Which vegetables are good for diabetics? - Livescience.com

We take a look at the best and worst vegetables for diabetics, to give you a head start on your diabetes diet.

We will look at which vegetables are good for diabetics, which vegetables should be restricted and ways that you can easily incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

We’ve also spoken to two medical experts who have given us their advice for a successful diabetes diet and explained why diet is vital for the management of the condition.

Dr Tariq Mahmood, a medical doctor and a medical director at Concepto Diagnostics (opens in new tab), encourages those with diabetes to consider a largely plant-based diet.

A review in the journal Nutrition (opens in new tab) found that a diet low in carbohydrates can support those with diabetes, as a low-carb diet reliably reduces high blood glucose levels, and has been shown to reduce or eliminate the need for medication.

There are some exceptions, such as butternut squash, which grows above ground but is quite high in carbohydrates.

According to Lee, the following vegetables should be consumed in moderation on a diabetes diet:.

Another review, in Vnitrní Lékarství (opens in new tab), a Czech community medical journal, found that a low-carbohydrate diet has shown positive results in the treatment of diabetes, pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity.

The review indicates that a low-carb diet can lead to weight loss, lower medication doses, and in some cases the remission of type 2 diabetes when consumed under medical supervision. .

Mahmood explains that low GI vegetables are great for diabetics and those at risk of developing diabetes.

“Adopting a diet full of fruits, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes,” he says. .

People living with diabetes should look to avoid vegetables with a high GI rating, as the body absorbs blood sugar from those foods much quicker compared with low-GI foods