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Health Topics/Diet & Nutrition/Nutrition

Why is eating fiber good for diabetes?

Judy Caplan
Judy Caplan on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition & Dietetics
Fiber helps slow down the digestion and absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. It is crucial in diabetes to keep a stable blood sugar. Foods with fiber help you do this. Beans, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit all contain fiber.
Marjorie Nolan Cohn
Marjorie Nolan Cohn on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition & Dietetics

Evidence shows that fiber delays gastric emptying. This promotes the feeling of fullness for a longer period of time and can also help decrease appetite. The increase in time for digestion and absorption slows nutrient uptake and decreases glucose and insulin levels in the blood after consuming a meal high in fiber. The Institute of Medicine says that the effect of fiber on food and nutrient absorption can help control and protect against type 2 diabetes.

Vandana R. Sheth
Vandana R. Sheth on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition & Dietetics
Eating higher fiber foods can help with diabetes in two ways:
  1. Fiber helps slow down the conversion of carbs to sugar so there is a gradual rise in blood sugar
  2.  Fiber also helps fill us up faster so you might be able to eat less and feel full 
Emilia Klapp
Emilia Klapp
Nutrition & Dietetics
Fiber helps to slow down both the release of food from the stomach and the absorption of carbohydrates from ingested food. This tends to prevent spikes in blood glucose and insulin. Fiber also is good for diabetics because watching your weight with diabetes is important. Fiber can help you reduce overeating, which prevents weight gain. Foods with high fiber content take longer to eat, and slowing the speed at which you eat a meal is a basic strategy to control your portion sizes.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.