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Vegetables are an important part of our diet, but are there any that are especially good for people with diabetes? Diabetes is a complex disease that comes in two types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Both types involve insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy and control blood sugar levels.
In this article, we discuss which vegetables are good for diabetics, which ones to limit, and how to easily add more vegetables to your diet. We also spoke to two medical experts who shared their recommendations for an effective diet for people with diabetes and explained why proper nutrition is key to managing the disease.
If you prefer sweets over salty foods, we've also put together a guide to the best fruits for diabetics.
Vegetables to Add to a Diabetic Diet
Dr. Tariq Mahmood, MD, medical director at Concepto Diagnostics, suggests that diabetics consider switching to a vegetarian diet. “While switching to a plant-based diet is not the only solution to diabetes, many of its benefits can be beneficial for diabetics,” he says. “Diet plays a critical role in managing diabetes, as the amount of carbohydrates consumed has the greatest impact on blood sugar levels. It is important for people with diabetes to understand the risks associated with eating certain foods, especially those that contain free sugars.”
Dr. Tariq Mahmood, MD
Dr Tariq Mahmood has almost 30 years’ experience in ultrasound diagnostics, paediatrics, general medicine/surgery, radiology, orthopaedics and obstetrics. He received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Nishtar Medical College Multan in Pakistan in 1988 and after completing his studies spent seven years as a trainee radiographer before starting a career as a sonologist, sonographer and ultrasound specialist in the UK.
A review in the journal Nutrition found that a low-carb diet can be beneficial for people with diabetes, as it effectively lowers blood sugar levels and may reduce or eliminate the need for medication. A simple rule of thumb: vegetables that grow above ground tend to be lower in carbs, while those that grow below ground tend to be higher in carbs. There are a few exceptions, such as butternut squash, which, despite growing above ground, is high in carbs. Summer squash, on the other hand, is lower in carbs and is a better option for diabetics.
Dr. Deborah Lee, MD, of Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy, says the best vegetables for diabetics are:Dr. Deborah Lee, MDDr.
After many years working in the NHS, first as a GP and then as a
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