Unsweetened soy milk is another non-dairy milk that's suitable for people with diabetes. It contains 4.01g of carbohydrates, which is higher than flaxseed and almond milk but safe enough to avoid spiking your blood sugar levels.
Unsweetened almond milk is less likely to raise blood sugar levels compared to other types of milk, including cow's milk. Because it's dairy-free, it doesn't contain milk protein or lactose, which are ingredients that some people need to avoid.
Plain milk has no added sugar and are therefore lower in total sugar compared with flavoured milks.
Carbohydrate is the nutrient that has the most effect on blood glucose levels. Almond milk will not spike your blood glucose level. One glass of almond milk just has 1-2 grams of carbohydrate.
Fiber is important because it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, which increases your blood sugar slowly. But since oat milk has less fiber than actual oats, the carbs in oat milk will cause faster blood sugar spikes than whole oats, says Byrd.
Milk. Switching to lower-fat milk, such as semi-skimmed milk (green top) from whole milk (blue top), which contains the most fat, is a good start. To make even more of a difference, try 1 per cent fat milk (orange top) or even better skimmed milk (red top).
If you have diabetes, oat milk may not be the best option since it's the highest carbohydrate-containing milk of those other options. If you're a diabetic who already uses almond milk, I don't think switching from almond milk to oat milk would be very beneficial.
In the case of coconut milk, its glycemic load, which factors in a low overall carbohydrate and high fat content, means that blood sugar spikes are not likely in most individuals.
With a pudding-like texture and a slightly tart flavor, Greek yogurt also has more protein and fewer carbs and fewer sugars than traditional yogurt. This means that Greek yogurt can be even better for people with type 2 diabetes, says Tami Ross, RD, CDE, a diabetes educator in Lexington, Kentucky.
Cashews and Blood Sugar
An ounce of cashews has a glycemic index (GI) of 25. This is considered to be a low GI, meaning that cashews are not likely to significantly raise your blood sugar when eaten in moderate amounts. Research shows that cashews may actually be beneficial for blood glucose.
Almonds and almond milk are good options for people with diabetes. Whole almond nuts, in particular, appear to provide several benefits, including superior blood sugar control, better weight management, and improved heart health.
The carbs in milk break down and become sugar in your bloodstream. With both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, you have to watch your carbs. Drinking too much milk may cause a spike in your blood sugar. If you're diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will probably refer you to a registered dietician.
It is not always recommended to have milk at bedtime for diabetics. The higher amounts of calories in milk at night can be dangerous to the body.
The study, published in the Journal of Dairy Science, confirms the importance of milk at breakfast time to aid in the slower digestion of carbohydrate and to help maintain lower blood sugar levels.
Generally speaking, yes, it's OK to eat honey if you have diabetes. But you should consume it in moderation. Although honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, it still contains sugar. And any type of sugar will raise your blood glucose levels.
Yes, the fiber and antioxidants in blueberries promote a more stable blood sugar response. Whether you have diabetes or not, blueberries make for a sweet, fiber-filled, blood-sugar-friendly addition to any diet.
“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.”
A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.
Any food with a GI below 55 is considered low and may be a good choice for people with diabetes. The GI in mango is 51, so mango is in the group of foods that are safe for people with diabetes.
Apples can be a good snack for people with diabetes. Their fiber may help prevent spikes in blood sugar, and insulin levels, and fructose may be more beneficial for insulin levels than glucose. Apples also contain many nutrients.
Research has shown that peanuts can help control blood sugar in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes. Peanuts and peanut butter have even been shown to help lessen the spike in blood sugar when paired with high-carbohydrate or high-GL foods.
The Best Breakfast Cereal Choice for Those with Diabetes
The best breakfast cereal you can eat is made up of whole grains that include oatmeal, barley, brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat, millet, or rye. Enjoy them individually or blended. Some companies sell hot cereal mixes that include five or more grain blends.
Eat saturated fats in moderation
Red meat and dairy products—like milk, cheese, and butter—are popular sources of saturated fats. These aren't foods to avoid while taking metformin altogether but focus on lean proteins—like turkey, fish, and tofu to increase metformin's efficacy.