Asparagus Another delicious diabetes-friendly vegetable to add to the plate is asparagus. "In just one cup you get three grams of fiber and only five grams of carbohydrates," says Harland Adkins, a registered dietitian nutritionist and diabetes educator.
Asparagus Benefits for Diabetes
A recent study recommends that consumption of asparagus may aid in regulating type 2 diabetes. Researchers also observed that a frequent intake of this veggie may keep the glucose levels in check. Also, it has been found to enhance the production of insulin in the body.
Asparagus May Help Fight Diabetes
The result: Small amounts of the asparagus extract appeared to help with blood sugar control. More significant amounts had the same effect – and the benefit of increased insulin production.
The American Diabetes Association recommends filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables at meals, such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, squash and mushrooms.
Tomatoes are not high in sugar, and neither are carrots. Tomatoes, similar to carrots, are considered a non-starchy vegetable in meal planning for diabetes. This means that the amount of naturally occurring sugar is minimal in a serving.
Starchy vegetables—like beets, carrots, and jicama—contain higher amounts of carbs, and because of this, can raise blood sugar much faster than non-starchy veggies.
Dark green leafy vegetables.
They also have a low glycemic index, so they'll help keep your blood sugar under control. And they contain magnesium, a mineral that helps your body's insulin work like it should. Add spinach, kale, or collard greens to your salads, soups, and stews.
Carrots can be a safe choice if you have diabetes and are watching your blood sugar levels. They're also non-starchy vegetables. So you can even enjoy small amounts of carrots if you're following the ketogenic, or keto, diet.
Starchy potatoes
“Potatoes are a vegetable, but the health value of all vegetables are not interchangeable. White potatoes in particular have a very high glycemic load. As a result, a baked white potato can also raise blood sugar even more than a glazed donut.”
When eaten in moderation, all kinds of sweet potatoes are healthy. They're very high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and can safely be included in a diabetes-friendly diet.
But there is one food that stands alone as the best snack for lower blood sugar: nuts. Nuts are delicious, nutritious and incredibly versatile as far as snack foods go. Plus, they can be stored at room temperature (or in the freezer for longer periods of time) and are great for grab-and-go snacks.
Beets are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that have proven health benefits for everyone. Consuming beets appears to be especially beneficial for people living with diabetes. Beets can help lower the risk of complications that may arise from an unmanaged condition, including nerve damage and eye damage.
Cabbage is low in calories and carbs and high in fiber. Cabbage can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, but its high nutritional value makes it a healthy choice. This vegetable is loaded with nutrients, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and folate, and it is also high in fiber.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables that belong to the cabbage family such as cauliflower, Brussels, broccoli, and sprouts should never be consumed raw. These vegetables contain sugar that is difficult to digest. Eating these vegetables raw may lead to a number of gastronomical problems.
Like dark leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables are rich in fiber, low in carbs, and blood-sugar friendly. Because they aren't starchy and have lots of fiber, they won't cause a blood sugar spike. Some examples of non-starchy veggies are onions, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, celery, and brussels sprouts.
There's a myth about chocolate and diabetes. But you can eat chocolate, just in moderation and not too often. Try not to eat a lot in one go as it affects your blood sugar levels. If you snack on chocolate regularly it may start to increase your cholesterol levels and make it more difficult to manage your weight.
Early trials suggest that cucumber is one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop. For people with diabetes, cucumber may be a helpful addition to their diet to moderate blood sugar levels more effectively.
The creamy green fruit is packed with vitamins, nutrients, and heart-healthy fats. While they are high in fat, it's the good kind of fat that benefits people with type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, adding avocado to your diet may help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, and increase insulin sensitivity.