Taking Control of Blood Sugar Levels with Diabetes

When people hear the word “diabetes,” they automatically think of a terribly bland and tasteless diet. This, however, is not reality. Balancing one’s meals instead of depriving themselves of anything they love will yield better results. Carbs are the current public enemy #1, so it makes sense that many people with diabetes create eating plans that are too low in carbohydrates. However, this is not healthy. Constance Brown-Riggs, M.S. Ed., RD, CDE, andauthor of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetessays “[Not eating enough carbohydrates] is not balanced and may deprive the body of important fiber, vitamins, and minerals.”

Paying Attention to Pasta

Pasta is basically a hug in a bowl. It’s warm, it’s filling, it’s comforting, and it’s deceptively unhealthy. When someone eats a whole bowl of pasta, they’re eating as many carbohydrates and calories as eating four slices of bread. To be safe, do not eyeball the pasta in lieu of measuring when pouring it into the pot. Using a measuring cup helps to be mindful of caloric and carbohydrate intake.

According to David J. S. Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., eating pasta al dente is better for keeping glucose levels in check. Think about making pasta: the longer you leave the pasta in as the water boils, the murkier the water gets. The water is murky because the pasta is becoming lose and loses its shape. When the pasta is like this, it gives its glucose more easily. This added glucose may result in a higher blood sugar.

Whole wheat pasta is much healthier and is recommended by many. For people who do not like whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta has a less grainy texture and is also diabetes-friendly! Grains like quinoa are also healthy alternatives to traditional pastas and rice.