7 Worst Foods for Diabetics in 2026 – Expert Advice by Diabetologist Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava
Diabetes management in 2026 is no longer only about taking medicines—it is equally about making the right food choices every day. In India, where food is deeply connected with culture, festivals, and emotions, people with diabetes often struggle to identify what truly harms their blood sugar levels. According to a diabetologist in Jabalpur Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava, many patients unknowingly consume foods that appear harmless but silently worsen diabetes control.
Understanding the worst foods for diabetics is essential to prevent complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, heart problems, and vision loss. Let us explore the foods that diabetics should strictly limit or avoid in 2026.
1. Refined Sugar and Indian Sweets
Traditional sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, jalebi, laddu, and peda are loaded with refined sugar and refined flour. These cause a sudden spike in blood glucose levels and increase insulin resistance. Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava explains that even small portions can disrupt sugar control for hours.
These sweets top the list of worst foods for diabetics because they offer calories without nutrition.
2. White Rice and Polished Grains
White rice is a staple in many Indian homes, but it has a high glycaemic index. Polished rice digests quickly and converts into glucose rapidly. Regular consumption increases post-meal sugar levels and worsens diabetes over time.
Switching to brown rice, millets, or portion-controlled meals is strongly advised by Diabetologist in Jabalpur Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava.
3. Packaged Fruit Juices and Sweetened Drinks
Many people believe fruit juice is healthy. However, packaged juices contain added sugar, preservatives, and very little fibre. Even fresh juice lacks fibre compared to whole fruits.
Sugary beverages are among the worst foods for diabetics because they cause instant sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain.
4. Fried Snacks and Street Food
Samosa, kachori, pakoda, bhujia, and chips are common Indian snacks. These foods are rich in unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates. They slow insulin action and increase cholesterol levels.
Frequent consumption places them firmly on the list of worst foods for diabetics, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle.
5. Bakery Items and Maida-Based Foods
Bread, biscuits, cakes, pizza bases, and burgers made from maida are highly processed. They increase blood sugar and offer almost no nutritional benefit.
Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava warns that these foods silently damage sugar control and should be limited as much as possible.
6. Full-Fat Dairy and Sweetened Milk Products
Flavoured milk, sweet lassi, ice cream, and condensed milk contain hidden sugars and saturated fats. These foods increase insulin resistance and contribute to obesity.
Such dairy items are often overlooked but are counted among the worst foods for diabetics in India.
7. Alcohol and Sweet Cocktails
Alcohol interferes with liver glucose regulation. Sweet cocktails, beer, and mixed drinks further worsen sugar fluctuations. Regular drinking increases the risk of low sugar episodes and long-term complications.
This makes alcohol another major category of worst foods for diabetics, according to Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava.
Why Do Diabetics Like Sweet Foods?
People with diabetes often crave sweets due to fluctuating blood sugar levels, emotional stress, or long-standing eating habits. Poor sleep, hormonal imbalance, and stress also increase sugar cravings. Managing these cravings with protein-rich meals and fibre is key.
Is It Safe for Diabetes Patients to Eat Jaggery?
No. Jaggery is often considered healthier than sugar, but it still raises blood glucose levels significantly. Diabetologist in Jabalpur Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava clarifies that jaggery behaves almost like sugar in the body and should not be consumed freely by diabetics.
How Eating Too Much Sweets Is Harmful for the Body
Excessive sugar intake leads to poor diabetes control, weight gain, fatty liver, heart disease, and nerve damage. Over time, it increases the risk of kidney failure and eye complications. This is why sweets consistently rank among the worst foods for diabetics.
Final Words from Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava
Diabetes is not about food deprivation—it is about informed choices. Avoiding the worst foods for diabetics and adopting balanced Indian meals with portion control can dramatically improve sugar levels. Regular consultation with a specialist ensures personalised guidance and long-term health.
If you are managing diabetes or prediabetes, consult Diabetologist in Jabalpur Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava for expert, practical, and India-specific diabetes care in 2026.