What foods have little or no effect on blood sugar in people with diabetes?

HealthyWomen

The type of food you eat can affect your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Raw foods, for example, are digested more slowly than cooked foods. Foods that are broken down more slowly release glucose into the blood more slowly. Foods that contain fat also take longer to digest than foods without fat. That's why an ice cream cone or a chocolate bar may not cause blood sugar levels to rise as quickly as you might expect. Checking your blood sugar two hours after eating carbohydrates is the best way to learn the effects of different foods.

Moderation is key. At one time, people with diabetes were told not to eat sweets at all. Today, sweets and snacks are allowed, but portions need to be small and balanced during the day.

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Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), often referred to as diabetes, is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin and/or effectively utilize the insulin. Diabetes is a serious, life-long condition and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism (the body's way of digesting food and converting it into energy). There are three forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that accounts for five- to 10-percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may account for 90- to 95-percent of all diagnosed cases. The third type of diabetes occurs in pregnancy and is referred to as gestational diabetes. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health issues for pregnant women and their babies. People with diabetes can take preventive steps to control this disease and decrease the risk of further complications.

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What foods have little or no effect on blood sugar in people with diabetes?

Continue Learning about Diabetes