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Key Information

  • Managing type 2 diabetes is not only about foods that contain obvious sugar.
  • Carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes are broken down into glucose and can affect your blood sugar.
  • You do not need to cut carbohydrates out completely. They are an important source of energy for your body, including your brain.
  • A useful approach is to look at the whole meal: the carbohydrate-rich foods, the portion size, what else is on the plate and one realistic change you could make.

Why Can Foods That Do Not Taste Sugary Affect Blood Sugar?

Many foods are rich in carbohydrates, including bread, rice, pasta and potatoes. When you digest them, the carbohydrate is broken down into glucose, which is a type of sugar.

This means a food such as bread can affect your blood sugar even though it does not taste sugary.

Do I Need to Avoid Carbohydrates?

No. Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy for your body, including your brain.

The aim is not to be frightened of carbohydrates or cut them out completely.

How Can I Look at a Meal?

Four simple questions can help you think about the meal as a whole:

  • Where are the carbohydrate-rich foods?
  • How large is the portion?
  • What else is in the meal?
  • Is there one realistic change you could make?

Foods containing fibre, protein or fat can slow how quickly carbohydrate is digested and absorbed. This can make the rise in your blood sugar more gradual. You might look for vegetables or other sources of fibre, a source of protein, or a healthier source of fat.

What Might One Realistic Change Look Like?

If you have a large portion of rice, for example, you could look at how much rice you are having and what else is on the plate.

You might choose a smaller portion of rice, add more vegetables, or include a source of protein or healthier fat. Looking at all four questions does not mean you need to change everything at once.

How Does This Fit with a Diabetes Group Clinic?

At a diabetes group clinic at The Adam Practice, this way of thinking can be applied to your meals, your blood results and your day-to-day life.

Further Information

For more information about diabetes, please visit the NHS website.

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

Next review due: 21 August 2029