All Foods to Avoid When on Jardiance (empagliflozin)

1. Foods with high sugar content

Jardiance (and other SGLT2 inhibitors) work by helping your body excrete excess glucose through your urine. Consuming high-sugar foods can add more glucose to your bloodstream, making the medication work harder and increasing the risk of side effects like genital infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Examples of these foods would be cookies, cakes, candy. High sugar beverages like store-bought sodas and  fruit juices or processed foods with added sugars.

Opt for foods with lower glycemic indexes, such as whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins. This can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels.

2. Alcoholic beverages

Alcohol can have a similar impact to blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Especially when combined with Jardiance (empagliflozin) and other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. Alcohol is also a dehydrating substance, which can exacerbate the risk of dehydration and hypotension (low blood pressure), both very common side effects of Jardiance (empagliflozin).

If you drink alcohol, limit your intake and avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Stay hydrated and monitor your blood sugar levels closely. It’s highly recommended to simply avoid any alcohol intake while on medication.

3. Ketogenic diets or those with “low-carb” focus

While low-carb diets can help to control blood sugar levels, combining them with Jardiance (empagliflozin) increases the risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA). This serious condition occurs when the body starts producing high levels of ketones, even if blood sugar is relatively normal. Keto diets, in particular, promote ketone production because of their focus on fat metabolism.

Consider following a whole and more balanced diet that includes moderate amounts of carbohydrates from healthy whole-food sources like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.

4. Extremely salty foods

Jardiance (empagliflozin) can cause dehydration and lower blood pressure due to increased urination. A high-sodium diet can contribute to fluid retention and exacerbate dehydration or blood pressure fluctuations. In patients with existing cardiovascular issues, excess salt can be a concern.

Examples of foods would include processed meats like bacon, sausages, and deli meats. Canned soups and pre-packaged meals that usually have high sodium amounts. Or snacks like chips, pretzels, and other salted snacks.

5. Food groups with higher trans-fats

Jardiance (empagliflozin) may increase LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in some patients. Consuming foods high in unhealthy fats can raise cholesterol levels further, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Examples of these food groups would be fried foods, fast food, fatty cuts of meat, butter, full-fat dairy, and packaged baked goods (pastries, doughnuts). These usually have higher fat content due to either the way they are cooked or the way they are preserved.

Instead, opt for cooking at home and using a natural fat content that comes from avocado and olive oil. 

6. Caffeine

Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which can worsen dehydration and increase urination, a side effect already caused by Jardiance (empagliflozin). Try to limit your caffeine intake from coffee, tea, and energy drinks, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay well hydrated.

7. Processed and refined carbs

Foods high in refined carbs, like white bread, pasta, and pastries, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. While Jardiance (empagliflozin) helps lower blood sugar levels, consuming large amounts of these carbs can make it harder to keep glucose levels under control.