Can people with diabetes have sandwiches? Yes, sandwiches are fine in moderation. Keep in mind that whole grain breads, soft taco shells, and wraps are better choices for controlling blood sugar than white bread. Lean meats, low-fat cheese, and plenty of vegetables make good sandwich choices.
Sandwiches can be a quick, diabetes-friendly lunch option as long as you're smart about your choice of bread. Choose a bread that's flat. “Bagels and rolls have too many calories and carbs,” Arévalo explains. Also, check that it's 100 percent whole grain with roughly 30 g of carbs per serving, says Swift.
Similarly, whole-grain bread is heavy in carbs and is made with refined wheat flour, which can cause blood sugar spikes. However, a slice or two of bread is not the only medium for a sandwich as there are healthier options, and most great sandwich fillings are glucose-friendly.
Finally, avoid processed meats. Items like deli meats and sausage can contain compounds and additives that are inflammatory agents, exacerbating diabetes and leading to other chronic illnesses in the future.
Select lean, low-salt deli meats, such as roast turkey. Use low-fat mayonnaise, or replace it with other spreads, such as mustard, pesto, hummus, yogurt, or avocado. Consider replacing cheese with vegetables or fruits, such as tomatoes or peppers, pesto, or avocado.
People with type 2 diabetes should limit or avoid high-fat cuts of meat, such as regular ground beef, bologna, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and ribs, because like full-fat dairy, they're high in saturated fats, explains Kimberlain.
High in fiber and protein, beans are digested slowly in your body, making them great for managing blood glucose levels in a type 2 diabetes diet.
Generally, ham and other pork products are fine for people with diabetes because they are low in carbs, but there could be other things in ham that aren't very good for your heart health.
Balance in the protein sources you choose is also key to diabetes diet success, Nguyen says. “It's not that you can never have your steak. But if you do have red meat, pick the leaner cuts to reduce the saturated fat you eat,” she advises.
Can people with diabetes eat mayonnaise? Yes, a person with diabetes can eat mayonnaise. Mayonnaise has less than a single gram of carbohydrates per tablespoon. But with 10 grams of total fat (1.6 grams of that coming from saturated fat) it can be considered high fat.
Low-fat types like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or mozzarella are high-protein choices that help keep your blood sugar in check. Enjoy a quarter-cup of cottage cheese with a half-cup of fruit, a piece of low-fat string cheese, or ricotta spread on whole-grain crackers.
A chicken fajita bowl can be a healthy, flavorful lunch for people with diabetes. They're easy to prepare in advance and typically feature several foods high in protein and fiber that help keep your blood sugar levels in check, including chicken, brown rice, and veggies.
Mayonnaise: Nutritional Profile
As only carbs directly affect post-meal blood sugar levels, ordinary mayonnaise does not raise glucose levels or interfere with diabetes management. However, mayonnaise can increase sugar levels when served with potato salad, sandwiches, or fries.
Spread no-sugar-added peanut, almond, or other nut butter on whole-grain toast. Look for bread with at least 3 grams of fiber per slice. Top with fresh fruit, such as slices of strawberries or raspberries.
The Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a good option for people with diabetes as it contains only 9g of carbs. The Caesar Side Salad is another good option with only 6g of carbs.
If you have diabetes, following a nutrient-dense diet is essential for optimal health and blood sugar management. However, this doesn't mean you have to give up pizza. Instead, enjoy a slice or two of your favorite pizza occasionally as part of a balanced diet.
Based on these and similar studies, dietitians at Diabetic Living recommend avoiding the typical eggs, pancakes, bacon, and hash browns combination breakfast. Instead, choose the omelet with veggies with lean bacon and a side of fresh fruit for a better balance of protein and sugar.
Cheese can be included in any diet because it contains protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. Cheese can be a great addition to a type 2 diabetes diet as long as it is consumed in moderation. At least one study¹ has found that cheese may actually be able to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Regular size Bacon Egg and Cheese (No Biscuit) 190 calories and 4 grams carb. Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich (No Bun) 160 calories and 2 grams carb. Pair any of these with the side salad and you have yourself a perfect low carb meal!
White bread, the traditional choice for grilled cheese, can play havoc with glycemic control. It's made from refined flour and has very little fiber to counter the spike in blood glucose it can cause. You can choose to use whole grain bread or a loaf made from an alternative flour, in place of white bread.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes.
Regular Heinz Cream of Tomato soup is one which is best avoided with 6.8g carbs per 100g. We see many ladies try this soup and spike their blood sugar levels.
Potatoes are a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed by everyone, including people with diabetes. However, because of their high carb content, you should limit portion sizes, always eat the skin, and choose low GI varieties, such as Carisma and Nicola.