With diabetes, diet plays an important role in managing your blood sugar levels and preventing the long-term complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes, which include blindness, renal failure, stroke, cardiovascular diseases and amputations. Whether you have type 1 diabetes, which is characterized by no insulin production by the pancreas, or type 2 diabetes, which is related to the inability of your body to respond properly to insulin, all types of diabetes can be controlled by monitoring your carbohydrate intake. Peanuts are one of the most popular nuts -- although technically they are legumes -- in the American diet.
Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar Levels
Carbohydrate is the most important nutrient to control with diabetes. Although many diabetics pay attention to their sugar intake, the other part of the carbohydrates, called starch, has the same blood sugar-raising potential as sugar does. Carbohydrates are not only found in sugar, sweets and desserts but also in pasta, rice, bread, pizza dough, breakfast cereals, buns, crackers and baked goods. When you eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into sugar, which then raise your blood sugar levels as they are absorbed into your bloodstream. A high carb intake results in high blood sugar levels, while a low carb intake can help you keep your blood sugar levels within the target range.
Peanuts
A serving of 1 oz. of peanuts, or a bit less than 1/4 cup, contains about 166 calories, 6.1 g of carbohydrates and 2.3 g of fiber. This amount of carbohydrates is relatively low and is not likely to make your blood sugar levels peak. However, if you consume a large amount at once, you may observe a rise in your blood sugar levels. Keep your serving small, and monitor your blood sugar levels one and two hours after eating peanuts to see how it influences your blood sugar levels. Ideally, your blood sugar should not rise above 180 mg/dl two hours after eating. Avoid peanuts that contain added salt, oil, seasoning or sugar.
Peanut Butter
A serving of 2 tbsp. of natural peanut butter contains 190 calories, 7 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of fiber. Choose natural peanut butter, because other types of peanut butter often contain added sugar and salt. Avoid reduced-fat peanut butter, because it contains more carbohydrates, with 166 calories, 11.4 g of carbohydrates and 1.7 g of fiber per 2 tbsp. serving. Used in moderation, peanut butter will not impair your blood sugar levels, but monitor your blood sugar levels to see how your body reacts.
Fat
The type of fat found in peanuts is mainly monounsaturated fats, a type of fat that is also found in olive oil, avocado and many other nuts. This heart-healthy fat can help you improve your blood cholesterol profile. However, choose natural peanut butter, because other types of peanut butter often contain trans fat from shortening, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Trans fats are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk because they result in higher LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
