Vegetables are good for us but are they good for people with diabetes? There are two types of diabetes: type one and type two. The hormones are related to the hormone in the pancreas that helps our bodies to use sugar for energy and regulate blood sugar levels.

We will look at which vegetables are good for diabetes, which vegetables should be restricted and how to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Two medical experts gave us their advice for a successful diabetes diet, and explained why diet is important for the management of the condition.

We have a guide to the best fruits for people with diabetes.

Vegetables to include in your diabetes diet

A medical doctor and a medical director at Concepto Diagnostics encourages people with diabetes to eat a mostly plant-based diet. He says that starting a vegetarian diet can be helpful for people with diabetes. The amount of sugars you consume affects your blood sugar levels the most. It's important for people with diabetes to be aware of the dangers of eating certain foods, particularly those with free sugar, because they can be fatal.

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Dr Tariq Mahmood

Medical Doctor

A review in the journal Nutrition found that a diet low in carbohydrates can support those with diabetes, as a low-carbohydrate diet can reduce high blood sugar levels, and has been shown to reduce or eliminate the need for medication. Vegetables that grow above ground are generally low in calories and those that grow below ground are high in calories. butternut squash is high inCarbohydrates but grows above ground. Squashes in the summer are a better choice for people with diabetes.

Dr Deborah Lee is a doctor from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.

  • Green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach and kale
  • Asparagus
  • Green beans
  • Eggplant
  • Peppers
  • Celery
  • Mushrooms
  • Legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils and beans
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Cucumber

Lee says that canned and frozen vegetables are an excellent alternative to fresh vegetables.

Dr Deborah Lee medical doctor

Medical Doctor

Vegetables to avoid in your diabetes diet

Some vegetables may be problematic for people with diabetes. He says thatchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes and yams, can affect your blood sugar levels. boiled potatoes have a high glycaemic index rating This doesn't mean that these vegetables are off-limits for people with diabetes, but it's important to be aware of what you're eating.

Vegetables should be eaten in moderation on a diabetes diet.

  • Potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Butternut squash
  • Yams
  • Sweetcorn
  • Vegetable juice (as it is concentrated, it is high-carb)
  • No more than one heaped tablespoon of tomato puree

bowl of chopped carrot sticks

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Easy ways to include more vegetables in your diet

  • Try our 14 ways to eat more vegetables for breakfast 
  • If you don’t like the texture of whole vegetables, blend them into a sauce – you won’t be able to taste them unless you use large quantities. Blended cauliflower can be masked in a cheese sauce, and tomatoes, onions, eggplant and mushrooms can be blended into a rich red sauce that’s great for bolognese, pizza and as a base for curries, enchiladas and more.
  • Make a habit of snacking on vegetables: swap out high-carb chips and dip for a crunchy alternative, such as peppers, celery or cucumber with a legume-based dip like hummus.
  • Add color to your plate: if your meal is looking a little beige, steam some green beans, asparagus or broccoli for an easy, filling side dish. 

avocado and poached egg on toast for breakfast

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How can diet help to manage diabetes?

According to a review in the Medical Clinics of North America, consistency with calories and sugars can help in the management of diabetes. A low-carbohydrate diet has shown positive results in the treatment of a number of diseases. According to the review, a low-carb diet can lead to weight loss, lower medication doses, and in some cases the cure of type 2 diabetes.

Low GI vegetables are great for people with diabetes. He says that a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and nuts can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

A high intake of animal-based proteins is associated with a higher risk. People living with diabetes should avoid vegetables with a high GI rating as the body absorbs blood sugar from those foods much quicker than low-GI foods. Green beans, lettuce, peppers, snow peas, and spinach are included.

According to a review in the journal Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet can be used to treat diabetes. People with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes are more likely to have resistance to the hormone in their blood.

The article is not meant to give medical advice.