It is crucial to pay attention to blood sugar levels when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. High blood sugar is one of the main causes of health concerns like type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, heart diseases, and more. It is common knowledge that having too much sugar in food and drinks can cause blood sugar level spikes. However, there are some other foods that have a surprisingly similar effect and are not well-known.

Fruit juice
While they are commonly considered a healthy choice when on the prowl for something tasty and hydrating, fruit juices are also one of the foods that can cause a significant rise in blood sugar levels. One of the reasons for this is that the fiber content of whole fruits is lost when they are juiced. To avoid such high spikes in blood sugar levels, stick with whole fruit or freshly squeezed fruit juice without adding sugar to it.

White rice
Many cultures use white rice as a staple food. However, white rice is also a rich source of carbohydrates. The body is fast to break down carbohydrates into simpler sugar, which causes blood sugar spikes. Adding vegetables or protein with white rice or substituting it with other whole grains will help lower blood sugar levels.

Dried fruits
Similarly, dried fruits are considered one of the healthiest snacking options. Disappointingly enough, these are also foods that contain high levels of sugar. The drying process concentrates the number of natural sugars in these foods. This concentration of sugars is then reflected in the form of high blood sugar levels of the person.

Processed foods
Bakery goods like cookies, cakes, and donuts are high in sugar content and can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Aside from being high in sugar content, these foods are also low in nutrients and can cause the development of multiple health concerns.

Energy bars
Often marketed as healthy meal replacement options or snacks, most of these have lots of added sugar and refined carbohydrate content. This leads to a quick rise in blood sugar levels. To avoid a rise in blood sugar levels from this seemingly healthy snack, opt for bars that have low levels of added sugar and high protein, and healthy fat content.

White bread
A staple food for millions across the world, white bread intake can result in a significant increase in blood sugar levels. The body is capable of quickly breaking down the refined flour that is used in the preparation of white bread. The quick processing of flour into glucose causes blood sugar spikes and increases the risk of other lifestyle disorders.

Flavored yogurt
Another food that is often marketed as a healthy and tasty snack, flavored yogurt, is packed with added sugars. It can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which can prove harmful for people with diabetes. It is best to avoid packaged, or store-bought flavored yogurts and buy unflavored or plain Greek yogurt instead. Alternatively, you can make flavored yogurt at home with fresh fruit.

Instant oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is an easy and time-saving option for a healthy breakfast. However, it is also high in added sugar content. This can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels if the meal is not balanced with a healthy dose of protein and healthy fats. In addition to the sugar, instant oatmeal also contains preservatives that can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney diseases or other disorders, including type 2 diabetes.

Sweetened beverages
Sweet teas, coffees, sodas, sports drinks, and milkshakes can easily increase blood sugar levels. They are all high in sugar content and can be unhealthy for patients with diabetes or other kidney issues. Most of these beverages deliver little to no nutrients to the body and can increase the risk of complications associated with chronic kidney disorders.

Honey
Honey is a healthier alternative to sugar and is commonly used as a natural substitute. However, people tend to forget that it is still a sweetener. It is still high in natural sugar content and can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is recommended that honey be used in moderation to avoid an increased blood sugar level.

Packaged snacks
Packaged or processed snacks like crackers, chips, fries, and pretzels can surprisingly be considered one of the common sources of blood sugar spikes. These foods are rich in refined carbohydrate content. This leads to easier access to glucose for the blood and results in subsequent spikes in blood sugar levels.

While people are aware that sugary foods can cause their blood sugar levels to go up, they often do not consider some of these surprising foods to be delivering the same effect. The consistently high levels of blood sugar lead to a condition called hyperglycemia. Some of the symptoms to look out for in case of frequent blood sugar spikes include:

Frequent urination
When there is excessive sugar in the bloodstream, the kidneys work extra hard to flush it out. This causes the increased formation of urine and frequent visits to the bathroom.

Increased thirst
Increased thirst is one of the most common symptoms of excess blood glucose. The body tries to flush it out via urine, which can cause dehydration, making the body constantly feel the urge to drink more fluids.

Fatigue
Although high blood sugar is often considered to help with energy, consistently high levels can cause fatigue. It hinders the body’s capacity to use blood glucose for energy. This causes lethargy and fatigue, leaving the person drained and incapable of maintaining an active lifestyle.

Blurred vision
One of the common symptoms of high blood sugar levels is blurred vision. This is caused by the swelling up of the lens, which obscures clear vision.

Slow healing
Excess blood sugar levels can interfere with the ability of the body to heal wounds. This increases the healing time of the body, which then increases the chances of the wound turning infected.