest faster than whole grains.
• Foods with added sugar or refined starch often lead to larger rises.

Try it

Today, check the ingredient list on one packaged food you eat often and notice where sugar shows up. If you are unsure which drinks or foods fit your plan, ask your care team.