“Potatoes are a vegetable, but the health value of all vegetables are not interchangeable. White potatoes in particular have a very high glycemic load. As a result, a baked white potato can also raise blood sugar even more than a glazed doughnut.”
Starchy vegetables such as corn, potatoes, and yams are high in carbohydrates, which can have a direct effect on your blood sugar.
In general, foods that cause blood sugar level to rise the most are those that are high in carbohydrates, which are quickly converted into energy, such as rice, bread, fruits and sugar. Next are foods high in protein, such as meats, fish eggs, milk and dairy products, and oily foods.
Like dark leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables are rich in fiber, low in carbs, and blood-sugar friendly. Because they aren't starchy and have lots of fiber, they won't cause a blood sugar spike. Some examples of non-starchy veggies are onions, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, celery, and brussels sprouts.
Early trials suggest that cucumber is one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop. For people with diabetes, cucumber may be a helpful addition to their diet to moderate blood sugar levels more effectively.
Starchy Vegetables, Which in Large Amounts Can Destabilize Blood Sugar. Oh, the poor potato — and, along with it, other starchy vegetables like peas and corn. These foods pack a greater quantity of carbs compared with nonstarchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and lettuce.
“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.”
Sweet potatoes have a sterling nutritional profile, making them a great food for people with diabetes.
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.
Nightshade vegetables, like peppers, potatoes, and eggplant, are are controversial, because many claim they can cause inflammation, according to Cynthia Sass, a registered dietician. This can lead to some pretty serious complications down the line: heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, to name a few.
For people with diabetes, the “most important meal of the day” can also be the most confusing. Typical American breakfast options—bagels, cereal, pancakes, muffins, bacon, eggs—are loaded with refined carbs, sugar, and saturated fat, the exact things that we're told to limit.
While there are myths that state those with diabetes should not consume dairy, these products, including cheese, can actually be beneficial when consumed in moderate amounts. Cheese, in particular, can actually be great at helping to manage blood sugar levels because of its low glycemic index.
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.
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.