6 foods to avoid with Trulicity

In the world of medications, there are those that do their job with no help from you and those that need an assist. The diabetes medication Trulicity is firmly in the second category, working best when paired with healthy habits like regular movement and a balanced diet. That’s because certain foods can make side effects more likely or cause bigger swings in blood sugar (exactly what Trulicity is trying to help you avoid). While there’s no official list of foods to avoid with Trulicity, here’s what experts suggest cutting back on to help you feel your best.

What not to eat on Trulicity

Like other glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1s), Trulicity (dulaglutide) mimics a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and slow digestion. But because what you eat stays in your stomach for a longer period of time, some foods can trigger side effects like nausea or bloating. They can also make it harder for the medication to do its job in managing blood sugar. Reducing how much of those foods you eat can make a big difference in how you feel while on a Trulicity prescription. Here’s where to start:

Foods high in added sugar

“Added sugars — like those found in sodas and desserts — can spike blood glucose levels quickly, which undermines Trulicity’s job of improving glucose control,” explains Grace Derocha, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Over time, frequent spikes can also worsen insulin resistance — meaning your body has a harder time using insulin to turn sugar into energy. For those with type 2 diabetes, the body already struggles to respond to insulin, so worsening that resistance makes blood sugar even harder to manage. Limiting added sugars can help the medication work more effectively and support better energy, digestion, and long-term health, she says.

Foods high in less healthy fats

To avoid side effects, you’ll want to limit how much fat you eat, especially saturated fats found in fatty meats, greasy food, and fried foods. “High-fat meals can worsen nausea and vomiting, and delay gastric emptying,” says Dr. Olubunmi Oladunjoye, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Because fat takes longer to get digested and Trulicity also slows digestion, eating fatty foods while taking the medication can make you feel pretty uncomfortable. You don’t need to avoid all fat, but limit the amount, and if possible, choose heart-healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, for gentler digestion and better overall health.

Refined grains and carbohydrates

Just like sugar, refined grains and simple carbs (things like white rice, white bread, and pastries) break down quickly, causing sharp blood sugar spikes — even with Trulicity’s glucose-regulating effects, says Derocha. Choosing more complex carbohydrates, like quinoa, oats, or whole wheat bread, provides fiber that slows digestion, she says. That slower release helps keep blood sugar steadier, which makes it easier for the medication to do its job and may make side effects less likely.

Foods high in sodium

Those with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, so reducing sodium intake is a good idea. “High-sodium foods like canned soups, deli meats, and salty snacks can increase blood pressure and fluid retention, compounding risks,” says Derocha. Even non-salty foods like bread can pack hidden sodium, so make sure to look at labels.

Ultra processed foods

Ultra processed foods have been changed from their natural state, often with added sugar, salt, or saturated fat and lower levels of fiber and other nutrients (think things like frozen entrées, sugary cereals, and certain fast foods). “They’re quickly absorbed and may disrupt glucose control,” says Oladunjoye, making it harder to manage blood sugar. Saturated fats, which are often found in ultra processed foods, can also raise LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and increase the risk of heart disease, a concern for many with type 2 diabetes, says Derocha.

Alcohol

When managing diabetes, it’s helpful to be able to know how your blood sugar is going to react to things you eat or drink. And booze can make doing that a lot harder. “Alcohol can cause unpredictable blood sugar effects,” says Derocha, noting it can raise or lower glucose depending on the type, amount, food intake, and activity that day. Because Trulicity slows digestion and affects insulin response, drinking can heighten nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and the risk of low blood sugar — especially on an empty stomach. Generally we want to avoid alcohol as it is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. However, if you are going to drink, aim for moderation — don’t go over two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women — and check with your healthcare provider about what’s safe for you.

Foods to eat while taking Trulicity

Now that you know what to avoid, what should you actually put on your plate? First off: Not too much food. Smaller, more frequent meals can reduce strain on your digestive system and help ease side effects like nausea or bloating, says Derocha. As for what to eat, she recommends focusing on high-fiber foods — vegetables, legumes, berries, and whole grains — to help keep your blood sugar steady, along with lean proteins such as chicken, tofu, or eggs for lasting fullness. Ginger or peppermint tea may help calm nausea, and staying well-hydrated is key, especially given that Trulicity slows digestion and may cause diarrhea.

Side effects of Trulicity

The most common side effect of Trulicity (and other GLP-1s) is nausea, especially when you’re just starting out or increasing your dose. Studies show that anywhere from 8% to 29% of people felt some nausea within the first few days of their first injection. But for most, it eased up within two weeks. Here’s a list of some of the most common Trulicity side effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Indigestion
• Fatigue

Some people are more prone to experiencing these side effects than others, says Oladunjoye. Studies show that men and older adults tend to have lower odds of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea than women and younger adults. And if you have a history of digestive issues like gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), your risk may be higher. Side effects are also more common at higher Trulicity doses. They should start to feel better as your body gets used to the medication, so if they don’t ease up, be sure to check in with your doctor. Find a full list of Trulicity side effects on the package insert.

Trulicity alternatives

There are other prescription medications besides Trulicity that can help manage type 2 diabetes. This includes oral pills — like metformin or sitagliptin (Januvia) — or injections, such as the GLP-1s Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Victoza (liraglutide). There are a few different ways these drugs work: Some help your body use insulin more effectively, others help you flush out extra sugar through your urine, and others lower blood sugar by slowing digestion. As with any weight-loss medication, discuss your options with your physician to decide which is the safest and most effective for you based on your health and lifestyle.

The bottom line

Trulicity can be an effective part of type 2 diabetes management, especially when paired with balanced eating and lifestyle habits that support steady blood sugar. While there’s no strict list of foods you must avoid, limiting added sugars, saturated fats, refined grains, high-sodium items, highly processed foods, and excess alcohol can help reduce side effects and improve how you feel day to day. Small, frequent, and nutrient-packed meals can make it easier for your body to work with the medication, not against it. And if you’re unsure about what’s right for you, your doctor can help tailor a plan that fits your needs and preferences.