Yes a diabetic can definitely eat potatoes as part of a balanced meal despite the high carbohydrate content. Potatoes are high in carbs. Being high in carbs, potatoes can cause high blood sugar levels for diabetics. Having high blood sugar is a real nightmare for any diabetic. So it is obvious any diabetic would be naturally nervous about eating potatoes and wonder if a diabetic can eat potatoes. A diabetic can eat potatoes in moderate quantity to reap benefits from the nutrition in potatoes. For example, potatoes have higher amounts of fibre, minerals and vitamins than other starches such as rice.
Is high carbohydrate content in potatoes harmful for diabetics?
It is true that high carb or starch in potatoes can raise blood sugar levels but potato can give you essential nutrients. So if a diabetic fears eating potatoes due to high starch, one may miss out on great nutrients that potatoes have to offer. Diabetics have more to gain than harm by eating potatoes in reasonable portions. So a diabetic can absolutely eat potatoes. However, a diabetic needs to be careful with portion size and cooking style when eating potatoes.
How can a diabetic eat potatoes?
The most important thing is to watch is the portion size. Potatoes have high glycemic index and hence can raise blood sugar levels quickly. If diabetic includes huge portions of potatoes in meal, blood sugar levels may rise quickly and cause health complications.
But including potatoes in small portions as part of a balanced diabetic meal is great way to eat potatoes. So a diabetic needs to keep the potato portion in the meal reasonable. You may find this blood glucose meter handy to check your blood sugar levels.
Experts claim boiled or steamed potatoes are more nutritious than any other potatoes. Boiled potatoes are apparently high in fiber, minerals and vitamins while low in fat, sugar and salt. So, for a diabetic, boiling or steaming the potatoes my be one of the best ways of eating potatoes.
When we fry potatoes, the meal gets very fatty and high in calories too. Fried food is particularly high in trans fats and saturated fats. As any fried food can raise the risk of heart disease, it is good idea to avoid fried potatoes.
A diabetic needs to include a variety of other foods in diabetic meal plan along side potatoes. Beans, cauliflower, cheese etc. can be good foods for a diabetic to eat along side potatoes. You may find a broader idea of what a diabetic can eat in this post.
