It’s no secret that diabetes can be managed quite well with the right diet. With that being said, here are the best vegetables you should start eating daily if you have been diagnosed as well as some you should mostly avoid!
According to Concepto Diagnostics medical director Dr. Tariq Mahmood, it is recommended that diabetes patients focus on a diet that is mainly plant based.
Furthermore, a Nutrition review has found that diets low in carbs are also really beneficial for diabetics.
This is because low carb options reduce blood glucose levels and can reduce or even eliminate the need for medication!
Another expert, Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy’s Dr, Deborah Lee, gives a few examples of great vegetables, low in carbohydrates, that are perfect for diabetics.
They are: asparagus, eggplant, green beans, peppers, mushrooms, celery, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, legumes like lentils and chickpeas and green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, Brussels sprouts and kale.
Lee also goes on to say that “Although fresh vegetables are likely to have the best nutritional value, tinned and frozen vegetables are highly nutritious and are an excellent alternative as well.”
With that being said, there are quite a few vegetables diabetics should avoid as well!
Mahmood points out that “Starchy vegetables, like corn, potatoes and yams, are full of carbohydrates and, as a result, they affect your blood sugar levels. In particular, boiled potatoes have a really high glycaemic index rating of 78. This does not mean that these vegetables are totally off-limits for diabetics – they can still be enjoyed in the appropriate portions – but again, it is vital to be aware of exactly what you are eating.”
As an example, Lee mentions the following vegetables that should be consumed in moderation by those with diabetes: butternut squash, sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams and sweet corn.
In addition, vegetable juices should also be avoided since they tend to be really concentrated and, therefore high in carbs.
