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Can Diabetics Eat Noodles?

Can diabetics eat noodles

Can Diabetics Eat Noodles Without Spiking Blood Sugar?

Diet is one of the lifestyle changes that every diabetic must embrace. Everyone has that busy morning or exhausted evening where noodles had to be the only option. It is hard to exclude easily preferable meals like noodles, so I know the question that brought you here is, can diabetics eat noodles? 

Well yes, diabetics can eat noodles. As you may have heard, pasta is probably not good for a diabetic. However, as a diabetic, it is important to carry out extensive research on your diet before believing what everybody says. Diabetics can eat any meal, however, some should be eaten in extremely low amounts or look for healthy alternatives to the ingredients used. 

Noodles can be part of a healthy diabetic diet when the patient exercises portion control, moderation, and is active physically. Diabetics are advised to take Whole grain foods; they tend to have more nutrients and lesser amounts of sugar and carbs. 

Can Diabetics Eat Noodles Like Pasta?

In his century, many people suffer from this lifestyle disease known as diabetes. Diabetes is caused by the decrease in production of insulin which as a result causes high blood sugars. High blood sugar occurs when there is an extreme increase of glucose in the bloodstream, without being absorbed into the blood cells. Obesity has also been associated with diabetes, therefore controlling weight is a major concern for diabetics. 

Noodles and other types of pasta are generally discouraged for diabetics. Pasta tends to contain a lot of carbohydrates. 

Noodles are made up of a certain type of grain. Therefore for diabetics, whole grain pasta is encouraged. During the manufacturing process, some of the grain is removed to achieve a finer end product. However, for whole-grain products, the whole grain is used in the manufacturing process including the bran, germ, and endosperm. Whole grain products tend to have more fibre and more complex starches that help control blood sugars. Pasta for diabetics is made from whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat, and barley.

Traditional noodles are not ideal for diabetics, or for anyone for that matter. Whole grain noodles are great for diabetics; they help slow sugar absorption preventing a sugar spike, which helps improve blood sugar levels. The fibre in whole grain pasta also helps lower cholesterol, have a feeling of fullness for longer, and improved digestive health. Whole grain noodles come in several varieties such as whole wheat pasta, quinoa pasta, and brown rice pasta. 

How to Include Noodles in Your Diabetic Diet

Can diabetics eat noodles

Diabetics are advised to watch their portion sizes when it comes to high-carb meals. Here is a list of ideas on how to include noodles in your diabetic diet;

  • Add vegetables: seeing that you don’t get to fill up your plate with noodles, consider adding a good amount of vegetables. Apart from making you more satisfied, vegetables also help reduce the impact that noodles can potentially have on your blood sugar level. Vegetables such as broccoli, lentils, or spinach are great additions to your noodles! If you don’t wish to mix your noodles with vegetables, you can vegetables as an appetizer. Doctors have pointed out that eating proteins or vegetables as appetizers can have a great impact on your blood sugars and even reduce your reliance on medication, especially for type 2 diabetics. 
  • Eat noodles as a side meal: when it comes to oodles, you think of a whole plate, however with diabetes, take noodles as a side meal. The main meal should be preferably grain food. Pasta should account for 15g of carbs. Meat proteins are also a great accompaniment for noodles. Go for proteins such as fish, chicken, or eggs. Proteins help control blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion. 
  • Cook noodles al dente: as a type 2 diabetic, you are advised to cook your noodles moderately, up to when they achieve a crisp, firm feel. Overcooked noodles can raise blood sugars to dangerous levels due to their high glycemic index. Al dente pasta has a slower digestion rate, therefore easy on blood sugar levels. 
  • Go for whole-grain noodles: the market is saturated with healthy alternatives to choose from. Whole grain noodles are ideal for diabetics due to their fibre and low-carb content. 

Can Diabetics Eat Noodles? The Best Noodles for a Diabetic

In case you are wondering, can diabetics eat noodles? Here is a list of the best noodles for diabetics;

  1. Semolina noodles. Semolina noodles are made from rice, corn, or wheat. They remain relatively hard even after cooking, therefore they undergo slow digestion. Choose “whole grain semolina” which is made of full grains. 
  2. Quinoa noodles: quinoa has many nutritional contents such as protein, vitamin B, E, iron, calcium, magnesium, and riboflavin. Surprisingly, quinoa noodles carry all the nutritional benefits of quinoa. Quinoa is also gluten-free. As always watch your portions, 4 ounces of quinoa contains 410 calories. 
  3. Egg noodles: egg noodles are good for diabetics due to their high levels of proteins and eggs tend to lower the glycemic index of noodles. Foods that have a low glycemic index score do not have much effect on blood sugars. however, These types of noodles contain low fibre and cholesterol, therefore not the best choice. 
  4. Buckwheat noodles: these noodles are made from buckwheat seeds. They do not contain gluten or wheat as suggested by the name. It has high levels of cholesterol-lowering fibre and is full of magnesium; which helps in controlling blood sugars. They are low-carb noodles where 4 ounces contain about 200 calories. 

Maintaining a healthy diet is important for diabetics. Good nutrition help control blood sugar level and will help reduce your reliance on medication in the long run.

Here are the answers to the question, can diabetics eat noodles;

  • Watch your food portion. Noodles should take up a quarter of your plate. Fill up your plate with other nutrients such as proteins and fibre. Vegetables and meat are great accompaniments to noodles.
  • Cook your noodles al dente or moderately
  • Go for whole-grain noodles. They tend to have a higher level of fibres and are easy on blood sugar levels. 

Can Diabetics Eat Lasagna?

Can diabetics eat lasagna

Everyone loves a serving of lasagna but not everyone is sure if they’re allowed to have the fill they want. Why? Because pasta is one of the dishes people with high blood sugar or diabetes need to go easy on. So, to proceed, “can diabetics eat lasagna or not?”

Can Diabetics Eat Lasagna or Not?

For diabetics, watching what one eats becomes more than just having a healthy lifestyle but rather a matter of life and death. Food that are high in calories and carbs are likely to send your blood sugars into overdrive. 

Generally, processed foods don’t go hand in hand with diabetes. They are known to cause rapid spikes in insulin. When carbohydrates undergo digestion, they are turned into glucose or simple sugar. Therefore, food rich in carbs are dangerous for diabetics, especially ones that undergo fast digestion.

Foods that undergo fast digestion cause rapid spike in blood sugar, followed by extremely low blood sugar depending on their case. But, in most cases, the common scenario is diabetics will have an increase in blood sugar which is harmful to their health.

Lasagna is comfort food that most people enjoy eating. However, traditional lasagna is considered unhealthy. Lasagna is generally white noodles filled with fatty ground meat and cheese. It is an Italian delicacy that many people have taken up.

A diabetic will have one look at lasagna and immediately discredit it as a healthy food. I mean there is nothing healthy about the number of calories, sodium, and saturated fats that lasagna tends to contain. 

So, can a diabetic eat lasagna? Yes, but will have to make adjustments and replace certain ingredients to make it healthy. 

can diabetics eat lasagna?

Is Lasagna Healthy for Diabetics?

Lasagna is made out of noodles, rich cheese, tomato sauce, vegetables, and meat. White pasta is a big red flag for diabetics. Pasta made from refined white flour is likely to cause rapid blood sugar spikes, be it spaghetti or lasagna. 

Here’s is the nutrient profile for one serving of pasta;

  • 3cups of pasta; 135g carbs and 663 calories
  • 1 cup sauce; 30g and 180 calories

Therefore white pasta is not ideal for diabetics and should be avoided in lasagna. However, whole wheat and some fortified pasta contain some fiber. Whole wheat means that the whole grain was used to make the pasta.

In regular pasta, the manufacturers take off some part of the wheat such as bran to have finer pasta. If using regular white pasta, cook it al dente. Al dente means cooking pasta or rice till they are crisp or still firm to the tooth. 

Surprisingly, al dente cooked pasta tastes just like whole-wheat pasta!

Fiber is a great way to slow down digestion and stabilize blood sugar and insulin response to eating lasagna.

There is also pasta in the market, specifically for diabetics or low-carb dieters. 

So, is lasagna healthy for diabetics? Let’s look at the nutrient profile of lasagna;

  • Carbohydrates. Lasagna contains carbohydrates in the form of sugar and starch. Pasta is the main source of carbohydrates in this meal. 2 ounces of white lasagna noodles contain 40g of carbs. Always remember to check the labels to know the carbohydrate content of your lasagna noodles. The rest of the carbs in lasagna comes from the tomato sauce and vegetables. 
  • Protein and fat. Meat lasagna contains dietary protein and fats. The amount of protein and fat in your lasagna will depend on the amount of meat and cheese you use. For instance, an ounce of meat and mozzarella cheese will add 7.3g fat and 6.8g protein to your email. Ground beef and mozzarella cheese are also sources of saturated fat, therefore not preferable for a diabetic. 
  • Vitamins, and minerals. Beef is a great source of iron, while pasta, meat, cheese, tomato sauce are all sources of B vitamins. Vegetables further add vitamins to lasagna, for instance, zucchini adds vitamin A. 

The Lasagna Effect

Fatty meals such as pizza and lasagna have a distinct effect on diabetics as compared to other high-carb meals. This is called the lasagna effect on diabetics. When a diabetic eat a high-carb meal such as pasta and sauce accompanied by high-fat cheese and meat controlling insulin becomes a challenge. The fat slows the digestion of these carbs. 

Insulin is taken immediately after eating, however, if you take insulin this way after eating lasagna or pizza, you are likely to experience low blood sugar about an hour later. 

Thevlasgna undergoes slow digestion, therefore the insulin bolus may peak too early, and when the food is finally been absorbed the bolus is fading. 

A rapid-acting bolus insulin starts working 15 minutes after consumption, peaks 45-90 minutes then starts fading in 3-4 hours. Therefore, when the lasagna is finally being absorbed, the bolus is fading, resulting in high blood sugar.

Consult with your doctor on how to schedule your insulin consumption to avoid the lasagna effect. 

How to Include Lasagna in a Diabetic’s Diet

When you have made the switch to healthy eating, you need to make a few adjustments to meals so as not to change your entire meal plan. Here’s is how to include lasagna in your diabetic diet;

  • Noodles: opt for whole wheat noodles. They contain fiber although the carb content is more or less the same as white noodles. Even when picking gluten-free noodles, be careful with the carb content. 
  • Meat: opt for extra lean ground beef or bison or ground turkey breast for 40% fewer calories and 65% less saturated fats. You can also go for shrimp0, crab scallops crawfish which have almost half the calorie content of beef. You can also completely avoid meat by using ground meat-style soy crumbles. 
  • Cheese; use fat-reduced cheese for fewer calories and 50% less animal-based saturated fat. 
  • Vegetables: use as many vegetables as possible. They add vitamins and add the volume of your lasagna without increasing the carb content drastically. Use vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, squash, and pepper. Cauliflower or zucchini.

Therefore when it comes to the question, “can diabetics eat lasagna?” Here are the key takeaways;

  1. Change how you take the rapid-acting bolus insulin after taking lasagna. Taking the medication after meals will result in low blood pressure followed by high blood pressure after 3-4 hours.
  2. Make adjustments to your lasagna. Use whole noodles, add more vegetables, and use cheese with less saturated fats and calories. Go for ground turkey breast, extra-lean ground beef or go completely meatless with ground meat-style soy crumbles.  

Can diabetics eat honey nut cheerios?

Can diabetics eat honey nut cheerios

Can diabetics eat honey nut cheerios?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Cheerios are a popular breakfast for many people across the world. 

Upon a diabetes diagnosis, one has to sit back and reconsider their meal choices. Diabetics are advised to steer clear of carbs and sugars and go for foods rich in nutrients and fiber. 

Proper diabetes management is very important it can determine the quality of life you have since diabetes is a long-term condition. Eating well can help you stabilize blood sugar levels and even reduce your reliance on medication. 

Both hot and cold breakfast kinds of cereal contain added sugars with one ounce of sugar-sweetened cereal containing close to 9grams of sugar. The amount of sugar found in certain cereal brands can cause blood sugar spikes and eventual energy crashes!

So can diabetics eat honey nut cheerios?” it can be part of a healthy, diabetes-friendly diet when you are well informed on what to select. Here is a guide to help you avoid overly sugary, processed cereals to maintain steady blood sugar and energy levels. 

Do honey nut cheerios cause blood sugar spikes?

One cup of cheerios contains approximately 1 gram of sugar, 20 grams total carbs, and 3 grams of fiber. 

According to the American diabetes association, a meal should have around 60 grams of carbohydrates. However, this varies from person to person because everybody has distinct needs. For instance, breakfast made up of 2 cups of cheerios, one cup of milk, and one banana would make up 76grams of carbohydrates which already surpasses the limit. This can result in a blood sugar spike one hour after taking meals. 

Carbohydrates are often found in starchy vegetables, fruits, sugar, milk, yogurt, as well as in grains. Carbohydrates are converted into sugar or glucose during digestion. This glucose is then absorbed into the bloodstream to be absorbed into body cells. A chemical called insulin is used n the absorption of glucose into body cells. When the body isn’t effectively producing or using insulin, the blood sugar remains in the bloodstream, causing a blood sugar spike, which when occurring regularly is called diabetes. 

Type 1 diabetics suffer the lack of insulin while type 2 diabetics suffer resistance of the body cells to respond to insulin. So Do honey nut cheerios cause blood sugar spikes? Well yes! The fact that they are processed foods means they affect blood sugars. 

Highly refined foods tend to undergo fast digestion, therefore releasing energy all at an ounce, which results in blood sugar spikes. 

Also, cheerios have a generally high glycemic index score. The glycemic index is a measure of how certain foods affect blood sugars. Cheerios have a glycemic index score of 74, with some like honey nut cheerios having higher GI ratings. 74 is a high GI score meaning that diabetics should be careful how they include honey nut cereals in their breakfast. 

Can diabetics eat honey nut cheerios

Which honey nut cheerios are the best for diabetics?

As mentioned, most cereal brands contain a lot of carbs, added sugar, and sodium. The next time you visit your local store, here are tips to help you decide which honey nut cheerios are the best for diabetics;

  • Choose whole grain. Whole grain cereals are more nutritious and are full of satiating fiber and B vitamins. They help improve gut health, lose weight and promote overall health outcomes. Whole grain cereals will bear the labels, “whole grain”, “whole-grain wheat
  • stone-ground whole wheat or “whole kernel corn”. they are also made from grains such as barley, quinoa, millet, or buckwheat. In addition, when you see ingredients such as oats, oatmeal, and brown rice, that means that it whole grain. “Wheat flour” and “multigrain” indicate that they are not whole grains. Whole-grain cereal is made from the entire grain including pats such as gem and endosperm which manufacturers remove to make it finer. 
  • Check how much sugar is in the cereal box. Steer clear of cereal boxes with more than 10 grams of sugar and have artificial sweeteners. Ry sweetening your honey nut cheerios using fresh fruit like berries or bananas. Go for fresh fruits rather than dried fruits since they tend to contain more carbohydrates. 

How to include honey nut cheerios in a diabetic diet

You may have been warned about eating cereal with diabetes, however here are tips on including honey nut cheerios in a diabetic diet;

  1. Add milk to boost your protein intake. Milk adds flavor to cereal. Adding milk can add around 8 grams of protein and 12 grams of carbohydrates. Skim milk is the best option for diabetics since it has no fats and has around 90calories. The whole milk adds 150 calories to your meal. You can also consider switching milk with low-fat plain Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is nutritious and improves your digestive health. You can go for unsweetened soymilk since it has more proteins.
  2. Boost your cereal with chopped nuts, such as almonds and walnuts; they add crunchiness and heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which reduce your risk of developing heart disease. You can add ground flaxseed meal or chia seeds to add extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. 
  3. Another option would be to mix half of regular cheerios and half of honey nut cheerios. Regular cheerios only contain around 1 gram of sugar per serving. This way you get a breakfast meal with less added sugars without compromising much on the taste. 

So when it comes to the question, “can diabetics eat honey nut cheerios?” here are the key takeaways

  • Honey nut cheerios tend to contain a lot of added sugars. Therefore, be careful when making a purchase; go for ones with less than 10grams of sugar.
  • Honey nut cheerios contain fast-digesting carbs, therefore should be taken in moderation. Consider picking whole-grain brands. These tend to contain fiber which slows down digestion resulting in a slow steady energy release.
  • Take honey nut cheerios with skim milk or low-fat greek yogurt. This will help the number of calories in your breakfast. 

As always, a proper diet is a key to proper diabetes management!

Can diabetics eat corn tortillas?

Can diabetics eat corn tortillas

Can diabetics eat corn tortillas – diabetic living

A diabetes diagnosis can leave you scared that youll have to change all he meals you are used to eatinhng. A diabetic is supposed to be on a low carb diet in order to control blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is a condition that develops when the boody is unable to absorb glucose from the bloodsteream to be used as fuel. When one has diabetes, there is insufficient production of insulin needed for absorption of blood sugars into body cells.

Diabetes is a very serious lifestyle disease that calls for major lifestyle changes. Lack of propoer diabetes management can lead to grave consequences such as organ failure, heart disease, stroke, loos of eyesight and eventually, an untimely death. It is therffore important to consult with your dietician to help you develiop a diet that can go along with the disease.

So back to the question that brought us here, ‘can diabetics eat corn tortillas? Well yes! Here is a complete guide on how to include corn tortillas in your diebetic diet.

Glycemic index of Corn tortillas

Corn is great source of vitamins, carbohydrates, mi8nerals and fiber. It has low amounts of sodium and fat. Tortillas are generally flat bread, made from either whaet flloour or corn. Corn tortillas are consired healthier than flour tortillas.

Corn tortillas have a glycemic index of 46. The glyccemic index is a measure of how food affects blood glucose (blood sugar). Foods with a low glyvcemic index do not have much effecton blood sugar however, foods with high glycemic score cause blood sugar spikes. Low glycemic fooods are those that have a score of less than 55. Medium glycemic foods range from 56-69, while high glycemic fooods have a score of 70 and above.

Foods with a high glycemic index score undergo digestion quickly, therefore releasing glucose quickly. Low glycemic foods tend to release sugar slowly, resulting to a steady and slow supply of energy for longer periods. The glycemic score cou7nts up to 100, with pure glucode scoring 100.

Can diabetics eat corn tortillas

Are corn tortillas good for diabetics

Corn tortillas are usually whole grain. A corn tortilla is made from 100% corn including the bran, gem and endosperm. Corn tortillas are processed frfrom maize.

Coron torilllas have more fiber, which is good for your digestive health and managing diabetes.

An average sized corn tortilla contains about 12g of carbs intotal.

In general, corn tortillas are low carb, but not zero carbs. This fact is important for those who are embracing a keto or no-carb diet. However, they are the perfect low carb alternative to flour tortillas and they are important for maintaining a low-carb diet and losing weight.

Remember, that weight management is a serious part of diabetes management. Failing to control weight can increase the risk of developing complications such as heart disease and stroke. Corn tortillas help with weight management by reducing your calorie and carb intake. They also make you feel satisfied for longer, due to their fiber content. This can reduce your need to snack and help reduce your overall calorie intake!

Also, corn tortillas are better than flour tortillas because they contain more nutrients.

When eating your corn tortillas, be mindful of portion sizes. The more you have on your plate, the more carbs you ingest.

All carbs whether natural or processed, eventually break down into glucose. Good carbs come in their natural form, that is in vegetables, fruits, or pulses.

Corn tortillas are made from maize cooked in a calcium hydroxide solution (limewater). The corn kernels are then crushed into corn flour which then becomes a dough. The dough is flattened to produce a tortilla. Corn tortillas have fewer carbs compared to wheat tortillas and are also less refined making them healthier and more keto-friendly.

However, corn tortillas are not exactly keto-friendly; they are other foods that have a lower carb count. Surprisingly, there are no completely keto-friendly tortillas, but you can still sneak in small quantities of corn tortillas in your zero-carb diet.

The high fiber content in corn tortillas makes them ideal for diabetics. Fiber is known to slow down digestion rates and improve one’s digestive health. Fiber has also been associated with stabilizing blood sugars. When foods undergo slow digestion, glucose is released slowly, therefore, ideal for a diabetic. Good diabetes management will eventually reduce your reliance on medication.

If you are worried about the number of carbs in your tortilla, consider making homemade cor tortillas!

How to include corn tortillas in your diabetic diet

Doctors have laid out the food portions that diabetics should follow on their plates to ensure they get the most out of tier foods. Your plate should consist of half non-starchy vegetables, one quarter of grains or starchy vegetables, and ¼ lean protein. In this case, a corn tortilla should account for the entire whole grain portion of your plate.

Here’s is how to include corn tortillas in your diabetic diet:

  • Cook your tortillas in the microwave, oven, grill, or a nonstick skillet with a little cooking spray. Avoid frying your tortilla in butter, lard, or oil.
  • Fill your tortilla with non-starchy vegetables, poultry, fish, shellfish, shrimp, or lean beef or pork.
  • Fill up your tortilla with salsa, guacamole, or lime juice to add flavor. Avoid adding salt as it increases the sodium content.
  • Use reduced-fat cheese or sour cream in small amounts.

Corn tortillas are good for diabetics and they are advised to include them in their diet. It is a good source of energy, fiber, and other nutrients. It is a good alternative to flour tortillas. Back to our question, ‘can diabetics eat corn tortillas? Here are the key takeaways

  • Corn tortillas also contain carbs, therefore be mindful of your portions
  • Corn tortillas contain fiber, therefore take longer to digest. This means that they result in a slow and steady release of energy into the body while not upsetting blood sugars
  • When preparing your homemade tortillas, avoid using butter oil, use lean meat or sea meat, add a lot of vegetables and use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream. 

Can Diabetics Eat Coconut Sugar?

Can diabetics eat coconut sugar

Can Diabetics Eat Coconut Sugar: Is Coconut Sugar Healthy?

Diabetics must be very careful of their carbohydrate intake, especially sugar. A high sugar intake can result in constantly high blood sugar levels. Lack of proper diabetic health management can be very dangerous, resulting in complications such as heart disease, organ failure, stroke, and even loss of eyesight. While these complications may be inevitable with uncontrolled diets and unhealthy lifestyles, you can always do better with your health by educating yourself on the food you can or cannot eat as a diabetic.

One popular table sugar substitute is coconut palm sugar. Coconut sugar is extracted from palm flowers by heating it until the mixture evaporates. The palm flower sap contains 80% water, 15% sugar, and 5% minerals. 

After going through the manufacturing process, coconut sugar is produced. It has a similar taste and colour to brown sugar. Coconut palm sugar is used in many recipes, not just hot cups of coffee and cocoa. Depending on your sweet preference, it can be used even in the salads and food you eat.

With this information in mind, people living with diabetes have to be careful about the type of sugar they consume – even if it is coconut sugar. This brings us back to our question, “can diabetics eat coconut sugar?” Let’s find out if it can be a healthier substitute for regular table sugar.

Does Coconut Sugar Affect Blood Sugar?

Diabetes is a disease that impairs a person’s ability to produce enough insulin or does not effectively use insulin as the body should. Insulin is a chemical that enables the body to utilize sugar or glucose to produce energy. When insulin is not working properly, this sugar remains in the bloodstream causing what is called a blood sugar sike. This energy is supposed to be absorbed into the body cells to act as body fuel but instead, it remains in the bloodstream. A blood sugar spike causes symptoms such as the urge to urinate frequently, tiredness and sweating, shaking. 

So does coconut sugar affect blood sugar? Yes! Surprisingly, coconut sugar contains the same amount of calories and carbohydrates as regular cane sugar. Cane sugar and coconut sugar are made up of simple carbohydrates. Sugar is a popular ingredient in many recipes, it is an important source of energy, however, in large quantities, it can be risky – both coconut sugar and cane sugar.

Here’s the nutrient profile in one teaspoon of coconut sugar;

  • Calories 18
  • Protein 0g
  • Sugars 5g
  • Fibre 0g
  • Carbs 5g
  • Fat 0g

Coconut sugar contains glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Sucrose contains bth fructose and glucose. 

Coconut sugar contains a lesser amount of sucrose compared to other sugars, however, it still makes up 70-80% sucrose. Heating or digestion breaks down sucrose into fructose and glucose. 

Coconut sugar also contains fructose, which is a sugar that is mainly found in fruits. Fructose found in fruits generally has a low glycemic index and is considered safer than fructose found in pure sugar and added sugar in processed foods. The glycemic index is a measure of how the carb content in food affects blood sugar levels. Foods with a low glycemic score do not cause blood sugar spikes while foods with a high glycemic score cause a blood sugar spike. 

Coconut sugar contains a lot of sucrose and small amounts of glucose. The body absorbs glucose rapidly therefore diabetics are advised to watch their glucose intake. For type 1 diabetics, it helps prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia makes one experience hunger, sweat, nauseousness, and dizziness. 

Can diabetics eat coconut sugar

GI Score of Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar has a low glycemic index score. Coconut palm has a GI score of 54. Coconut sugar has a lesser GI score compared to other sweeteners. However, food having a low glycemic index score does not make it healthy for people with diabetes. 

Coconut sugar contains minerals and vitamins such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. 

It is important to note that coconut sugar is not as sweet as table sugar, therefore some people end up using more. So in the process, you could end up consuming a lot more coconut sugar than table sugar, seeing that both contain almost the same amount of sugar and glucose. Aside from the sweetness, the texture and taste are not as similar as brown sugar and refined white sugar. Coconut sugar tastes different, it will be pretty obvious when tried with drinks and food where you usually use brown sugar.

The GI score of coconut sugar is about 10 scores less than that of table sugar, though, and is a tad safer than using cane sugar.

So, can coconut sugar be used as a table sugar substitute? Well, not exactly. Both table sugar and coconut palm sugar contain almost the same amount of sugar. However, coconut sugar contains a lot more minerals. To get these minerals you’ll have to eat them in large quantities. It is important to note that coconut sugar loses most of the nutrients contained in the coconut palm because of the process it goes through to be produced.

Just like regular sugar, if you going to make coconut sugar, take it sparingly. While it is healthier than refined sugar, it can still cause the same spike in your blood sugar.

Coconut sugar can be used just like regular sugar; in tea, coffee, baking, or cooking. 

Healthy alternatives of coconut sugar

If you are concerned about your intake of added sugars, there are some healthy alternatives to coconut sugar that can help satisfy your sweet tooth. When you need to sweeten your foods or drinks, consider adding fruit or fruit juice. For instance, using raisins and prunes as pancake topping instead of using maple syrup is good for diabetics. Oatmeal can be sweetened with applesauce or bananas or seltzer water. 

Coconut sugar is a good choice for vegans because it is plant-based and has undergone minimal processing – no animals products are used in its making.

Coconut sugar is a healthy alternative to refined sugar and has also taken over the beauty industry. When it comes to the question, “can diabetics eat coconut sugar?” Here are the key takeaways:

Coconut sugars have the same nutrient profile as regular table sugar. It, therefore, contains sugars; diabetics are advised to watch their food sizes. Coconut sugar tends to contain less sweet than regular sugar, therefore you may be tempted to use too much of it. 

Coconut sugar has a low glycemic score of 54. It is recommended for diabetics, however, it is still a sugar and it’s supposed to be taken in small amounts. Coconut sugar also contains vitamins and minerals, however, you’ll have to take a lot of it to get these nutrients. 

Coconut sugar can be used in all the ways that regular sugar is used. You can use it in tea, coffee, baking, or cooking. 

Coconut sugar is ideal for vegans, seeing that it is plant-based.

Diabetics are advised to use fruits and fruit juices to satisfy their sweet teeth. Without control, coconut sugar can increase your blood sugar drastically. Again, moderation is key to your diet when you are a diabetic.

In conclusion, diabetics can eat coconut sugar but have to be careful to include it in their carb intake for the day at a minimum.

Can Diabetics Eat Boiled Eggs?

Can diabetics eat boiled eggs

Can diabetics eat boiled eggs?

A diabetes diagnosis means that one has to take a keen interest in their nutrition. You might have to start to reconsider the food that you consume daily since your health will depend on every meal you take. Eggs usually form part of most breakfast meals – who doesn’t have eggs for breakfast these days, right? They take various forms such as fried sunnyside up eggs, scrambled eggs, on burgers, poached eggs, boiled, or some even have them raw! This brings us to one of the most frequently asked questions, “can diabetics eat boiled eggs? 

Eggs are considered a good source of protein for diabetics. So definitely yes you can continue taking your eggs. However, with diabetes, you have to make small adjustments to your meals like avoiding certain egg preparations since they are not all good for you. You will have to consider instances like how they are cooked and when the calories are highest in each preparation. Therefore, I will give you all the information you need to know about eating eggs with diabetes.

Eggs are very versatile and it’s almost impossible to exclude them from your diet. Eggs are a low-carb meal and have a low glycemic index score, therefore making them ideal for people with diabetes. 

The glycemic index measures the effect that foods have on diabetics. Foods with a low glycemic index score don’t cause a spike in blood sugars whereas high glycemic index foods cause blood sugar spikes. 

Can diabetics eat boiled eggs

Do eggs raise blood sugar?

Eggs are considered a superfood for diabetics because of their low carbohydrate count. One egg contains about half a gram of carbs so they do not have a huge impact on your blood sugar levels. 

Also, eggs contain proteins, healthy fats, and nutrients. They are considered whole foods since they contain a lot of nutrients and are low in calories. 

Here is the nutrition profile of one big egg:

Calories 72

Fat 4.75grams

Saturated fat 1.56 grams

Carbohydrate 0.36grams

Fibre 0grams

Cholesterol 186g

Sodium 71 milligrams

Sugar 0.16 grams

Proteins 6.28grams

So do eggs raise blood sugar?

Verdict: no! eggs don’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Eggs are rich in protein and fat. These two nutrients are associated with low glucose absorption by the body. 

Multiple studies have shown that having a low-carb, high-fat meal prevents blood sugar spikes and stabilizes blood sugar for longer periods. For instance, eating pizza will have energized for nearly 12 hours without experiencing spikes. This is because pizza is fat-laden.

Eggs and cholesterol 

Unfortunately, eggs and cholesterol go hand in hand. Diabetes causes an imbalance of the LDL(bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol in the body. This fact leads to the huge possibility that diabetes increases the chances of getting heart diseases. As you may have already heard, eating eggs raises the concern of cholesterol increase in the body, therefore putting the patient at higher chances of getting heart disease. 

Diabetics are advised to keep their egg intake to less than 300mg of cholesterol daily. One large egg contains about 200mg of cholesterol. One egg accounts for 60 per cent of your daily cholesterol needs.  However, studies have shown that cholesterol in whole food has little effect on the body. However, cholesterol found in processed foods and those with high saturated fat content is dangerous. Foods such as cookies, candy, bacon, and other processed foods raise cholesterol levels quickly. 

A 2018 study showed that eating eggs could help manage prediabetes and reduce the risk of getting diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition that one gets before developing diabetes. Its symptoms are the salient symptoms of diabetes ie, the accumulation of blood sugars in the bloodstream. Doctors have said that one egg daily will help prevent the risk of diabetes. 

Managing your cholesterol levels is part of the diabetic journey. Neglecting this can lead to a higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Therefore, when your cholesterol levels are high is important to watch your egg intake. Unfortunately, one egg is enough to cover your 300mg daily cholesterol intake. Much of this cholesterol is in the yolk. Therefore, there are shortcuts to cut cholesterol intake in an egg such as eating just the egg whites or eating products with little or no yolk content. 

How to include eggs in your diabetic diet

According to research, your egg consumption for the week should not exceed three. However, if you only take egg whites, you can eat more!

Since eggs are rarely taken alone, you should be careful what you accompany your eggs or what you cook your eggs using. For instance, a healthy egg can be made unhealthy by being fried in butter o cooking fat with unhealthy oils. An egg cooked in the microwave (poached) takes approximately a minute to cook and does need extra oil or other ingredients that could increase its cholesterol level or calorie count. 

Don’t serve your boiled egg with high-fat, high-sodium foods such as bacon or sausages. A boiled egg is the best way to fill your stomach without affecting your blood sugar. Protein helps slow down digestion as well as glucose absorption. Also, eggs can be paired with high-carb foods to help slow down the absorption of sugars in the blood.

Including lean protein in every meal and having them as snacks is a smart way of managing diabetes and your blood sugar levels in general if you’re not a diabetic. It is important to remember that proper diabetes management can reduce your reliance on drugs and avoid the side effects of these drugs completely.

As you pay attention to your carbs and sugar intake, also consider the cholesterol levels and saturated fat in these food.

If you have high cholesterol levels, you might want to consider replacing your egg with egg whites or a plant protein substitute such as tofu. You can serve your hard-boiled egg with vegetables such as onion, tomato, bell pepper, asparagus, spinach, or cabbages. For breakfast, you can opt to serve our boiled egg with whole-wheat toast. 

When it comes to the question, can diabetics eat boiled eggs? Here are the key takeaways;

  1. Eggs don’t affect blood sugar levels. They have a low glycemic index and are a good source of protein. They are recommended for type 2 diabetics. This also depends entirely on how the eggs are prepared, too.
  2. Eggs, either boiled or fried contain a lot of cholesterol, with one having about 200 mg cholesterol. Cholesterol is bad for diabetics. Therefore, keep your egg intake low, about 3-5 per week and one egg per serving. You can go around this by only taking egg whites because most of the cholesterol is found in egg yolk. 
  3. Remember to pair your eggs with healthy foods and cook them healthy with healthy ingredients!

Can Diabetics Eat Raisins?

can diabetics eat raisins

Living Healthy: Can Diabetics Eat Raisins?

It’s not easy being a diabetic, especially with many restrictions when it comes to food and drinks. It’s important to be mindful of the food you consume because your health is always at risk. With that being said, we’re here to tackle one of the most common questions diabetics like to ask, “can diabetics eat raisins?”

Raisins can be found in many common food preparations; bread, muffins, salads and even side dishes in various buffets. The good thing is, no matter how common raisins are, they’re easy to avoid because they’re not always a favourite snack or ingredient in general. Nonetheless, just to make sure, it’s normal to ask and want answers, “can diabetics eat raisins?”

Well, yes! Raisins are a healthy way of getting that sweetness into your body without upsetting your blood sugar levels.

There are many misconceptions about which foods are safe for diabetics. If you depend on hearsay, you’ll find yourself abandoning a huge chunk of food for your diet plan – and many of this food can actually help your health when taken moderately. The truth is that diabetes can enjoy the meals that they are used to, they only need to make a few adjustments. Portion control is also of importance. Avoid overindulging in any sort of food because this can make seemingly harmless meals turn into factors for your blood sugar to spike.

Watching what one eats is very important for a diabetic. If unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, damaged vessels and organs, and loss of sight. The worst that could happen is going through dialysis – and no one wants to go through that. It is, therefore, very important to keep insulin and sugar levels at the right levels.

Glycemic Index of Raisins

Glycemic index of raisins

The glycemic index is a measure of the effect that carbs can have on your blood sugar. Foods that rank low in the glycemic index have a lesser effect on blood sugar levels.

Raisins have a low to medium glycemic index, of around 49 and 64. The gi of raisins, therefore, make them safe for a diabetic. Many fruits rank low on the glycemic index because they contain fiber and fructose. Other fruits that fall in the same category as raisins include cranberries, dates, melons, and pineapples.

Many fruits tend to be low in calories and high in nutritional value; raisins are no different.

Here is the nutritional value of ¼ cup o raisins:

  • Calories 120g
  • Dietary fiber 2g
  • Calcium 25mg
  • Potassium 298mg

Raisins also contain sugars, and like all foods containing carbs, they have an effect on blood sugar when taken in plenty. Count it as part of your carb intake for the day, even when you are eating it as a snack.

Diabetic people are advised to take one serving of about 2 tablespoons of raisins. This makes up 15g of carbohydrates.

Since this is such a small serving, consider taking raisins as part of a meal or as a snack in between meals.

The calcium in raisins helps in the formation of strong bones while potassium helps improve your nervous system and promote muscle strength.

Whole grapes might be a better option since they rank even lower on the glycemic index. The drying process concentrates the sugars in raisins making them rank higher on the glycemic index.

Health Benefits of Raisins for Diabetics

Health benefits of raisins for diabetics

  • Effect on blood sugar. Raisins have been proven to have magnificent effects on blood sugar. They help increase insulin sensitivity so that sugars can be absorbed into the body at higher levels. They also help lower blood sugar levels after meals. According to a study published by the “international journal of sports nutrition and exercise metabolism”, taking raisins before an exercise session resulted in lower blood sugar when compared to taking an energy bar.
  • Improve blood sugar levels. Whole food snacks such as raisins, peanuts, and bananas have been proven to help improve blood sugar levels in diabetics, compared to highly processed snacks such as energy bars, soft drinks, and chips that fall within the same glycemic index. This is because raisins contain fiber and a much lower level of processing. Raisins also give you a feeling of fullness for longer periods, therefore, eliminating the need to keep snacking. This can help you stay within your daily carb intake.
  • Help stabilize blood sugar. When diabetics take foods with a low glycemic index with foods with a high glycemic index, the low gi foods tend to minimize the effect n blood sugar. Foods such as raisins allow you to eat foods that can spike your blood sugar levels as long as you consume the right portions. For instance, adding raisins to cereal or cornflakes makes it safer for a diabetic.

There are many other health benefits of raisins for diabetics such as; it acts as an oxidant, it promotes bone growth, helps cleanse the digestive system, curing constipation, and prevent muscle degradation.

How to Include Raisins in Your Diabetic Diet

How to include raisins in your diabetic diet

Raisins can be added close to anything you take; there are no rules regarding this. Here is a list of ideas on how to include raisins in your diabetic diet;

  1. Salad. Which better way to make salad interesting other than including raisins! Other fruits that you can tp your salad with include apple slices, cranberries, or oranges.
  2. Bagel. You can top your bagel with raisins to get that edge you have been looking for!
  3. Pancakes. Instead of maple syrup, try topping your pancakes with fresh berries. Mix your raisins with your batter and get cooking!
  4. Cereal or yogurt. Make your cereal interesting by topping with some raisins or fresh berries. Raisins are also surprisingly good in yogurt.
  5. Popcorn. Popcorn is not advisable for a diabetic. However, adding a couple of raisins will slow its digestion and add flavor to your movie night!
  6. Icecream. Raisins can be used as a chocolate substitute. Add raisins to your low-fat ice cream for a taste explosion!
  7. Last, you can take raisins as a go-to snack. Remember to keep it at 15g of carbs for snacks.

Just like many other fruits, raisins are considered safe for a diabetic, depending on the consumption and when it is consumed. However, due to their carb content, it is smart to eat them in moderation.

When it comes to the question, “can diabetes eat raisins?” Here are some key takeaways;

  • Keep your raisin portion at 15g carbs, which is approximately ¼ cup
  • Accompany high glycemic index foods such as oatmeal and cereal with raisins. Raisins will help stabilize blood sugar
  • Raisins are fruits and also have some carb content. They do diabetes if taken in large proportions
  • Raisins have fibre which helps minimize their effect on blood sugar levels
  • It is better to take natural sugars eg one found in fruits than sugar found in processed and refined foods such as energy bars

Can Diabetics Eat Tacos?

can diabetics eat tacos

Diabetic living: Can diabetics eat tacos?

A diabetes diagnosis necessitates a complete lifestyle makeover. You need to be very careful with the foods you consume. Eating right can help manage sugar levels, maintain weight and reduce reliance on insulin.

Fast food does not seem like the healthiest choice for a diabetic. However sometimes we are in a hurry and it’s the only option available, which leads us to the question, “can diabetics eat tacos?”

Well, if you are talking about tacos filled with carbs, fats, and cholesterol, it’s a big No!  One serving of tacos can send you over your target carbs for the day.

However, there are diabetic tacos that are harmless to the body. As always, be keen on portion sizes.  Many restaurants and fast-food joints offer healthy choices because there is quite a population that has made the decision to eat healthily. Tacos can be part of a healthy diet, we only need to make changes in its preparation.

Are tacos safe for diabetics? 

are tacos safe for diabetics

Tacos are made up of several food groups, all of which can be substituted to make a healthy meal. Tacos are made up of the following;

  •  Cooked protein. Could be beef,  chicken, shrimp, sausage, tofu, pork, or fish.
  • Fat. Fats are used in the preparation of protein and other ingredients to add flavor.
  • Fruit. Pineapples are usually used in tacos.  Citrus, yogurt, sour cream form part of the sauce or marinade used.
  • Vegetables. Onion, tomatoes, lettuce, Cabbages, mushrooms, spinach, radish, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant
  • Legumes.  Beans are widely used.
  • Salsa. It contains ingredients such as pineapple, guacamole, salsa Roja, chipotle, and mango.
  • Cereal. Found in corn tortillas

Tacos are considered unhealthy due to the number of fats and carbs they can contain. Avoid street tacos as a diabetic because their preparation is often below standards. Street tacos often use unhealthy meat choices and its level of hygiene is questionable. Remember hygiene is an important aspect when deciding whether a meal is healthy. Tacos made on the streets have dust filtering in. If you come across one that has gone for days on display you’ll probably end up with a stomach upset. Watch how they handle sauces and vegetables at your Taco joint.

There are various ways to make your tacos safe for diabetics.

First, you will want to request whole wheat tortillas. Tortillas made out of white wheat may send your blood sugar to the peak in a few hours. This is due to its high glycemic index.

If possible, reduce the entrees that are fried. This way you reduce your fat intake.

Put as many vegetables in your tortilla. Vegetables are well known for stabilizing blood sugar levels. Add guacamole to your Taco. Avocado is made up of healthy fats that also help stabilize blood sugars. The fats will help lower the rate at which sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream, therefore creating a healthy rise and fall in blood sugars. However, be keen on portion sizes because guacamole has a lot of calories.

Taco options for diabetics

taco options for diabetics

There’s is a wide variety of tacos for diabetics that we can prepare at home or get at the nearest restaurant.

When making homemade tacos we ensure that we use high-quality meat/protein, fats and vegetables, and cereals of choice. Homemade tacos are also hygienic due to less exposure to dust and the environment.

Here are some Taco options for diabetics;

  • Traditional Taco. The traditional Taco has s higher carb content compared to the rest in this group. Here, just pick the tortilla you prefer, although be keen on flour tortillas due to their high glycemic index.  Foods that rate high in glycemic index Makes a type 2 Diabetic with blood sugar spikes. Whole wheat flour tortillas are better compared to white flour tortillas. Whole wheat is generally heavy on the stomach and its fiber content ensures that there is slow absorption into the bloodstream. Instead of using flour tortillas, consider using corn tortillas. You can accompany this Taco with vegetables and salsa.
  • Low carb tacos. Nopal tortillas are used in the preparation of these tacos. The use of nopal tortillas ensures that the calorie and carbs content is cut by half.
  • Tacos without carbs. Here we replace tortillas with lettuce. Fill up the lettuce with preferred meat, sauce, and other vegetables.
  • Vegetarian tacos. These tacos do not have meat in them. Here we use soy replacements that have a meaty flavor or poblano strips dipped in sauce.

When ordering from a restaurant or a fast food place, you will want to make certain considerations to ensure you eat a healthy meal. Here are tips to ensure you get the right Taco with each order.

  • Order tacos with low-fat meat. As a diabetic, it is important to watch your weight and cholesterol levels. Neglecting your fat intake can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease and obesity.
  • Request for tacos prepared using the least amount of fat. Of course, it is nearly impossible to get tacos that have been prepared using no fat. The fat from the grill is acceptable but it should be very little.
  • As you have heard over and over, Be careful with your portions. Tacos are served with 2 tortillas; doctors advise taking only one of them. You can divide this piece into two to feel as if you have eaten the whole Taco. If one Taco can’t fill you up, you can always consider taking vegetables. This way to get satisfied without adding more calories and carbs.

When it comes to answering the question “can diabetics eat tacos?” Here are the key takeaways;

  • Choose tacos made out of corn tortillas
  • Choose tacos made using the least amount of oil
  • Consider replacing tortillas with lettuce. This way you cut the carb content by nearly half
  • Go for homemade tacos; this way you watch which ingredients to use while being hygienic

As a diabetic, you are not as limited as you may think. They are always ways of making your favorite dishes without neglecting your medical goals.

 

Can Diabetics Eat Sushi?

can diabetics eat sushi

Diabetic Living: Can Diabetics Eat Sushi?

A sushi dish screams healthy from miles away. It is made up of ingredients that many consider healthy, and you would know by how much the Japanese love to live a healthy lifestyle. This is why many people love to learn and keep sushi in their diets when possible. However, is it healthy for a diabetic who is finding it hard to stay healthy?

Sushi is a Japanese dish that often combines fish (both raw and cooked, it depends on the preference), sticky rice, and seaweed. Sushi generally contains a lot of carbs because rice is used as one of the major ingredients. It may be a source of concern for diabetic people who are trying to stay away from so many carbs.

Sushi is served with the famous soy sauce which has high sodium content so beware if you have heart issues. It may also be served alongside wasabi and pickled ginger, whatever you would prefer for a little bit of spice.

Sushi is made by wrapping the short-grain rice and the cooked or raw fish with a seaweed called nori. Anything that has white rice can pose a threat due to its high carb content. So, does this mean it’s off the list for diabetics to eat?

Can a diabetic eat sushi? Yes! Here’s a complete guide on how to include sushi in your diabetic meal plan.

Does sushi spike blood sugar?

does sushi spike blood sugar

It is generally hard to state the specific carb content of sushi, mainly because they are various types of sushi rice, rice vinegar, and seaweed used. Therefore, one sushi roll may contain higher carbs compared to the other. But the question remains, does sushi spike blood sugar? Well, yes! Any dish made with white rice can cause a spike in blood sugar.

Rice forms the basic ingredient of sushi. The rice used in sushi is white short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked. The rice is often sweetened with a special vinegar called Su. Su may be sweet but it does not add carbs to the rice, and it doesn’t spike a diabetic’s blood sugar if that’s what you’re wondering.

Here is the carbohydrate count in basic sushi:

  • Sushi rice: 35 grams in ¼ cup
  • nori: 5-10grams/sheet
  • Fish: 0grams
  • Su (rice vinegar):0grams
  • Pickled ginger:4grams/ounce

One sushi serving can have up to 500 calories, depending on the number of rolls taken and the size of the rolls. Sushi that uses short-grain sticky rice has higher carbs when compared to sushi made with long-grain rice – so, that’s one healthy version we’re all looking for. If sushi has fewer carbs when using long-grain rice instead of short-grain, does that mean you can customise the ingredients of sushi to your liking? Perhaps brown or red rice instead of the usual white rice?

How to eat sushi as a diabetic

how to eat sushi as a diabetic

As a diabetic, you have to watch your carb intake. Let us look at several suggestions on how to eat sushi as a diabetic to avoid upsetting your diabetic self, yes?

For starters, rice is the main ingredient that adds carbs to sushi. This specific rice is refined and has lost almost all its fibre, vitamins, and minerals. A high intake of processed carbs is harmful to a type 2 diabetic because it causes blood sugar spikes. Refined carbs have also been associated with inflammation and increasing your chances of getting diabetes and heart disease.

Sushi rice has a high glycemic index, meaning it is broken down very fast in your digestive system. Sometimes, sugar is added to the sushi rice causing it to have high levels of carbs with low fibre content.

You can consider replacing white rice with quinoa or brown rice. This switch makes all the difference, for instance, a California roll has 200 calories, 43g carb, and 1g fibre. When quinoa replaces the rice in the California roll, the carbs drop to 38g, and fibre increases by 3g.

On the brighter side, The vinegar used in preparing the white rice may help stabilize blood sugar, blood pressure and reduce body fat.

You can use less rice and add more vegetables in your serving to increase nutritional value and reduce its effect on blood sugar levels.

Avoid crispy and tempura rolls to avoid fat intake.

Avoid soy sauce or other dipping sauces that increase the salt and sugar content of your meal. If one sushi serving isn’t enough for you, you can add other meals to fill your stomach up. Guacamole would make an excellent choice; opt for a meal that is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

You can make avocado rolls or cucumber rolls if you don’t want raw fish. An avocado roll is high in healthy fats and fiber.

Home-Made Sushi for a Diabetic

It is advisable to prepare your own homemade sushi because restaurants are less likely to consider your condition. This way you get to control the portions and skip unhealthy ingredients. The main ingredients for sushi are sheets of dried seaweed, rice, wasabi paste, pickled ginger, and fish. These ingredients are available at local supermarkets.

If you cant make your sushi into a roll, you can instead mix all the ingredients in a bowl, the taste will pretty much be the same.

As a diabetic, you will want to use brown rice and other grains instead of white rice. These are high in fiber, therefore will go a long way to stabilize your blood sugar levels. If you still prefer using white rice, use a small amount of it.

Opt for grated fresh ginger instead of the prickled one. Add a little vinegar. Use low-salt soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.

Rice vinegar and nori are the main ingredients that defined the taste of sushi, so starting with these you can choose to add other ingredients of choice. Some people add fish, lean meat, omelet, vegetables, or lime juice.

Shape your rolls into cones, this way you get lesser rice on your sushi compared to the traditional rolls. Serve your sushi with healthy condiments such as wakame salad, miso soup, or edamame.

In conclusion, sushi is generally safe for a diabetic. Diabetics should take advantage of ways on increasing their health benefits while avoiding its negative results.

Sushi is considered a high-carb meal, however, you can change this by using alternative ingredients. When it comes to answering the question, can diabetics eat sushi, here are the key takeaways;

  • Avoid using white rice to make sushi, instead, opt for brown rice or quinoa
  • Reduce the rice content in your sushi to cut down on carbs
  • Use fresh ginger instead of pickled ginger
  • Use low-salt soy sauce
  • Substitute raw fish with avocado or cucumber. This adds fiber

Try making homemade sushi. It is easier and cheaper than trusting restaurants to help you with your healthy lifestyle. Make sure that sushi does not max out your carb intake for the day. Anybody can try out the healthy sushi recipe, choosing a healthy lifestyle is the best gift you can give to your body.

Can Type 2 Diabetics Eat Pizza?

can type 2 diabetics eat pizza

Food for diabetics: Can type 2 diabetics eat pizza?

A diabetes diagnosis will mandate you to start making healthy diet choices so that you can manage your weight and blood sugar level. Managing your diet may also help you reduce your reliance on insulin medication.

A diabetic can eat nearly everything that they are used to; the only thing is making a few adjustments here and there while controlling the food rations.

Diabetics should be more reliant on whole foods, however, when one is in a hurry, an occasional snack doe no hurt. Snacks are discouraged for diabetics because they tend to contain refined carbs that make them rank high on the glycemic index. The refining process makes many snacks contain a lot of sugar and fat. Such foods are not safe for a diabetic, they make blood sugars skyrocket in a short amount of time.

So back to the question, “can type 2 diabetics eat pizza? Yes! You can certainly include pizza in your meal plan; only need to make some adjustments to ensure that it does not affect your blood sugar.

Can pizza raise blood sugar

can pizza raise blood sugar

Pizza has the same effect as white rice, Chinese food, cakes, and cupcakes, or lasagna, they all affect your blood sugar levels. Pizza contains a lot of fats and carbs.  Doctors have discovered that high-fat foods make your blood levels rise and stay spiked for longer hours. Therefore, you may want to avoid traditional pizza at all costs.

So can pizza raise blood sugar? Yes!

When it comes to pizza, it has a different way of affecting blood sugar. It is called the “pizza effect” when you eat other foods, for instance, cereal, you expect a blood sugar spike in about 30 minutes, therefore you are advised to take your insulin medication either before the meal or after the meal. However, pizza has a surprisingly different effect on the body.

One slice of pizza that is the size of a human hand is approximately 30g carbs. However, it depends on the type of crust used, whether deep-dish, had tossed or thin-crust. Some people experience a sugar drop after eating followed by a sugar surge after several hours. Others experience spiked blood sugar levels many hours after eating.

How to include pizza in a diabetic diet

how to include pizza in a diabetic diet

As a diabetic, the first step towards enjoying any meal is measuring the amount of carb in each meal. If you taking, for instance, 1 slice of pizza, the size of a human hand, count that as say 30g of carb. Thin-crust pizza will make 20g carbs while deep-dish will be about 45g. you can get the nutritional information from the pizza box.

Pizza contains a lot of fats, therefore takes a lot of time for digestion to occur. Fat slows down the absorption of food into the bloodstream. Also, large amounts of food take longer to go through the digestion process when compared to lighter foods. Pizza that is full of fats, therefore, takes hours before it can cause an effect on blood sugar.

When you take a bolus of rapid-acting insulin, it usually starts working in about 15 minutes, peaks after an hour to an hour and a half, and is finished after 3-4 hours. Therefore, this bolus works perfectly for meals that have a fairly fast digestion rate. Taking the insulin shot shortly after taking a slow-digesting food will result in a blood sugar drop followed by a spike a few hours later when the food enters the bloodstream. In a few hours, the effect of the insulin will be too weak to act, therefore making your blood sugar rise.

Therefore, people with type 2 diabetes are advised to delay the insulin shot till after the meal. It can also be divided into two parts; the first taken before the meal and the other half taken after say, two hours.

The fat in pizza tends to act many hours after eating. This raise in blood sugar is not caused by carbs, rather by fats. This spike occurs when pizza is digested to produce triglycerides. When these triglycerides reach the liver in large amounts, it becomes resistant to insulin. This results in large amounts of glucose being released by the liver without insulin needed to get absorbed into body cells. This way, you start experiencing a blood sugar spike. The remedy to this could be taking extra basal or long-lasting insulin after taking meals landed with fats.

As you can see, eating pizza can be a challenge for type 2 diabetics, however, I have given you the information needed to include pizza in a diabetic diet.

Healthy pizza for diabetics

As a diabetic, you have to make numerous changes to make your pizza healthy for a diabetic. Here are tips that will guide you on either purchasing or making your homemade pizza.

  • Go for whole wheat pizza accompanied by a lot of vegetables. Be keen to exercise portion control and balance out your meal by adding fiber in form of veggies and salads.
  • While making homemade pizza be sure to use a whole wheat base or multigrain pizza with lots of vegetables and little cheese. Cheese is rich in calories, even with the healthy variety of cheese therefore likely to affect your blood sugar if taken in plenty.
  • Doctors recognize pizza as a meat substitute and can form part of your diet. However, if taking it in between meals, have one or two pieces.
  • When making homemade pizza, use fresh ingredients rather than frozen or processed ones. Use fresh cheese and use it in little amounts.

So going back to the question, “can type 2 diabetics eat pizza?” here are the key takeaways

  1. Type 2 diabetics can enjoy pizza slices once in a while. Consult with your doctor before eliminating or adding anything to your diabetic meal plan
  2. Make a few adjustments to your traditional pizza. Reduce the crust size or use whole wheat flour for the crust. Also, use a little amount of cheese
  3. Practice portion control
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