Can People with Diabetes Eat Carrots?

[suramo]

The article below was medically reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN, LD on March 25, 2019 — Written by Eleesha Lockett.

People with diabetes may find themselves wondering what the best dietary recommendations are. One common question that pops up is, can people with diabetes eat carrots?

The short and simple answer is, yes. Carrots, as well as other vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, are a non-starchy vegetable. For people with diabetes (and everyone else, for that matter), non-starchy vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet.

It’s important to pay attention to the carbohydrate content in food when you have diabetes. However, many foods that contain carbs also contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, and even fiber.

Some of these foods, especially non-starchy vegetables, have less of an impact on blood glucose levels. In this article, we’ll explore how carrots impact diabetes, and offer some helpful information about carbohydrates and diabetes.

Carrots and diabetes

There’s truth behind the saying, “eat the rainbow.” Colorful fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients for a healthy diet. Carrots are well-known for containing beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A. They also contain antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients.

A medium carrot contains only 4 grams of net (digestible) carbs and is a low-glycemic food. Foods that are low in carbs. and low on the glycemic index tend not to have a very large impact on blood sugar levels.

Research also suggests that the nutrients in carrots may be beneficial to people with diabetes.

Vitamin A

In one animal study/trusted source, researchers investigated the importance of vitamin A in blood glucose control. They found that mice with vitamin A deficiency experienced dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells. They also noticed a decrease in insulin secretion and subsequent hyperglycemia. These results indicate that vitamin A might play a role in blood sugar control for people with diabetes.

Vitamin B-6

B vitamins play an important role in many different areas of metabolism. One study found that a deficiency in vitamins B-1 and B-6 was common in people with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the initial development of diabetic nephropathy was more common if vitamin B-6 levels were low. This research suggests that low vitamin B-6 levels may negatively affect diabetes outcomes.

Fiber

Dietary fiber intake is an essential part of blood sugar management in diabetes. A recent review/trusted source of 16 meta-analyses shows strong evidence that dietary fiber intake may help reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. In addition, for people with diabetes, fiber intake can help reduce both long-term and fasting blood glucose levels.

[gangadharan_nair]

“Carrots are considered a non-starchy vegetable along with options such as broccoli and lettuce. These foods are safe for people with diabetes to eat at each meal without worry that glucose levels will spike.” If you want to take extra precautions against a rise in glucose levels, enjoy carrots raw instead of cooked. They contain plenty of important nutrients that benefit blood sugar levels, such as vitamin A and fiber.

The glycemic index ranks carbohydrate-based foods based on how much they raise blood sugar levels. Foods that are high on this index can cause blood sugar to spike, making diabetes harder to control. ... Though carrots can be sweet, they're lower on the glycemic index than the other vegetables on this list.

It is true that carrots have natural sugar, but not much more than many other vegetables. And you certainly don't need to avoid these low-calorie, nutritious root vegetables. One half-cup of chopped raw carrot sticks has three grams of sugar and only 26 calories.

Links:-

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrot

[sandybrown]

Good explanation on this link:

healthline.com/health/diabe...

[HOBIEONE]

I eat raw carrots, Good snack without many carbs.

[Vsthak]

They say brown rice is good for Diabetics. Kohinoor Brown Rice contains 68% carbs. per 100 gm. Is hand pounded rice good?

[suramo Star in reply to Vsthak]

No. Rice is not good.

[kvn2013]

Good to know that Carrots are beneficial for diabetic patients. There is tendency for diabetics to lead to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). In that case are carrots good for CKD patients? Thanks.

[suramo Star in reply to kvn2013]

Yes. But, one has to eat in moderation. I'd recommend checking blood sugars at1 & 2 hr. intervals so as to know if the carrots are good and how much quantity can one remove rapidly.