Authored by The Rx Advocates, / Medically Reviewed by Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS
Last Updated: December 2024
Jardiance is a medication commonly used to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. As you know, people with type 2 diabetes have difficulty regulating their blood sugar levels, and Jardiance can help manage this. However, did you know that what you eat can affect how well Jardiance works? Don’t worry; this article will tell you what foods to avoid when taking Jardiance.
Jardiance helps the kidneys eliminate extra sugar from the body through urine. This helps lower the amount of sugar in the blood. However, our food also significantly affects our blood sugar levels. Certain foods can cause our blood sugar to go up, and this might make it harder for Jardiance to do its job effectively. This shows that intelligent food decisions aid the medication in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. We aren’t telling you that you must abandon your favorite foods; instead, it’s about finding harmony between your choices and the medication.
Understanding Jardiance
Jardiance, also known by its generic name empagliflozin, falls under a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. We have already established that they work by helping your kidneys remove excess sugar from the body through urine. This is highly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes as it keeps your blood sugar levels normal.
Benefits
Some of the benefits of Jardiance are lower blood pressure, a healthier heart, and it lowers the risk of developing kidney disease.
Adverse Effects
Jardiance has many benefits; however, there are also some adverse effects you should know about. Effects can range from mild to severe. So, what are the side effects of Jardiance? Some include urinating more than normal, urinary tract infections, and nausea.
Mechanism of Action
The way Jardiance works is centered on its ability to hinder the activity of SGLT2 receptors located in the kidneys. Ordinarily, these receptors reabsorb glucose, or sugar, into the blood. However, by impeding this process, Jardiance encourages the elimination of surplus glucose through urine, reducing blood sugar levels.
Foods to Avoid While Taking Jardiance
We have already covered that certain foods interact with Jardiance and affect its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels. Understanding what foods to avoid when taking Jardiance can help you make informed dietary choices to get the most out of your medication.
Should Jardiance Be Taken With Food?
Yes, Jardiance is suitable for consumption both with and without meals. Following your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the administration of Jardiance is advised. So, here are some foods to avoid while taking Jardiance.
Jardiance and Caffeine
Jardiance and caffeine have a strange relationship. Firstly, there is no identified interaction between Jardiance and caffeine. Don’t celebrate just yet. Caffeine induces diuretic effects (substances capable of causing you to produce more urine) in the body, leading to increased visits to the bathroom.
Here’s the thing: Jardiance also does that. Merging them can cause dehydration due to excess fluid loss. This is why you must be careful when taking Jardiance and caffeine.
Jardiance and Alcohol
While there’s no strict prohibition against consuming alcohol while on Jardiance, you should be cautious about potential adverse effects. Alcohol intake has the potential to both elevate and decrease blood sugar levels, which could lead to either high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This depends on how much and how frequently you drink it.
Another thing to note is that, similarly to caffeine, alcohol also causes an increase in urine. Combining Jardiance and alcohol can elevate the likelihood of dehydration and lower blood pressure.
Sugar and Sweets
Considering that the purpose of Jardiance is to reduce the amount of sugar in your blood, it is evident that sugar and sweets are on the list of foods to avoid while taking Jardiance. Here’s the thing, though: sugar and sweets don’t cause any interaction with Jardiance. It just contradicts your reason for taking Jardiance.
Reducing your sugar intake reduces blood glucose levels, enhancing the results of Jardiance. Sugar is not just in honey, candy, etc. It is also in cereals, granola, and your favorite sauce. So, it is crucial to read labels before consuming products.
General Dietary Guidelines for Type 2 Diabetes
When dealing with type 2 diabetes, embracing a well-balanced and attentive dietary strategy becomes crucial to enhance overall health and work harmoniously with Jardiance. Here are a few fundamental dietary recommendations to keep in mind:
Monitor Blood Sugar
Perhaps the most obvious one is monitoring your blood sugar levels. Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels can help you understand how different foods and meals impact your body. This enables you to make informed dietary choices that align with your diabetes management goals.
Hydration
We’ve established that alcohol and Jardiance or Jardiance and caffeine can increase the frequency in which you urinate. So, to avoid dehydration, you will need to drink adequate fluids.
Counting Carbs
Monitoring your carb intake and establishing meal-specific limits can assist in maintaining your blood sugar within the desired range. Collaborate with your physician or a registered dietitian to determine your daily and per-meal carb allowance.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Dietary fiber encompasses the non-digestible components of plant foods. It regulates the digestive process and contributes to blood sugar level management. Foods abundant in fiber include:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Legumes, like beans and peas
- Whole grains
Limit Processed Foods
Processed foods often contain hidden sugars and unhealthy fats. Choose whole, minimally processed foods to support steady blood sugar levels and overall health.
Regular Meals
Eating regular, balanced meals throughout the day can help prevent extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or overeating later.
Healthy Fats
Look to sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish for healthy unsaturated fats. These fats contribute to heart health and can assist in improved blood sugar management.
Adhering to these general dietary guidelines can create a foundation for effective type 2 diabetes management using medications like Jardiance. A well-balanced diet helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, allowing medications to work optimally. Remember that dietary changes can significantly influence your overall well-being, and consulting a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance on achieving your health goals.
Advice for Individuals at Risk
So perhaps you don’t have type 2 diabetes, but you are at risk of getting it; taking proactive steps to manage your diet can significantly influence your overall health and help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. These steps can include:
- Healthy foods – Go for nutritious choices by selecting foods that are lower in fat and calories and rich in fiber. Prioritize the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise – At least 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity within the moderate to vigorous range. Such activities include brisk walking, cycling, running, or swimming.
- Losing weight – For individuals carrying excess weight, shedding a moderate amount of weight and maintaining it can potentially slow down the transition from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. If you’re in the prediabetes stage, achieving a weight loss of around 7% to 10% of your body weight might decrease the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Taking proactive measures in managing your diet can profoundly impact your overall health and play a significant role in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes. If you have concerns about your risk factors or need personalized guidance, consulting with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian can offer tailored advice to support your journey toward better health.
Understanding the dietary considerations surrounding Jardiance and type 2 diabetes is pivotal for optimizing medication effectiveness and overall health. The foods we consume can significantly influence blood sugar levels, impacting Jardiance’s ability to regulate them effectively. Knowing what foods to avoid when taking Jardiance prevents you from canceling out the benefits of the medication and promotes better diabetes management.
For those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, being proactive in making healthier dietary choices is equally crucial. Prioritizing whole foods, engaging in regular exercise, and considering weight management strategies can significantly reduce the risk of transitioning from prediabetes to full-fledged diabetes.
It is always important to tell your doctor or a healthcare professional what you eat while on medication.
