Best Protein Choices for Diabetes |ADA (2024)

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Best Protein Choices for Diabetes |ADA? ›

Lean meats and fish: For people with diabetes, lean poultry meats and seafood are preferred over red meats because of the strong connection between diabetes and heart disease. Red meats are higher in saturated fat, which can raise your blood cholesterol and further increase your risk of heart disease.

Lean meats and fish: For people with diabetes, lean poultry meats and seafood are preferred over red meats because of the strong connection between diabetes and heart disease. Red meats are higher in saturated fat, which can raise your blood cholesterol and further increase your risk of heart disease.

Low-fat types like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or mozzarella are high-protein choices that help keep your blood sugar in check.

How Much Protein Should You Eat With Diabetes? Some health experts suggest that it is more accurate to use the standard formula of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. 2 To do this conversion, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2.

Eating protein — from meat and fish, tofu, nuts, eggs, and cheese — with carbs can slow that flow of glucose and help stabilize blood sugar. “Proteins hold back the sugars, slow them down, and then release them into the bloodstream slowly so that your blood sugar stays in a more normal range,” O'Meara says.

For people with diabetes, lean proteins provide energy without a lot of saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease. Animal-based breakfast proteins like eggs and turkey sausage are pretty standard. Good plant-based protein sources include chickpeas, tofu, nuts, and seeds.

But there is one food that stands alone as the best snack for lower blood sugar: nuts. Nuts are delicious, nutritious and incredibly versatile as far as snack foods go. Plus, they can be stored at room temperature (or in the freezer for longer periods) and are great for grab-and-go snacks.

Having diabetes can put a person at an increased risk of heart disease. Some people are concerned that eating eggs may raise cholesterol levels, and that this could increase the risk of heart disease. The ADA recommend that people eat less than 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per day.

How Many Eggs Can People With Type 2 Diabetes Eat? Both research and health experts indicate that individuals living with type 2 diabetes, or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, can include between 6 - 12 eggs per week as part of an overall healthy diet. So you can enjoy up to 2 eggs, 6 times a week.

Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

A healthful alternative

When you need a quick snack to eat on the move, the options are often high in carbs or sugar, for example, sodas, pastries, and candies. These can trigger sugar spikes in people with diabetes. A protein shake might be a more healthful option, as protein digests more slowly than carbohydrate.

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

Cottage Cheese

The American Diabetes Association lists cottage cheese as a great protein source for people with diabetes because it shouldn't contribute to blood sugar spikes. Cottage cheese comes in different curd sizes and fat contents, and pairs well with many different types of fruits and veggies.

Fish. As long as it isn't fried or covered in high-fat and high-sodium sauces, fish is one of the best protein choices for people with diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association specifically recommends eating fish and seafood at least two times per week.