In moderation, oats can be a healthful regular addition to a diet for people with diabetes. However, there is no one-size-fits-all diet for diabetes, and people should monitor their blood sugar levels when eating oats to decide if they are the right choice.
This of course begs the question “Are oats ok for diabetics?”
As long as you eat steel-cut oats that are not prepackaged or instant oatmeal with added sweeteners, oatmeal is generally safe to include in your diet plan if you have diabetes, just make sure it doesn’t contain any added sugars and salt. Don’t add sweeteners that contain many calories like; honey, syrup, or brown sugar.
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. So just how much fiber do you need daily?
Then, are steel cut oats good 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.
Is oatmeal good for people with diabetes?
Oatmeal can also promote heart health, which is important because people with diabetes are prone to heart disease. Adding oatmeal to your diet to help manage diabetes has both pros and cons. The pros of adding oatmeal to your diabetes eating plan include:.
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!
How can I eat oats to lower my blood sugar?
Eat it with a protein or healthy fat such as eggs, nuts or Greek yogurt. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can add protein and healthy fat, which can further help stabilize blood sugar. Choose Irish or steel cut oats.
How does oatmeal affect your blood sugar?
The more processed the oats are, as in the case of instant oats, the faster the oats are digested and the faster the blood sugar can potentially increase . Oatmeal is usually cooked with liquid and served warm, often with add-ins like nuts, sweeteners, or fruit. It can be made ahead and reheated in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
What are the side effects of oatmeal?
Oatmeal can have negative effects for those who also have gastroparesis, which is delayed gastric emptying. For those who have diabetes and gastroparesis, the fiber in oatmeal can slow the stomach emptying.