Diabetes is characterized by too much glucose, or blood sugar, in your bloodstream. Type 1 diabetes develops early in life, while type 2 is onset in adulthood. If you have gestational diabetes, the condition will typically only last until the end of your pregnancy. Several foods are a healthy option for you if you have diabetes. Instant oatmeal has some nutritional qualities, but it is not the always the best type of oatmeal to eat.
Oatmeal Benefits
According to the American Diabetes Association, 1/2 half cup of plain oatmeal cooked with water has only 80 calories and 15 g of carbohydrates. Oatmeal, including instant varieties, is a good source of fiber and can help fill you up. Instant oatmeal is also typically portioned out into individual packets, which can help you stick to your diet plan and avoid overeating.
Considerations
In general, regular oatmeal is a better choice due to its glycemic index, which is an indication of how quickly a food raises blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association states that regular oatmeal has a low glycemic index, while instant oatmeal has a high glycemic index. This means that instant oatmeal can raise your blood sugar levels faster than regular oatmeal, so you may want to choose regular oatmeal when possible.
Recommendations
Many types of instant oatmeal may have added sugar or high fructose corn syrup for sweetening and flavor. Try to avoid these types of instant oatmeal and look for sugar-free varieties. You can add flavor to sugar-free instant oatmeal or plain oatmeal by stirring in nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon or a sugar substitute.
Diabetes
To manage diabetes, you need to maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet and monitor your blood sugar levels. Although instant oatmeal is a source of fiber and whole grains, your diet also needs to include fruits, vegetables and protein sources. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about a meal plan that works for you and your health situation to help manage your diabetes.
