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People with high blood sugar face many challenges in daily life, especially when it comes to their diet.

For individuals with diabetes, food choices—particularly the need to avoid foods that seem harmless but can worsen the condition—are matters requiring constant attention.

During a recent consultation, a patient expressed frustration:
"Doctor, can I really not eat watermelon?" she asked, looking confused and doubtful.

The doctor explained that although watermelon is high in sugar, eating it in moderation doesn't necessarily lead to a blood sugar spike. In fact, it can provide hydration and certain nutritional benefits.

However, the doctor quickly pointed out something more concerning for Ms. Zhang to pay attention to—some other foods in her diet were far more dangerous. These not only contain high sugar content but also cause significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels. These are the foods that people with diabetes truly need to avoid.

When most people think of diabetes, the first thing that comes to mind is “no sugar allowed.”

But a diabetic diet is not just about avoiding sweets. Even some foods that appear healthy or harmless can negatively impact blood sugar control if consumed improperly.

So, which foods should diabetics truly avoid?
There are four types that require special attention:

1. Puffed rice cakes

2. Candied fruits

3. French fries

4. Frozen dumplings

These foods are often mistakenly seen as harmless or even “guilt-free” choices in daily life, but their sugar content and glycemic impact are significant and shouldn't be overlooked.

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1. Puffed Rice Cakes

Many people consider puffed rice cakes to be convenient and light snacks, often marketed as healthy.

However, the biggest issue with puffed rice cakes is their high Glycemic Index (GI). The GI measures how quickly a food raises blood glucose levels.

In the production of puffed rice cakes, the rice is expanded and processed at high temperatures. This results in carbohydrates that are rapidly absorbed by the body, causing quick spikes in blood sugar. For diabetics, these sharp fluctuations increase the risk of complications like cardiovascular disease. Even though puffed rice cakes are low in calories, their high GI makes them a major culprit for blood sugar instability.

Studies have shown that the GI of brown rice products can exceed 70, while diabetics are generally advised to consume foods with a GI under 55.

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2. Candied Fruits

Many diabetics overlook the fact that these seemingly innocent snacks are sugar traps.

Candied fruits are made by heavily sweetening natural fruit. Although fresh fruit has nutritional value, its sugar concentration increases significantly during processing.

Even fresh fruits need portion control due to their natural fructose and glucose content. Candied fruits, loaded with added sugar, have an even higher glycemic load.

Overconsumption of candied fruits not only adds to sugar intake but also leads to blood sugar spikes that hinder treatment effectiveness.

Commercially available candied fruits often contain high-fructose syrup, preservatives, and additives. These compounds worsen glycemic control.

Statistics show that sugar content in some candied fruits can exceed 80g per 100g, far beyond the recommended daily sugar intake for diabetics.

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3. French Fries

French fries are widely available in fast-food chains and street stalls, becoming a staple in modern fast-paced lifestyles.

To many, fries are a simple, go-to snack—especially when dining out.

But they are not suitable for people with diabetes.

French fries are deep-fried at high temperatures, losing water and becoming highly caloric.

They are also high in saturated fat, especially if fried in reused oil, which negatively affects blood sugar regulation.

Additionally, the starchy content of potatoes turns into glucose quickly after consumption, leading to blood sugar spikes.

For diabetics, overconsumption of fried foods not only leads to excess calorie intake but also increases risks such as weight gain and dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fats).

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4. Frozen Dumplings

Quick-frozen dumplings are popular for their convenience, especially for busy people who see them as a simple meal option.

However, these dumplings often contain refined flour, additives, and high amounts of salt. They are also rich in carbohydrates, oil, and preservatives.

The combination of refined carbs and unhealthy fats is particularly risky for diabetics.

Refined flour has a high GI, meaning it’s digested and absorbed rapidly, causing blood sugar spikes.

Additives and flavorings in frozen dumplings may also interfere with digestive and metabolic functions.

Therefore, diabetics should be especially cautious when choosing frozen foods and avoid those high in refined starches and unhealthy fats.

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A Final Word

When managing diabetes, patients must be extremely mindful of their diet.

Fruits like watermelon, though containing natural sugars, are usually safe if eaten in moderation. However, puffed rice cakes, candied fruits, French fries, and frozen dumplings are hidden threats that many overlook.

A proper diabetic diet should be low-GI, high in fiber, and free from foods that trigger rapid glucose spikes.

Smart food choices not only help manage blood sugar but also promote overall health and improve quality of life.

The content above is for reference only. If you experience discomfort or have health concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional promptly.