Do I Need to Cut All Sugar If I’m Diabetic?

Living With Diabetes: What You Can (and Can’t) Eat

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes—or are trying to get your blood sugar under control—your first thought might be: Do I have to give up all sugar forever?

Good news: not necessarily. While managing diabetes does mean making some important changes to your diet and habits, it doesn’t mean your favorite foods are off-limits forever. The key is balance, awareness, and support.

Here’s how to live a healthier (and still enjoyable!) life with diabetes:

1. You Don’t Have to Ditch All Sugar

Yes, sugar affects your blood glucose. But carbs are in more than just candy—they’re in fruit, milk, grains, and even veggies. The goal isn’t to eliminate all carbs or sugars, but to manage them.

Do: Choose whole carbs like oats, brown rice, beans, and fruit.
Don’t: Rely on ultra-processed snacks or sugary drinks.

Tip: Pay attention to the total carbs per meal, and pair them with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep your blood sugar steady.

2. Quit Smoking if You Can

Smoking makes diabetes more dangerous. It increases the risk of complications like nerve damage, kidney issues, heart disease, and poor circulation.

If you smoke, talk to your doctor about a plan to quit—it’s one of the most powerful changes you can make.

3. Move Your Body, Even a Little

Regular movement lowers blood sugar and helps your body use insulin more effectively. It doesn’t have to be fancy—brisk walks, dancing, or yoga all count.

Goal: 30 minutes of movement most days of the week. Break it into chunks if needed!

4. Carry a Snack—Just in Case

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can strike fast. Keep quick-fix options handy, like juice, glucose tablets, or fruit snacks.

Symptoms to watch for: Shakiness, sweating, dizziness, irritability, or confusion.

5. Drink Smart

Alcohol can lower blood sugar—sometimes dangerously so. It also masks symptoms of low blood sugar, which can lead to risky situations.

Stick to one drink (women) or two (men) per day max.
Eat before or while you drink, and check your blood sugar more often if you plan to indulge.

Need Help Managing Diabetes? We’ve Got You.

Managing diabetes isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re adjusting your diet, looking for medication support, or just need a roadmap—you’re not alone.
At BASS Medical Group, our care network includes:

• Primary Care Providers who help monitor your overall health
• Endocrinologists who specialize in hormone-related conditions like diabetes
• Lifestyle and Obesity Medicine experts, including Dr. Smruti Nalawadi at our BASS Obesity & Lifestyle Institute in Morgan Hill

Schedule a visit at bassmedicalgroup.com or call one of our Northern California offices to take control of your diabetes with a care plan that actually fits your life.