Diabetes FAQs

is oatmeal good for diabetics

by Ashley Adams Published 11 months ago Updated 5 months ago
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Oatmeal from whole grain oats may be a helpful addition to the diet of someone with diabetes. Oatmeal has a low glycemic index (GI) score, and the soluble fiber and beneficial compounds in oats may help people control markers of diabetes.

How much oatmeal should a diabetic eat?

The answer is yes, oatmeal is good for diabetics. However, it is not about eating oatmeal at all hours. One serving is enough. In addition, diabetics are recommended to distribute the amount of oatmeal for the day. This amount depends on how is the rest of the diet, physical activity and the state of health of a person.

Does oatmeal raise A1C?

Oatmeal. Oatmeal is high in magnesium which is one of the minerals that helps the body to use glucose and secrete insulin correctly. Steel cut oats can be eaten but when the grains are whole they assist digestion allowing blood sugar and lowering A1c levels. Cannellini Beans. This has been proven to help control blood sugar levels.

Is oatmeal good to eat if you have diabetes?

The pros of adding oatmeal to your diabetes eating plan include:

  • It can help regulate blood sugar, thanks to the moderate to high fiber content and lower glycemic index.
  • It’s heart-healthy due to its soluble fiber content and the fact it can lower cholesterol.
  • It may reduce the need for insulin injections when eaten in place of other carbohydrate-rich breakfast foods.

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Can you eat oatmeal if you have diabetes?

Yes, you can eat oatmeal if you have diabetes so long as you make smart choices. Keep an eye on your portion size. And, watch what you add into it.

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Will oatmeal raise blood sugar?

Eating oatmeal can spike blood sugar levels if you choose instant oatmeal, laden with added sugar, or consume too much at one time. Oatmeal can have negative effects for those who also have gastroparesis, which is delayed gastric emptying.

Which oatmeal is best for diabetics?

Steel-cut oats are best for type 2 diabetes because they are the least-processed version of oat groats. “Rolled oats have a higher glycemic index than steel-cut oats as they actually have been partially cooked, making them increase your blood sugar faster,” says Kaufman.

What is the best breakfast for a diabetic?

10 Best Breakfast Foods for People with DiabetesEggs. Eggs are delicious, versatile, and a great breakfast choice for people with diabetes. ... Greek yogurt with berries. ... Overnight chia seed pudding. ... Oatmeal. ... Multigrain avocado toast. ... Low carb smoothies. ... Wheat bran cereal. ... Cottage cheese, fruit, and nut bowl.More items...•

Are Quaker oats good for diabetics?

The fiber content is also the key to why oats are often hailed as a great option for people living with diabetes because fiber in the intestines can slow the absorption of sugar and therefore prevent sharp rises in blood sugar and insulin levels after eating a meal.

What drink lowers blood sugar?

Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ). Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best.

What bread is good for diabetics?

whole wheat breadThe American Diabetes Association recommends choosing whole grain bread or 100 percent whole wheat bread instead of white bread. White bread is made from highly processed white flour and added sugar. Here are some delicious and healthy breads to try: Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Wheat Pita Bread.

Is a banana a good breakfast for a diabetic?

A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

Can diabetics eat potatoes?

Potatoes and diabetes. Share on Pinterest In moderation, a person with diabetes may eat potatoes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommend eating starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, as part of a healthful diet. Starch is a complex carbohydrate that takes the body longer to break down than simple sugars.

What kind of cereal can a diabetic eat?

“My favorite breakfast cereal recommendation for people with diabetes is a high-fiber, low-sugar option such as bran flakes,” says Palinski-Wade. With 5 grams of fiber per serving, this type of cereal contains 19 grams of net carbs per ¾ cup serving, making it lower in carbohydrates than many breakfast cereals.

Is peanut butter good for diabetics?

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

Is popcorn healthy for diabetics?

Popcorn offers people with diabetes a low-sugar, low-calorie snack option. It will not increase a person's blood sugar levels by a significant amount, making it a safe choice between meals. However, people should keep toppings to a minimum and avoid eating excessive portions.

Is Coke Zero okay for diabetics?

Diabetics should avoid coke or any soft drinks as much as possible. Coke Zero is sugar-free. However, the sugar substitutes it contains may not necessarily be a healthier option for people looking to reduce their blood sugar levels.

How do diabetics prepare oatmeal?

InstructionsAdd the almond flour, coconut flour, flax seed powder, chia seeds, and ground cinnamon to a mixing bowl. ... Transfer the dry ingredients to a pot over medium heat. ... Cook the oatmeal for 3 – 5 minutes until it's warmed through and starting to thicken. ... Serve the oatmeal warm with your desired low carb toppings.

How do you cook oats for diabetics?

Heat a pan with 1 tsp oil, splutter mustard, cumin, onion, chilli and curry leaves and ginger, increase the flame to high, add the moth beans and cook till dry. Add the oats, turmeric and fry on a high flame for 2 mins, switch off the heat, add the lemon juice, carrot, coconut and coriander leaves, mix and serve.

Which is better for diabetics oatmeal or Cream of Wheat?

You can also go for healthier alternatives like cut oatmeals, muesli, oat bran as they have Gi of 55, which is lower than cream of wheat. Dieticians also advise that diabetic people should consume cereals with high fiber content, 5 grams or more.

Are instant steel-cut oats good for diabetics?

Not only is steel-cut oatmeal the best option for anyone who has diabetes and is trying to keep their blood sugar low, but they're also one of the healthiest options for oatmeal overall, according to Johnston.

What Are The Benefits of Eating Oatmeal?

In addition to lowering or regulating your glucose level without serious blood sugar spikes, oats also provide numerous benefits like improving your heart health, lowering LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol), and reducing the risk for coronary artery disease.

What Is Oatmeal?

Oatmeal is a grain that is made by grinding down whole oat groats (the inner portion of the oat) or steel-cut oats. It is traditionally eaten for breakfast in many countries and is commonly served with milk and some type of sweetener added to it. There are a number of different types of oatmeal you can eat;

Is oatmeal low in glycemic index?

The glycemic index of oatmeal is usually somewhere under 55, which is considered to be a low glycemic index. Other breakfast cereals, such as corn flakes, have a GI of more than 70. This makes oats ideal for diabetics or anyone who wants their blood sugar level more stabilized throughout the day!

Can you soak oatmeal overnight?

Overnight oats is another type of oatmeal where you soak the ingredients overnight instead of cooking it on the stovetop for five minutes in the morning. There is also no need to worry about preparing this kind of dish at night if you don't want to do dishes after breakfast--you can just put everything together in a jar and leave it in your fridge until you're for breakfast!

Do oats help with diabetes?

With that in mind, eating oats in moderation and adhering to a meal plan that is appropriate for diabetes is still crucial.

Does oatmeal help with cholesterol?

Oatmeal, for example, contains beta-glucan soluble fiber that has been shown to help improve cholesterol levels when consumed regularly. The heart health benefits of oatmeal also come from its high contents of vitamin B-vitamins such as thiamin (B), riboflavin (B), and niacin (B). It is these vitamins that regulate how much glucose enters the bloodstream after you eat a meal — and they do it well!

Is steel cut oats preprocessed?

Steel-cut oats have not been preprocessed, so they take longer to cook in the morning. They are less processed than old-fashioned oats and quick-cooking is even better since it is whole oat groats that have been cut down into smaller pieces before being steamed, making them a complex carbohydrate food rather than a simple sugar one like regular rolled or instant oats.

What do I say when my clients ask me if oatmeal is good for people with diabetes? "Yes," of course! Find out how this vitamin-and-mineral-rich whole grain can be a nutritious and satisfying part of your breakfast

Oatmeal has long been regarded as a warm, hearty part of a balanced breakfast. Yet people with diabetes often tell me they no longer feel comfortable enjoying a bowl in the morning because they think it’ll mean chasing down high blood sugar for the rest of the day.

Things You Should Add to Your Oatmeal

To create the best impact on blood sugar, think outside the box and opt for savory morning recipes that contain sources of fat and protein.

The Best Oatmeal for People with Diabetes

To get maximum blood sugar benefits, opt for steel cut or whole kernel oats, which you can cook to make a classic oatmeal breakfast or eat as a side dish with lunch or dinner in place of rice. If you’re short on time in the mornings, make a batch of these oats at the beginning of the week, refrigerate and reheat portion by portion each morning.

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania

Why are oats good for you?

The most well known thing about oats is they are a high fiber food source. Fiber – is amazing! We need it for healthy digestion, feeding gut bacteria, reducing cholesterol, helping us feel full, keeping the bowels moving, improving metabolism, and managing blood sugar. Majority of people don’t get enough fiber.

Why don't we eat oats?

We don’t include oats in our meal plans because they do have mixed results for different people. Instead, we prefer to encourage higher intake of non-starchy veggies, which contain valuable phytochemicals, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals and fiber too.

How much fiber is in 1/2 cup of oats?

If you do eat it, you only want to be eating about 1/4 cup at one sitting. And while oats do contain fiber, so do vegetables. And vegetables compared to oats contain more fiber and less carbohydrates. For example, 1/2 avocado has 6.7 g fiber. 1 cup broccoli has around 5 g fiber and 1 carrot has nearly 2 g fiber.

How to balance out carbs in a meal?

Try adding nuts, seeds and vanilla extract to balance out the carbs with healthy fats and protein. DON’T overeat oats – you need to watch your portion sizes because like most higher carb foods, it’s easy to overload. Try limiting your serving size to just ½ cup of oats at one serve.

How much does fasting glucose decrease?

Anyway, back to the Food and Function review – they found an average reduction of (1.98 mg/dl (0.11mmol/l) in fasting glucose for the overall studies, but interestingly, this was only found significant in Asian subgroups, NOT Western. When subgrouping the diabetics alone, this result was higher at 15.12 mg/dl (0.84 mmol/l).

Is oatmeal a good cereal?

The fact that oats/ oatmeal do contain fiber, is one of the major reasons it is considered a healthy food. And overall, when it comes to cereals, oats are definitely your best option. You certainly don’t want to be eating packaged choc pops or something like that! Foods. Energy.

Can you eat oats with diabetes?

Therefore, overall, the research is not shouting out YES, oats are awesome for diabetes treatment. But it does indicate that in some people oats can be show some beneficial results.

How much fiber is in oatmeal?

A serving of oatmeal adds 8 g of fiber to the diet, making it much easier to reach dietary recommendations.

Which oats have the most nutritional value?

It is important to understand that whole grain oats offer the most nutritional value. Steel-cut or rolled whole-grain oats retain all the fiber and nutrients that make oatmeal so beneficial.

How to make oatmeal richer?

Milk: Some people cut back on the serving of oats and replace those carbs with milk, by mixing it with the water during cooking or adding it at the end. This gives the oatmeal a richer flavor.

What is the GI score of oatmeal?

Oat foods — such as oatmeal and muesli made from steel-cut or rolled oats — are low-GI foods, with a score of under 55. In comparison, other breakfast cereals, such as puffed rice or corn flakes, have a GI score of above 70.

How to help diabetics with blood sugar?

Fiber-rich. Fiber plays an important role in digestion, especially in someone with diabetes. Dietary fiber may help slow down the breakdown of sugars in the body. This may help prevent spikes in blood glucose and insulin levels. Eating fiber-rich foods like oatmeal throughout the day may make it easier for people with diabetes to keep their blood ...

Why do people eat milk?

People eat it mixed with hot water or milk to give it a smooth and pleasant consistency. People with diabetes have difficulty either producing or using insulin. They have to be aware of foods rich in carbohydrates, as these foods quickly break down into sugars. This could lead to glucose and insulin spikes in the blood.

What spice brings out the earthy flavor of oats?

Spices: Cinnamon is a sweet spice that brings out the earthy flavor of the oats to makes the meal more interesting.

Why are oats good for diabetics?

The fiber content is also the key to why oats are often hailed as a great option for people living with diabetes because fiber in the intestines can slow the absorption of sugar and therefore prevent sharp rises in blood sugar and insulin levels after eating a meal.

What does the science say about oats and diabetes?

The science is all in favor of people living with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes eating oatmeal. However, there is very little research available when it comes to type 1 diabetes and oatmeal.

What is the GI of oatmeal?

Pure glucose (sugar) has a GI of 100 and oatmeal made with rolled oats or steel-cut oats has a GI of 53-55 while oatmeal made from more processes oats such as instant oats has a GI of 75.

What does the glycemic index tell you?

The glycemic index of a food tells you how quickly it’s converted into glucose in the bloodstream. If you live with diabetes and are looking for fewer blood sugar spikes, you will ideally want to choose foods with a lower GI.

How long does it take to cook oatmeal with rolled oats?

Since they have been processed, it only takes 2-5 minutes to cook oatmeal with rolled oats. You can also use rolled oats in a variety of other dishes as a replacement for flour.

What is oatmeal made of?

Oatmeal is made of oat, rolled or steel-cut, cooked in a warm liquid such as water or milk. A hot bowl of oatmeal can be like a warm hug, and most people love it for its flavor, nutritional value, and health benefits.

How long to cook steel cut oatmeal?

Generally, the cooking time for steel-cut based oatmeal is 20-30 minutes and the result is a chewy porridge.

What is the best bowl of oatmeal for diabetics?

To make the best bowl of oats if you have diabetes, follow these tips from Cipullo: Go for steel-cut. Steel-cut oats or Irish oatmeal are less refined and more wholesome, which decreases their glycemic load, says Cipullo.

What are the health benefits of eating oats?

The healthy properties of oats are largely credited to a unique type of fiber, called beta-glucan, which slows digestion and boosts satiety. Oats also supply magnesium, a mineral the authors note plays a role in the metabolism of glucose and insulin.

How to make oats without milk?

Make with water or plant milk. You can make a delectable bowl of oats with water alone—the addition of nut butter, nuts or coconut flakes will boost the flavor of the oats without having to make it with milk. However, if you do like a sweeter taste, Cipullo suggests an unsweetened plant milk, which will be naturally lower in carbs. For instance, 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk contains less than 1 gram of carbs. If you want to go even sweeter, choose an unsweetened vanilla plant milk, which won't have any extra sugar, but will have an extra dose of sweet flavor.

What to eat for breakfast if you have diabetes?

People who have diabetes can enjoy all of the foods they love, perhaps with some modifications. Oatmeal is a healthy, fiber-rich carbohydrate that makes a great breakfast when you have diabetes. Using all the tips above, you can build a healthier bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Try steel-cut oats made with unsweetened almond milk, topped with crushed peanuts and coconut flakes, or choose other flavors you love. Enjoy these healthy Oatmeal Pancakes or use oatmeal as a base for these Baked Banana-Nut Oatmeal Cups.

How many carbs are in oatmeal?

One cup of cooked oatmeal offers 143 calories, 5 grams protein and 2.5 g fat. When it comes to carbohydrates, it has 26 g of carbs, as well as nearly 4 g of fiber. When putting breakfast together, Cipullo recommends you aim for 40 to 60 grams of total carbohydrates for the meal, though individual needs will vary, so check with your health care team.

How to slow blood sugar rise?

Pair with protein. Plain Greek yogurt offers an additional 12 grams of protein per 1/2 cup to slow the rise in blood sugar. (It tastes great dolloped on top.) Or, stir in nut butter, a trick that gives the oatmeal a rich flavor, creamier texture and extra protein. When shopping for nut butter, buy a "natural" version that's made with only nuts (and maybe a little salt). Another option is a protein powder, like whey protein.

Can diabetics eat oatmeal?

People who have diabetes can enjoy all of the foods they love, perhaps with some modifications. Oatmeal is a healthy, fiber-rich carbohydrate that makes a great breakfast when you have diabetes. Using all the tips above, you can build a healthier bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Try steel-cut oats made with unsweetened almond milk, topped with crushed peanuts and coconut flakes, or choose other flavors you love. We have ample oatmeal recipes for diabetes as well. Enjoy these healthy Oatmeal Pancakes or use oatmeal as a base for these Baked Banana-Nut Oatmeal Cups.

Which is better for diabetes: steel cut or oats?

Steel-cut oats are best for type 2 diabetes because they are the least-processed version of oat groats. “Rolled oats have a higher glycemic index than steel-cut oats as they actually have been partially cooked, making them increase your blood sugar faster,” says Kaufman.

What are some good foods for diabetics?

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts are good for those with type 2 diabetes and add fiber, protein, and healthy types of fat to your meal. But keep your portions small, as these are high in calories and fat. RELATED: The Best Nuts for Diabetes: Almonds, Walnuts, and More.

How much fiber is in oatmeal?

“One cup of oatmeal has about 30 grams (g) carbs in it with 4 g fiber,” according to Leah Kaufmam, RD, CDE, who's based in New York City. Fiber is important for all adults, but especially for people with diabetes. Not only does fiber help with regularity, but beta-glucan, a specific type of soluble fiber found in oats, increases the time it takes to digest, helping slow down the release of glucose in the small intestine. According to the National Library of Medicine, adults with type 2 diabetes who ate oats and oat bran for six weeks experienced “significant” reductions in 24-hour blood sugar counts, as well as overall insulin levels.

What are the different types of oatmeal?

Oatmeal can come in the form of: 1 Slow-Cooked (Rolled) Oats Oat groats have been steamed and flattened to create flakes 2 Quick (Instant or Microwavable) Oats Oat groats are steamed for an even longer period of time so that they cook quickly in water; they’re also rolled into thinner pieces to cook more quickly, which increases their GI. 3 Steel-Cut (Irish) Oats Slightly larger in size than rolled oats, and take longer to cook 4 Porridge Made with oat groats that have been steamed and ground into a meal-like texture

How much does oats reduce LDL cholesterol?

Another review of controlled trials, published in October 2016 in The British Journal of Nutrition, found that oat-enriched diets were associated with an average reduction of LDL cholesterol by 4.2 percent.

What is the anti-inflammatory compound in oats?

Oats contain an anti-inflammatory compound called avenanthramide, which may reduce the inflammation in diabetes that could lead to disease progression. Researchers who studied 22 people with type 2 diabetes who ate oats over a period of eight weeks observed anti-inflammatory benefits in study participants.

How to get oats to fit in your diet?

One of the simplest ways to fit healthy oats into your diet is by eating more oatmeal. Learn how to make the most of your daily bowl.

What is steel cut oatmeal?

Steel-cut oats are also known as chopped oats or Irish oatmeal. These are the least processed type of oats beside the groat. Steel-cut oats are made by chopping groats into pieces with large steel blades.

What is rolled oats?

Rolled oats are also sometimes called old-fashioned oats. Rolled oats are groats that have been steamed and flattened. They have a milder flavor than steel-cut oats. They also have a softer texture. They are much quicker to make compared to steel-cut oats. This is because they have already been cooked to a certain degree. One bowl of rolled oats only takes about two to five minutes to prepare. Rolled oats are often the type that are in cookies, cakes, muffins, bread, and other baked goods.

What is the most processed oat?

Instant oats are the most processed type of oats. This means that they are digested more quickly in the body. This means that they increase your blood sugar levels rapidly. The same thing happens with oat flour. Oats can be ground into a fine flour to use in baking. This is another form of highly processed oats and can have detrimental effects on your blood sugar.

Can you reheat oatmeal?

You can make your oatmeal ahead of time. Then you can reheat it in the morning for a nutritious and simple breakfast.

Can oatmeal cause blood sugar to spike?

Be aware of what kind of oatmeal you are eating if you have instant oatmeal that’s full of added sugars. This can cause a blood sugar spike. Or, if you eat too much oatmeal at once, this can negatively affect your blood sugar too.

Is oatmeal good for diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition that can have long-term sequelae if left untreated. This is why it’s important to get on top of your diabetes diagnosis and take action today. Eating oats can be helpful. As you can see from this article above, oatmeal is highly nutritious.

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