Many people think that simply cutting out sweets and sugary drinks is enough to lower blood sugar levels. However, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who works in the US, said: Controlling blood sugar is not simply about avoiding sweets. There are some surprising foods that can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar, according to the health news site Best Life.

Here, doctors point out 5 daily foods that can increase blood sugar levels without you knowing.

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Bread

According to Dr. Dasgupta, white bread can make cells less sensitive to insulin, increasing the risk of insulin resistance over time, while also causing the risk of blood sugar spikes.

Although it doesn't taste sweet, white bread is made from refined flour (which has had its fiber-containing bran and germ removed) that breaks down into sugar quickly during digestion. This rapid absorption can cause blood sugar spikes, he explains.

Flavored low-fat yogurt

This type of yogurt often contains sugar which can cause insulin spikes.

Low-fat yogurt is often considered healthy, but flavored yogurts often contain hidden sugars, notes Maria Teresa Anton, MD, an endocrinologist at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami. Added sugars, combined with the low fat content of the food, will cause blood sugar levels to rise more quickly.

It's best to choose unsweetened low-fat yogurts, as they're high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which helps control blood sugar.

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Dried fruit can increase blood sugar levels

Fruits are known to be high in fiber and have a low glycemic index. However, unlike fresh fruit, dried fruit can raise blood sugar levels. Just one handful of dried fruit can provide as much or more sugar than a candy bar.

Without water, the sugar in dried fruit is much more concentrated, which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, explains Dr. Dasgupta, according to Best Life.

Potato

In general, vegetables are good for blood sugar. However, starchy vegetables can raise blood sugar much more quickly because they are rich in carbohydrates, which break down into glucose.

Dr Daniel Atkinson, who works in the UK, said potatoes can cause a spike in blood sugar. On the contrary, although they may seem sweeter, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, which is good for people who are monitoring their blood sugar.

Fried food

Dr. Dasgupta warns that while fried foods may not have sugar, they are often coated in flour or starch that acts like simple carbohydrates in the body.

Additionally, frying adds unhealthy fats, which can contribute to insulin resistance if eaten regularly. The combination of high carbohydrates and fat can lead to an exaggerated insulin response later.