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Diabetes
Managing diabetes can be hard. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed. Having diabetes means that you need to check your blood sugar levels often, make healthy food choices, be physically active, remember to take your medicine, and make other good decisions about your health several times a day. In addition, you may also worry about having low or high blood sugar levels, the costs of your medicines, and developing diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease or nerve damage.
Having diabetes can be overwhelming at times. The good news is that there are things you can do to cope with diabetes and manage stress.
When all of this feels like too much to deal with, you may have something called diabetes distress. This is when all the worry, frustration, anger, and burnout makes it hard for you to take care of yourself and keep up with the daily demands of diabetes.
The good news is that there are things you can do to cope with diabetes and manage stress. Here are 10 tips that can help.
Pay attention to your feelings. Almost everyone feels frustrated or stressed from time to time. Dealing with diabetes can add to these feelings and make you feel overwhelmed. Having these feelings for more than a week or two may signal that you need help coping with your diabetes so that you can feel better.
Talk with your health care providers about your feelings. Let your doctor, nurse, diabetes educator, psychologist, or social worker know how you’ve been feeling. They can help you problem-solve your concerns about diabetes. They may also suggest that you speak with other health care providers to get help.
Talk to your health care providers about negative reactions other people may have about your diabetes. Your health care providers can help you manage feelings of being judged by others because you have diabetes. It is important not to feel that you have to hide your diabetes from other people.
Ask if help is available for the costs of diabetes medicines and supplies. If you are worried about the cost of your medicines, talk with your pharmacist and other health care providers. They may know about government or other programs that can assist people with costs. You can also check with community health centers to see if they know about programs that help people get insulin, diabetes medicines, and supplies (test trips, syringes, etc.).
Talk with your family and friends. Tell those closest to you how you feel about having diabetes. Be honest about the problems you’re having in dealing with diabetes. Just telling others how you feel helps to relieve some of the stress. However, sometimes the people around you may add to your stress. Let them know how and when you need them to help you.
Allow loved ones to help you take care of your diabetes. Those closest to you can help you in several ways. They can remind you to take your medicines, help monitor your blood sugar levels, join you in being physically active, and prepare healthy meals. They can also learn more about diabetes and go with you when you visit your doctor. Ask your loved ones to help with your diabetes in ways that are useful to you.
Talk to other people with diabetes. Other people with diabetes understand some of the things you are going through. Ask them how they deal with their diabetes and what works for them. They can help you feel less lonely and overwhelmed. Ask your health care providers about diabetes support groups in your community or online.
Do one thing at a time. When you think about everything you need to do to manage your diabetes, it can be overwhelming. To deal with diabetes distress, make a list of all of the tasks you have to do to take care of yourself each day. Try to work on each task separately, one at a time.
Pace yourself. As you work on your goals, like increasing physical activity, take it slowly. You don’t have to meet your goals immediately. Your goal may be to walk 10 minutes, three times a day each day of the week, but you can start by walking two times a day or every other day.
Take time to do things you enjoy. Give yourself a break! Set aside time in your day to do something you really love; it could be calling a friend, playing a game with your children or grandchildren, or working on a fun project. Find out about activities near you that you can do with a friend.
Remember that it’s important to pay attention to your feelings. If you notice that you’re feeling frustrated, tired, and unable to make decisions about your diabetes care, take action. Tell your family, friends, and health care providers. They can help you get the support you

An overview of diabetes types and treatment s
Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body's ability to process blood glucose, otherwise known as blood sugar.
In the United States, the estimated number of people over 18 years of age with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes is 30.2 million. The figure represents between 27.9 and 32.7 percent of the population.
Without ongoing, careful management, diabetes can lead to a buildup of sugars in the blood, which can increase the risk of dangerous complications, including stroke and heart disease.
Different kinds of diabetes can occur, and managing the condition depends on the type. Not all forms of diabetes stem from a person being overweight or leading an inactive lifestyle. In fact, some are present from childhood.
Types

There are several types of diabetes.
Three major diabetes types can develop: Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type I diabetes: Also known as juvenile diabetes, this type occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. People with type I diabetes are insulin-dependent, which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did. This is the most common type of diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and it has strong links with obesity.
Gestational diabetes: This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body can become less sensitive to insulin. Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and usually resolves after giving birth.
Less common types of diabetes include monogenic diabetes and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes
Prediabetes
Doctors refer to some people as having prediabetes or borderline diabetes when blood sugar is usually in the range of 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Normal blood sugar levels sit between 70 and 99 mg/dL, whereas a person with diabetes will have a fasting blood sugar higher than 126 mg/dL.
The prediabetes level means that blood glucose is higher than usual but not so high as to constitute diabetes.
People with prediabetes are, however, at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, although they do not usually experience the symptoms of full diabetes.
The risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are similar. They include:
being overweight
a family history of diabetes
having a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level lower than 40 mg/dL or 50 mg/dL
a history of high blood pressure
having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a child with a birth weight of more than 9 pounds
a history of polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS)
being of African-American, Native American, Latin American, or Asian-Pacific Islander descent
being more than 45 years of age
having a sedentary lifestyle
If a doctor identifies that a person has prediabetes, they will recommend that the individual makes healthful changes that can ideally stop the progression to type 2 diabetes. Losing weight and having a more healthful diet can often help prevent the disease.
How insulin problems develop
Doctors do not know the exact causes of type I diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin resistance, has clearer causes.
Insulin allows the glucose from a person's food to access the cells in their body to supply energy. Insulin resistance is usually a result of the following cycle:
A person has genes or an environment that make it more likely that they are unable to make enough insulin to cover how much glucose they eat.
The body tries to make extra insulin to process the excess blood glucose.
The pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demands, and the excess blood sugar starts to circulate in the blood, causing damage.
Over time, insulin becomes less effective at introducing glucose to cells, and blood sugar levels continue to rise.
In the case of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance takes place gradually. This is why doctors often recommend making lifestyle changes in an attempt to slow or reverse this cycle.

Exercise and diet tips
If a doctor diagnoses a person with type 2 diabetes, they will often recommend making lifestyle changes to support weight loss and overall health.
A doctor may refer a person with diabetes or prediabetes to a nutritionist. A specialist can help a person with diabetes lead an active, balanced lifestyle and manage the condition.

A healthy diet can help prevent, reverse, or manage diabetes.
Steps a person can take to embrace a lifestyle with diabetes include:
Eating a diet high in fresh, nutritious foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and healthy fat sources, such as nuts.
Avoiding high-sugar foods that provide empty calories, or calories that do not have other nutritional benefits, such as sweetened sodas, fried foods, and high-sugar desserts.
Refraining from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or keeping intake to less than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.
Engaging in at least 30 minutes exercise a day on at least 5 days of the week, such as of walking, aerobics, riding a bike, or swimming.
Recognizing signs of low blood sugar when exercising, including dizziness, confusion, weakness, and profuse sweating.
People can also take steps to reduce their body mass index (BMI), which can help some people with type 2 diabetes manage the condition without medication.
Slow, steady weight loss goals are more likely to help a person retain long-term benefit

Using insulin
People with type I diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes may need to inject or inhale insulin to keep their blood sugar levels from becoming too high.
Various types of insulin are available, and most are grouped by how long their effect lasts. There are rapid, regular, intermediate, and long-acting insulins.
Some people will use a long-acting insulin injection to maintain consistently low blood sugar levels. Some people may use short-acting insulin or a combination of insulin types. Whatever the type, a person will usually check their blood glucose levels using a fingerstick.
This method of checking blood sugar levels involves using a special, portable machine called a glucometer. A person with type I diabetes will then use the reading of their blood sugar level to determine how much insulin they need.
Self-monitoring is the only way a person can find out their blood sugar levels. Assuming the level from any physical symptoms that occur may be dangerous unless a person suspects extremely low glucose and thinks they need a rapid dose of glucose.
The discovery of insulin was fascinating and controversial. Click here to learn more.
How much is too much?
Insulin helps people with diabetes live an active lifestyle. However, it can lead to serious side effects, especially if a person administers too much.
Excessive insulin can cause hypoglycemia, or extremely low blood sugar, and lead to nausea, sweating, and shaking.
It is essential that people measure insulin carefully and eat a consistent diet that balances blood sugar levels as much as possible.
Other medications
In addition to insulin, other types of medication are available that can help a person to manage their condition
For type 2 diabetes, a doctor may prescribe metformin in pill or liquid form.
It contributes to:
lowering blood sugar
making insulin more effective
It can also help in weight loss. Having a healthy weight can reduce the impact of diabetes.
As well as diabetes, a person may also have other health risks, and they may need medication to control these. A doctor will advise the individual about their needs.
SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists
In 2018, new guidelines also recommended prescribing additional drugs for people with:
atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
chronic kidney disease
These are sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
For those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and a high risk of heart failure, the guidelines advise doctors to prescribe an SGLT2 inhibitor.
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by increasing the amount of insulin the body produces and decreasing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream. It is an injectable drug. People may use it with metformin or alone. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and a loss of appetite.
SLGT2 inhibitors are a new type of drug for lowering blood glucose levels. They work separately from insulin, and they may be useful for people who are not ready to start using insulin. People can take it by mouth. Side effects include a higher risk of urinary and ge***al infections and ketoacidosis.
Learn more about other medications and treatments for managing diabetes by clicking here.
Self-monitoring tips
Self-monitoring blood sugar levels is vital for effective diabetes management, helping to regulate meal scheduling, physical activity, and when to take medication, including insulin.
While self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) machines vary, they will generally include a meter and test strip for generating readings and a lancing device to prick the skin for obtaining a small quantity of blood.
Refer to the specific instructions of a meter in every case, as machines will differ. However, the following precautions and steps will apply to many of the machines on the market:
Make sure both hands are clean and dry before touching the test strips or meter
Do not use a test strip more than once and keep them in their original canister to avoid any external moisture changing the result.
Keep canisters closed after testing.
Always check the expiration date.
Older meters might require coding prior to use. Check to see if the machine currently in use needs this.
Store the meter and strips in a dry, cool area.
Take the meter and strips into consultations, so that a primary care physician or specialist can check their effectiveness.

Self-monitoring can be vital for moderating blood glucose.
A person who is self-monitoring diabetes uses a device called a lancet to prick the skin. While the idea of drawing blood might cause distress for some people, the lancing of the finger to obtain a blood sample should be a gentle, simple procedure.
Take the following precautions:
Clean the area from which the sample will come with soapy, warm water to avoid food residue entering the device and distorting the reading.
Choose a small, thin lancet for maximum comfort.
The lancet should have depth settings that control the depth of the prick. Adjust this for comfort.
Many meters require only a teardrop-sized sample of blood.
Take blood from the side of the finger, as this causes less pain. Using the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger may be more comfortable
While some meters allow samples from other test sites, such as the thighs and upper arms, the fingertips or outer palms produce more accurate results.
Tease blood to the surface in a "milking" motion rather than placing pressure at the lancing site.
Dispose of lances in line with local regulations for getting rid of sharp objects.
While remembering to self-monitor involves lifestyle adjustments, it need not be an uncomfortable process.
Outlook
Diabetes is a serious, chronic condition.
While diabetes itself is manageable, its complications can severely impact on daily living, and some can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Complications of diabetes include:
dental and gum diseases
eye problems and sight loss
foot problems, including numbness, leading to ulcers and untreated injuries and cuts
heart disease
nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy
stroke
kidney disease
In the case of kidney disease, this complication can lead to kidney failure, water retention when the body does not dispose of water correctly, and a person experiencing difficulties with bladder control.
Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels and moderating glucose intake can help people prevent the more damaging complications of type 2 diabetes.
For those with types 1 diabetes, taking insulin is the only way to moderate and control the effects of the condition.
Takeaway
Diabetes is a life-changing condition that requires careful blood sugar management and a healthy lifestyle for a person to be able to manage it correctly. There are several different types of the disease.
Type I occurs when the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 happens when excess consumption of high-sugar foods flood the blood supply with glucose and reduce the production and effectiveness of insulin.
People can take supplementary insulin to manage the condition and improve glucose absorption. If a person has prediabetes, they can reduce the risk of full diabetes through regular exercise and a balanced, low-sugar diet.
The complications of diabetes can be severe, including kidney failure and stroke, so managing the condition is vital.
Anyone who suspects they may have diabetes should visit their doctor.
Q:
If prediabetes causes no symptoms, how do I know I have it and take steps to reverse the condition?
A:
In general people who are at risk for diabetes often get screened at their doctor’s office. The risk factors are listed above, and different groups have slightly different recommendations about when and how often to screen.
Most of the time, we use a test called a hemoglobin A1C that tells us how you have controlled your sugars over the previous 3 months. This test can also tell your doctor how likely it is that you will develop diabetes in the near future — the higher the level, then the more likely this is.
The main steps to reverse prediabetes are the same things we talk about above — losing weight if you are overweight, getting regular exercise, and eating a balanced diet.

What medication is available for diabetes?
Diabetes causes blood sugar levels to rise. The body may stop producing insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, and this results in type 1…
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Can type 2 diabetes become type 1 diabetes?
It is sometimes thought that people with type 2 diabetes may then develop type 1. While some people with type 2 diabetes might need insulin to manage

How does high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) feel?
To maintain the right amount of blood sugar, the body needs insulin, a hormone that delivers this sugar to the cells. When insulin is lacking, blood
Diabetes: The differences between types 1 and 2
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both relate to the body’s use of insulin, but they have different causes and treatment. Find out here about the differences
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children
Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in children, which experts link to a rise in obesity.

Tips to Control Blood Sugar Levels
Lifestyle Changes to Help Control Diabetes
When you have diabetes, a primary goal is to keep it under control. Here are some simple things you can do each day to help achieve that goal.

Exercise
Regular physical activity helps you feel better. It also improves your sensitivity to insulin, which means it works better in your body. Because it does, your blood sugar levels can become more stable.
Exercise can also help ease stress.
If you aren't active now, start slow. Then build up how much exercise you get over time. Shoot for 4 to 7 periods of activity each week. Try to make each period last for at least 30 minutes. And you don't have to work out at the gym to be active. Take the stairs instead of an elevator, or park at the far end of the lot. Both add exercise to your daily routine.
Have a realistic goal and make a plan. What exercises will you do, and when will you do them? For example, you might plan to walk 30 minutes most days on your lunch break
Change your activities often enough so you don't get bored. You can do aerobic activities like walking or jogging. And resistance exercises like working out with weights offer another option. Whatever you do, don't forget to stretch before and after each workout session.
It's important to realize that exercise lowers your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to adjust your meds or insulin dose to keep your levels high enough.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Having diabetes shouldn't keep you from enjoying a bunch of different foods.
Try to fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables such as:
Asparagus
Broccoli
Carrot
Cucumber
Salad greens
Squash
Tomato
Also, make sure to get some of these:
Beans
Berries
Citrus fruits
Lean meat
Low-fat or non-fat dairy products
Nuts
Poultry or fish
Sweet potatoes
You can also get protein from vegetarian things like tofu.
Stick to whole-grain foods. If you eat cereals, check the ingredients and make sure whole grain is first on the list.
Examples of whole grains include:
Brown rice
Bulgur (cracked wheat)
Millet
Popcorn
Quinoa
Sorghum
Whole oats oatmeal
Whole wheat
Eat three meals a day, and try to space them out evenly. You should also aim to have the same amount of carbs at each meal.
In general, less-processed food is better. That's because it has a lower glycemic index, which means it may have less of an effect on your blood sugar. For example, oatmeal from whole oats has a lower glycemic index than instant oatmeal.
If you have type 2 diabetes and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine, you could lose weight and improve your diabetes. One study found long-term weight loss through diet and exercise could lower your chances of having a stroke and dementia.

Reduce Stress
If you're stressed, you may exercise less, drink more, and not watch your diabetes as closely.
Stress can raise your blood sugar and make you less sensitive to insulin. When you're stressed, your body adopts a "fight or flight" response. That means it will make sure you have enough sugar and fat available for energy
Studies of people with type 1 diabetes found blood sugar levels go up for most people under mental stress and down for others. If you have type 2 diabetes and you're feeling pressure, your glucose will go up.
If something has you bothered, try to make changes that can help you relax. You might exercise, spend time with friends, meditate, or replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Do whatever works for you.
Support groups, counseling, or therapy can help, too.
Quit Smoking
Kick the habit. It'll give you better control of your blood sugar levels.
If you smoke, you're also more likely to have serious health problems as well as a higher chance for complications from diabetes. Those can include:
Heart and kidney disease
Poor blood flow to the legs and feet, which could lead to infections, ulcers, and amputation of your toes or feet
Retinopathy, an eye disease that causes blindness
Peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage in the arms and legs that causes weakness, numbness, pain, and poor coordination

Cut Back on Alcohol
If you're on insulin or oral diabetes meds like sulfonylureas or meglitinides, drinking alcohol can drop blood sugar to dangerous levels. When you drink, your liver has to work to remove the alcohol from your blood instead of regulating your blood sugar.
Drunkenness and low blood sugar can also cause dizziness, disorientation, and sleepiness. You could confuse the symptoms of too much alcohol and low blood sugar. A woman should have no more than one drink a day. For men, the limit is two drinks per day. One drink is 12 ounces of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or an ounce and a half of liquor like vodka. With mixed drinks, choose no-calorie mixers like club soda or diet soda.
Try switching to a light beer or wine spritzer. You can also sip more slowly or switch to water or another calorie-free drink.
If you cut back on the drinks, you may eat better. Alcohol can lower your willpower to resist overeating.
Take Notes
Keeping a detailed daily log can help you track what affects your glucose levels. That log can include:
Insulin and other medications
Food, especially carbs
Physical activity
Stress
Illnesses
After a week or so, see if you notice any patterns.
If you're trying to lose weight, write down everything you eat or drink for a week or two, including portion size. That'll give you a clear picture of where you stand and what changes you can make.
If you drink alcohol, check your blood sugar before you drink, while you drink, before you go to bed, and the following day. Alcohol lowers blood sugars.

12 foods to avoid if you have diabetes

Having diabetes doesn’t mean all carbs are off the table. There are plenty of popular low-carb eating plans out there, but the extreme restrictions are difficult to maintain long-term.
So, what foods should you be limiting if you have diabetes? Replace the items on this list with more nutrient-rich options and you’ll be on your way to better meals and regulated blood sugar bliss.
The ideal carb zone
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, paying attention to your daily carb intake is important. Though, there’s no set recommendation for the amount of carbs a person with diabetes should eat in a day

Once you figure out the right number for you, aim to evenly distribute your carb intake throughout the day.

Carb types and better choices
Just as important as figuring out how many carbs to eat is knowing the right types for a healthy diet. Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber are better choices.

Choose more whole grains over those that are highly processed. Beans, peas, lentils, quinoa, rolled oats, wild rice, and whole-grain bread products provide protein, iron, B vitamins, and fiber. People with diabetes should try to consume about 25 grams of fiber daily.

The same goes for fruits, like berries, melons, peaches, grapes, apples, oranges, and mangoes. You may be thinking these contain more sugar and might raise blood sugar levels, but they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

The key to preventing blood glucose spikes with fruit is eating the properly sized portion for you.
Dairy products can also be a source of carbs because cow’s milk contains lactose which is a natural sugar. But dairy products provide essential nutrients such as calcium, Vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, B12, magnesium, and protein. Again, keeping serving sizes under control is important.
Foods to limit or replace
Although you can eat a wide variety of foods with Diabetes, there are certain foods that won’t do you any favors. Limiting these 12 or substituting with a more nutrient-rich, fiber-packed alternate may help keep blood glucose better controlled.
1. Sugary cereal
A big bowl of Frosted Flakes may sound like a yummy way to start the day — we think so too — but it’s also a recipe for blood glucose spikes. Many breakfast cereals are primarily made with refined grains and added sugar.
Instead, go for a homemade bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or nut butter. A dash of cinnamon, too! Or, choose a higher-fiber cereal with less added sugar. As a protein-packed alternative, try a lower-sugar Greek vanilla yogurt topped with a few berries and nuts.

2. Dried fruit
Although most dried fruit is just, well, fruit, the dehydration process means there’s more sugar and carbs per square inch than in fresh fruit.
Some dried fruit has 20 to 30 grams of carbs or more per 1/4 cup serving, and some candied varieties come with lots of added sugar (more reason to get comfy reading labels).
If you’ve got a hankering for fruit, your best bet is to reach for something fresh, frozen, or canned without any added sugar.

3. Sugar-sweetened soda
Shocked to see soda on this list? Didn’t think so. It really should be renamed sugar-water, considering all the sweeteners that give fizzy drinks their flavor.
A 12-ounce can of soda can have upwards of 39 grams of carbs — aka close to the amount you should have in one meal.
If you want some bubbly with a hint of sweetness, stop fighting it and hop on the seltzer train. Substitute with a sugar-free version of your favorite soda, free of calories and carbs, or try a sugar-free flavored water for variety.

4. Fruit juices vs. fruit drinks
When it comes to fruit juice, there are two things to keep in mind — portion size and ingredients. Most products labeled “juice” are 100 percent fruit, while those labeled “fruit drink” or “juice drink” may have only some real fruit juice with added sugar.
If you love your morning glass of OJ, that’s okay. Just keep it to 4 ounces (that’s half a cup) and remember to count the 15 grams of carbs in your breakfast total. Some lower-sugar versions of favorite juices are also available.

5. Bagels and muffins
Some large New York-style bagels can have upwards of 50 grams of carbs, and that’s not including any sugar-sweetened toppings, like a fruit flavored cream cheese or jelly.
Look for smaller bagels or use half a bagel as a serving. Large “breakfast” muffins may contain over 200 calories and more than 30 grams of carbs despite the healthy-ish names like “fresh blueberry” or “banana nut.” Read nutrition labels for total carb content and take care with added toppings.

6. Pretzels
Although pretzels are a rather low calorie snack, they’re made from refined white flour and are, consequently, rich in carbs. A serving of about 5 pretzels (and who eats just 5 pretzels?) has about 20 grams of carbs and no other real nutrients.
For something crunchy and salty, try a 1/4 cup of roasted crunchy chickpeas or nuts for some protein, fiber, and heart healthy fats.

7. Fried foods
Anything deep-fried may make your mouth water, but if the food has been “breaded” with added carbs such as bread crumbs, cornmeal, or flour, those carbs need counting.
Depending on the method of frying, these foods also pack a calorie punch when you consider the amount of extra fat involved. Fried foods can be eaten in moderation and it’s best to choose those fried in a heart-healthy oil.
Consider purchasing an air fryer which allows you to indulge in crispy fried veggies and meats without added breading or oil.

8. Syrups and jellies
Considering that a 1/4 cup serving of maple syrup or molasses has 45 to 70 grams of carbs, and we really like to use it on a stack of pancakes or waffles, this combo can really drive your blood glucose skyward. If you’re craving a short stack, try a sugar-free, low calorie syrup alternative.
Jellies and jams are usually made with fruit juice and added sugars. Even those products that claim to be 100 percent fruit are 100 percent carbs. Most jams and jellies contain between 9 to 15 grams of carbs per tablespoon.
Of course the biscuit or toast where the jelly goes must also be counted in the carb total. Look for sugar-free versions of your favorites for a 3 to 5 gram carb alternative.

9. Candy
We hate to lump together all forms of candy, but it’s true that most of them just don’t fit into a diabetes-friendly diet. Whether it’s a sugary pack of Skittles or a Reese’s, most regular-sized candy bars have at least 25 grams of carbs.
If you’re absolutely dying for something sweet, try three dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, which tallies about 9 grams of carbs. Beware that most candy labeled “sugar-free” usually isn’t free of sugar. It may contain sugar alcohols but these can still raise blood glucose and do not significantly reduce the calorie content.
Some brands have incorporated the sweetener Stevia into their chocolate, but keep in mind that sugar-free does not equal calorie-free or mean that you can partake in unlimited amounts.

10. Granola or breakfast bars
Granola bars or breakfast bars have a reputation for being “healthy” alternatives but reading the nutrition label reveals that many of these bars contain 25 to 30 grams of carbs and little protein or fiber.
Also, check the label for the serving size because the package may contain two bars but the serving size is one bar. Chances are we’re going to eat both bars at a sitting which means double the carbs listed on the label.

11. Sugary coffee drinks
A caramel macchiato is just coffee, right? Lawd, we wish that were true. Flavored coffee drinks do more than give you a caffeine boost, they also contribute a significant amount of sugar and carbs to your diet.
A 16-ounce caramel macchiato has a whopping 35 grams of carbs, and that’s only one option on a lengthy menu of dessert coffees you can choose from. Ask for the sugar-free syrup options and request lower-fat milk to keep carbs and calories in check.

12. Breakfast pastries
Donuts, cinnamon rolls, and danishes, oh my! Whether they’re sold in plastic wrapping or come fresh from a bakery, pastries disguise themselves as breakfast, but they’re really dessert.
As tempting as it might be, when someone brings in a box of treats to the office (really, Karen?) avoid the break room and head straight for your stash of healthier options.
Keep a low-carb protein shake, small fruit cups, or packages of nuts in your desk. These don’t need refrigeration and they can hit the spot when that mid-morning stomach growling starts.
The bottom line
Carbs aren’t the enemy for someone with Diabetes but keeping track of carb intake is essential for better control of blood glucose levels.
Remember that a well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins will help deliver much-needed essential nutrients to the diet.
Living with diabetes should not be about deprivation or guilt when it comes to food choices