What Not to Eat Before a Blood Sugar Test

Blood tests are necessary, and everyone gets one done at some point or another. Depending on the type of blood work being done, you may have to avoid certain foods and drinks in order to keep the test valid. In some cases, you may not be allowed to eat or drink at all prior to taking the exam. In most cases, however, reasonable food and drink is allowable, but there are a few no-no's. Here is a short list detailing which food and drinks should be avoided before a blood sugar test.

Soda

In order to decide which things make the top of the no-no list, we will turn to the Glycemic Index. The Glycemic Index is a chart that assigns values to various levels of carbohydrate-rich foods. Blood sugar is most affected by the carbohydrates we consume. One of the worst sources of sugary carbohydrates is soda. Avoid soda before a blood sugar test.

Fruit Juices

High in carbohydrates and artificial sugar and flavors, fruit juices are considered by many scientists and nutritionists to be almost as bad as soda. The high carbs and sugar create an insulin spike, which will totally destroy any validity that a blood sugar test would yield. So, don't drink fruit juices before a blood sugar test.

Coffee

Coffee in and of itself is not the problem. It's the sugar and cream that make their way into the coffee that cause the problems. Just as with fruit juices, too much cream and sugar create a similar insulin spike that render test results useless. So, if you are going to drink coffee before a blood sugar test, make sure it's black, and make sure it's at least three hours before the test to ensure best results.

Sugary Cereals

Avoid any cereals that are not oat or bran based, and even then it's a good idea to avoid them before a blood sugar test. Oats are high in natural sugars, which can create problematic test results for a blood sugar test. Typical cereals, such as Cheerios and Lucky Charms, must not be eaten prior to a blood sugar test, due to their inflated amounts of sugar, flavoring and carbohydrates.

Syrup

This seems to go without saying, but it can be overlooked by anybody. Syrup makes a welcome addition to any breakfast table. It finds it's way onto pancakes, french toast and even into oatmeal and grits. Syrup is one of the most densely sugar-saturated things in the kitchen, and produces the same insulin spike as soda and fruit juice. Avoid syrup before a blood sugar test for optimal results.