{"id":37162,"date":"2022-10-12T06:37:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T06:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bensnaturalhealth.com\/blog\/?post_type=diabeteshealth&p=37162"},"modified":"2026-04-05T08:24:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T08:24:06","slug":"sweet-potato-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bensnaturalhealth.com\/blog\/diabetes-health\/sweet-potato-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Eat Sweet Potato If You Have Diabetes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sweet potatoes are a popular vegetable choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you have diabetes, you may be wondering whether you can even eat sweet potatoes in the first place! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m sure you know that controlling blood sugar is a vital health piece for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This begs the question \u2013 how does sweet potato impact blood sugar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you eat sweet potato if you have diabetes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The short answer here is yes. However, it does depend on the type of sweet potato. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain types of sweet potato are better for your diabetes than others. The glycemic index and glycemic load vary from one kind of sweet potato to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The portion size and cooking method also matter here. A person with diabetes can safely eat sweet potatoes in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glycemic index of sweet potato\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sweet potatoes are medium to high on the glycemic index<\/a>. The different types of sweet potato in the glycemic index range from 44 to 96. The glycemic index is a value given to foods based on how quickly they turn into glucose in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How sweet potato impacts blood sugar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic load than white potatoes. Overall though, sweet potatoes are what we consider high in carbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, sweet potatoes do contain properties that can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Although sweet potatoes can spike your blood sugar<\/a> levels, their fiber content does help to slow down this whole process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orange sweet potatoes are higher on the glycemic index. This means that they can increase your blood sugar levels more dramatically than other varieties of sweet potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever type of sweet potato you eat, be sure to limit your quantity. And boil or steam your sweet potatoes instead of baking them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"glyco<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How much sweet potato should a diabetic eat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A typical serving size of sweet potato is half a cup. Half a medium size sweet potato is a good amount for someone with diabetes to have. This is because half a medium size sweet potato is the equivalent of 15 grams of carbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large amounts of sweet potato in a single meal may be unsuitable for someone with type 2 diabetes. The cooking method matters, too. Boiling your sweet potatoes can lead to a lower glycemic index value than baking, frying, or roasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can diabetics eat sweet potato daily? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sweet potatoes are a better nutritional option than white potatoes. However, this doesn\u2019t mean you should go crazy with your sweet potato intake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consume your sweet potatoes in moderation, or they could negatively impact your blood glucose levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, keep in mind that some sweet potatoes are very large, making it easier to overeat sweet potato portions. Go for a medium size sweet potato. And be sure to include other vegetables and healthy foods in your meal plan<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"how<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Advantages of eating sweet potatoes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Studies<\/a> show that eating sweet potatoes can have the following health benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n