is sweet potatoes good for diabetics
Olivia Hensley
Updated on June 17, 2026
If you have diabetes, you can eat sweet potatoes daily — as long as you factor the vegetable’s carbohydrate count into your meal planning. “Sweet potatoes are a source of carbohydrates, which raise blood sugars,” says White.
What potatoes are best for diabetics?
Best type of potatoes for diabetes
Sweet potatoes are one of the best types of potato for people with diabetes, as they are low-GI and contain more fiber than white potatoes. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Carisma potatoes, a variety of white potato, are another lower-GI option.
How much sweet potato can a diabetic have?
A typical serving size is ½ cup, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kaufman recommends half of a medium-size sweet potato for most people with diabetes because this is the equivalent of 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Will sweet potatoes raise blood sugar?
Since sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates, they can spike blood sugar levels. Their fiber content helps to slow down this process. Orange sweet potatoes have a higher GI. This can increase your blood sugar level, compared to other sweet potato varieties.
Are eggs OK for diabetics?
Protein-rich foods like eggs can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Plus, eggs contain many essential vitamins and minerals, and have just 80 calories each.
What potato does not raise blood sugar?
When boiled, sweet potatoes are a low glycemic index (GI) food, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar as much as regular potatoes, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism.
Are banana OK for diabetics?
Fruits like bananas are healthy foods that contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can include bananas in your diet even if you have diabetes.
Is cheese good for diabetics?
Low-fat types like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or mozzarella are high-protein choices that help keep your blood sugar in check.
Is oatmeal good for diabetics?
Pros of oatmeal for diabetes
The pros of adding oatmeal to your diabetes eating plan include: It can help regulate blood sugar, thanks to the moderate to high fiber content and lower glycemic index. It’s heart-healthy due to its soluble fiber content and the fact it can lower cholesterol.
Is eating 2 sweet potatoes too much?
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, and their excessive consumption can lead to hypervitaminosis A (vitamin A toxicity), in which excess vitamin A accumulates in the liver. Although it is not considered harmful, the color of the skin and nails may turn orange.
What are the disadvantages of sweet potatoes?
Sweet Potato Side Effect
May Lead to Stones. Sweet potatoes have a high oxalate content. Vitamin A Toxicity. They are a rich source of vitamin A. Kidney Failure. If you are struggling with liver or kidney issues then you should probably avoid eating them. Heart Problems. Stomach Problems. Blood Sugar Issues.
Which vegetables should be avoided in diabetes?
The Worst Vegetables for People With Diabetes
Potatoes. Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are considered a starchy vegetable, meaning they contain a higher amount of carbohydrates than most veggies. Corn. Peas. Butternut Squash. Vegetable Juice.
Is Cabbage good for diabetics?
Broccoli, spinach, and cabbage are three diabetes-friendly veggies because they are low in starch. Filling up with vegetables is a great way to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Are carrots good diabetes?
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.
Is coffee good for diabetes?
Some studies suggest that drinking coffee — whether caffeinated and decaffeinated — may actually reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes, however, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with higher or lower blood sugar levels.
What is the fastest way to bring down your blood sugar?
When your blood sugar level gets too high — known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose — the quickest way to reduce it is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way to lower blood sugar.