This is the second video in a maangement series managememt oatmeal for diabetes treatment. The key is in balance and portion control, as even too much of a good thing can be harmful. Brigid Titgemeier, MS, RDN, LD, IFNCP. Sweetnich, Dr.

Oats and diabetes management -

Then consider what you eat with the bowl of oatmeal. Or you may add your own sweetener to rolled oats in the form of brown sugar, maple syrup, or high-glycemic fruit such as bananas or raisins.

Either way, your bowl is likely heavy on sugar and light on protein and fiber , two essential nutrients that can help blunt the glucose-spiking effect of carbohydrates, leading to a lower blood sugar rise after a meal.

The Levels Team. If you love eating oatmeal, there are ways to enjoy it with less of a spike. Consider upgrading from rolled and instant oats to steel-cut oats or oat groats.

Groats are whole oat kernels—only the inedible outer hull has been removed. They also take the longest to cook of any type of oats. Both groats and steel-cut oats are minimally processed and have an intact fiber-rich bran layer, which means your body digests them more slowly, and therefore your blood glucose will likely rise more slowly, too.

But remember, glycemic response is highly individual, so while this simple swap may make a difference for some, steel-cut oats, despite their relatively higher fiber content and lower glycemic index compared to rolled or instant oats, can still spike blood glucose levels for many.

Another way to calm glucose response: top oats with foods rich in protein, fat, and fiber, such as the ones below. When you combine reasonable portion sizes of carbohydrates with protein, fat, and fiber, your morning bowl will have less impact on blood sugar.

This is because these nutrients help slow the digestion of carbohydrates and curb the release of glucose in the bloodstream. As a bonus, these ingredients also provide various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support metabolic health.

A better way to keep blood sugar stable is to avoid grains altogether. Seeds such as chia, flax, and hemp can come together to create an alternative to oats perfect for any meal plan. This warm triple-seed pudding from nutritionist Kelly LeVeque is an excellent oatmeal substitute brimming with health benefits.

Heat almond milk in a pan over medium heat. Add chia, flax, and hemp, and stir with a silicone spatula as the mixture simmers. Serve warm in a bowl with toppings as desired. Levels, the health tech company behind this blog, helps people improve their metabolic health by showing how food and lifestyle impact your blood sugar, using continuous glucose monitoring CGM , along with an app that offers personalized guidance and helps you build healthy habits.

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Try these delicious—and glucose-friendly—breakfast options instead. Juno DeMelo. There are many reasons to skip regular dairy, but not every plant-based milk supports metabolic health. Here's how to choose the right option for you.

Jasmin Singer. Brigid Titgemeier, MS, RDN, LD, IFNCP. Pizza is one of the foods most likely to spike blood sugar. Amanda Schupak. Meghan Rabbitt. Ultimate Guide. The glycemic index provides insight into how particular foods affect glucose but has limitations.

Stephanie Eckelkamp. Ami Kapadia. Metabolic Basics. The Explainer. It is important to note that this is a modest change, and simply adding oats to the diet is not enough to improve insulin sensitivity permanently.

There are many ways to make oatmeal, but the most basic form of oatmeal is oats cooked in hot water. Oats are naturally low in sodium and sugars. This, too, may be helpful for people with diabetes who are looking for more healthful food choices overall. As these numbers show, oatmeal is still mainly a source of carbohydrates.

People who use carb counting to help control their blood sugar may not like what they see at first, as 52 grams of carbohydrates is still quite a lot. However, it is important to consider that about 8 of these grams come in the form of dietary fiber, which may help to prevent spikes of glucose in the blood.

With that in mind, it is still important to eat oats in moderation and follow a meal plan that is suitable for diabetes. Oatmeal can be a tasty and nutritious addition to both sweet and savory dishes, but, to get all the nutrition , it is important to use whole oatmeal.

Oatmeal in its most basic form is simply oats and water. This may be healthy, but it is also bland. Luckily, there are a few safe ways to add flavor to simple oatmeal and make it more enjoyable. So long as the person keeps their total carbs or GI scores in mind, there are a number of ways to make basic oatmeal outstanding.

Some breads contain oatmeal. Processed white breads are unsuitable for many people with diabetes, but some bread options have better GI score because they contain whole grains and fiber.

For people who want to make their own healthful breads, muffins, or pancakes, adding oats can be a great starting point. It adds helpful fibers and gives extra thickness.

This may help the person feel more satisfied and energized throughout the day. The risks of eating oatmeal are mostly minor, but people should be aware of some things when choosing them, including:. Allergies : Some oats may be contaminated with wheat gluten or other flours. Anyone with potential allergens should look for certified gluten-free oats.

Minor side effects : Excess fiber may cause minor side effects like gas and bloating. Added ingredients : Oats and muesli that contain added ingredients may be harmful for people with diabetes, especially if they contain dried fruits or added sugars. Always check the labels and seek out whole grain oats.

Still high in carbs : Oatmeal is still high in carbohydrates, and people with diabetes should enjoy it in moderation. Gastroparesis : People with gastroparesis may want to avoid oats, as it may make symptoms of their condition worse.

It is important to understand that whole grain oats offer the most nutritional value. Steel-cut or rolled whole-grain oats retain all the fiber and nutrients that make oatmeal so beneficial.

Many instant oatmeal blends are a mix of oats and flours that have an abundance of added sugar and have had their fibers stripped away. Oatmeal in this instant form is a high GI food. It and may raise the blood sugar quickly.

When choosing oats, always pick whole grain rolled or steel-cut oats, and avoid packages of instant oats. However, there is no one-size-fits-all diet for diabetes, and people should monitor their blood sugar levels when eating oats to decide if they are the right choice.

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Is oatmeal good for people with diabetes? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.

Health benefits for diabetes Nutritional content Dietary tips Risks Oatmeal can be a good option for people with diabetes. Health benefits for diabetes. Share on Pinterest Oatmeal can be healthful, even for people who are watching their carb intake.

Eat This Instead. The classic breakfast dkabetes not managemeny as healthy Oats and diabetes management you think. Try this swap for a warm bowl that stabilizes blood sugar and tastes great. Brittany Risher. Rich Joseph, MD. For those grappling with diabetes, dietary choices Fat oxidation diet an essential part of managing the condition. Diabefes have to managemen how each food will tips for anxiety management in the workplace their blood sugar levels. In this comprehensive article, we will break down the facts and myths about oatmeal and diabetes. In diabetes, blood sugar levels can get too high, causing various health complications. Hence, it becomes essential for people with diabetes to consider their diet carefully.