Every time you go to the grocery store, you might notice there are new products. Companies are constantly trying to come up with new flavors that are more appealing and new products that would be more convenient or fitting to suit consumers' needs. One newer type of product created to meet Americans' health need is diabetic pasta.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans, young and old. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that diabetics cannot control their blood sugar levels because they either do not produce the hormone insulin or their body does not recognize its own insulin. Without an adequate amount of insulin, it is difficult to move sugars from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is needed. The NIH states that the long-term effects of high blood sugar levels include nerve problems, kidney disease, heart attacks and strokes.
Regular Pasta
Many diabetics choose to avoid regular white pasta because it contains refined carbohydrates, which raise blood sugar levels. Regular pasta is also low in dietary fiber, an indigestible type of carbohydrate that can slow down blood sugar spikes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says regular pasta is not off-limits to diabetics; they just need to count their carbohydrates and include the pasta they eat in their daily carbohydrate intake.
Portion Sizes
Portion sizes are an important part of eating pasta for diabetics. The ADA states that most diabetics can eat around six to 11 servings of carbohydrates a day, depending on their weight and current blood sugar levels. One-third of a cup of cooked pasta counts as one serving, according to the ADA. Eating several servings of pasta at once might not be safe for diabetics, depending on their particular situation.
Special Diabetic Pasta
There are several different types of diabetic-friendly pastas on the market. For example, Dreamfield’s brand makes a diabetic pasta made from semolina, so it tastes like regular pasta. According to the Dreamfield’s website, Dreamfield’s pasta has 7 g of protein per 2-oz. serving. It also has a lower glycemic index than regular pasta, meaning it raises blood sugar levels slower.
Fiber
Dreamfield’s and other types of diabetic pasta might be beneficial for diabetics because they are high in fiber. The Dreamfield’s website says its pasta contains inulin, a fiber found in fruits and vegetables that can slow digestion and promote healthy glucose levels. The Joslin Diabetes Center states that unlike other carbohydrates, fiber does not raise blood sugar levels. Fiber can even help to contribute to a feeling of fullness, according to the Joslin Diabetes Center.
