If you are diabetic, knowing the carbohydrate content of foods is key to maintaining proper glucose levels. Diabetics can safely eat whole-wheat pasta, providing portions are monitored. Low carb wheat pastas are a healthy choice to control blood sugar in the body.
Identification
Wheat pasta is made with the whole grain and contains the entire kernel, including the germ, bran and endosperm. The bran or outer shell provides fiber, B vitamins and minerals. The germ contains antioxidants and vitamins A and E. White pasta is made from a refined grain, which has been processed and only the endosperm remains. Whole grains absorb more slowly in the body, which promotes better blood sugar control and makes them beneficial for controlling diabetes. With a rush of refined carbohydrates, blood glucose levels may elevate quickly, a danger if you are a diabetic.
Specialty Pasta
Pasta especially designed for diabetics uses a special manufacturing process that protects some of the carbohydrates from breaking down and entering the blood stream. Therefore, the pasta may not raise blood glucose the same as traditional pasta. The American Diabetes Association says that the product has not been tested on diabetics and recommends carefully monitoring your glycemic response after eating it.
Carbohydrates
The American Diabetic Association recommends 45 to 60 g of carbohydrates per meal, depending on the advice from your health care provider for your individual needs. Low carb and whole-wheat pasta that is ideal for diabetics is marketed under many brand names. The carbohydrate content of a popular diabetic brand of spaghetti contains 5 g per 3/4-cup serving, with 190 calories. The same company makes rotini and linguine pasta with the same carbohydrate and calorie content. Penne pasta contains 5 g of carbs per 1/2 cup with 190 calories. In comparison, 1/2 cup of regular white spaghetti contains 22 g of carbohydrates and 111 calories.
Substitutions
A noodle is available that contains no carbohydrates or calories. Made out of konjac root, the source for the natural fiber glucomannan, it has traditionally been used in Asia. The product comes in the shape of various noodles to resemble different pastas. Although this pasta replacement does not taste like wheat noodles or grain pasta, it is very effective for weight loss and reducing the glycemic index of meals.
