Broccoli, spinach, and cabbage are three diabetes-friendly veggies because they are low in starch. Filling up with vegetables is a great way to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Cabbage has several advantages, some of which are unique to diabetics. This vegetable does not create a quick spike in blood sugar levels, as many other foods do. It is a result of its low glycemic index.
YES, cabbage is low in starch content which makes it the best vegetable for a diabetic. NO sugar is not present in cabbage, thus making it a superfood for diabetes control.
The American Diabetes Association recommends filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables at meals, such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, squash and mushrooms.
Can people with diabetes eat potatoes? According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes. The total amount of carbohydrate consumed at any given meal or snack is what is most important.
“Carrots are considered a nonstarchy vegetable, along with options such as broccoli and lettuce,” Ficek says. “These foods are safe for people with diabetes to eat at each meal without worry that glucose levels will spike.”
Tomatoes are not high in sugar, and neither are carrots. Tomatoes, similar to carrots, are considered a non-starchy vegetable in meal planning for diabetes. This means that the amount of naturally occurring sugar is minimal in a serving.
A cup of chopped, green, raw cabbage has 5 g of carbs, according to the USDA. Eating this vegetable is an inexpensive way to add vitamin C (32.6 mg, or 37 percent of the DV) and vitamin K (67.6 micrograms, or about 56 percent of the DV) to your diabetes-friendly diet.
People living with diabetes should look to avoid vegetables with a high GI rating, as the body absorbs blood sugar from those foods much quicker compared with low-GI foods. This includes artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, eggplant/aubergine, green beans, lettuce, peppers, snow peas and spinach.”
With so few carbohydrates, a high fiber content, and healthful fat, people with diabetes can enjoy an avocado in moderation without the stress of raising their blood sugar levels. Pairing an avocado with other foods may help reduce blood sugar spikes too.
If you have type 2 diabetes breakfast cereals made with wholegrains can help to manage blood glucose levels, they release glucose more slowly as they are low GI. Weetabix, Oatibix and Shredded Wheat can make for good choices.
People with diabetes should eat dinner between 8 and 9 pm. Eating close to bedtime or late at night must be avoided.
If you have diabetes, late-night snacks aren't necessarily off-limits — but it's important to make healthy choices. Late-night snacks add extra calories, which can lead to weight gain.
Pineapple, watermelon, mango, lychee, and banana have a high GI, so these are the worst fruits if you are diabetic. These fruits can be included in your daily diet plan after consulting a nutrition expert. Alternatively, these fruits can be substituted with low GI fruits such as avocado, citrus fruits, berries, etc.
In short, yes, it's safe to drink coffee if you have diabetes. Although the research on coffee's benefits is mixed, as long as you keep an eye on your blood sugar and stick to coffee with less sugar, drinking coffee shouldn't be dangerous.