Diabetes is a serious medical condition that requires many people to restrict their diets in order to keep their blood glucose under control. Many diabetics refer to the glycemic index when selecting foods. The lower the food is on the index, the more it can be tolerated in a diabetic's diet, because it will not raise blood glucose as much as foods that are higher on the index. High-fat foods, such as half and half are lower on the index, because the fat slows the metabolism of carbohydrates. When used in moderation, though, foods with fat can help keep blood glucose under control.
A Closer Look at Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood-glucose levels that result from the body's inability to produce or use insulin. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, develops when your body cannot produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin to bring the energy from carbohydrates into the cells of your body. When you have diabetes, the glucose builds up, leading to many health problems, including heart disease, hypertension and eye and foot conditions, according to the American Diabetes Association.
More About the GI
The glycemic index measures how much food raises blood sugar, or blood glucose. The Mayo Clinic website explains that many people with diabetes use the index to help them select foods appropriate for their diet. This is because foods high on the glycemic index cause a rise in blood sugar, and the aim of diabetes regulation is maintaining a relatively consistent blood-glucose level.
The GIycemic Index and Fat
Fat does not contain any carbohydrates and therefore does not have a glycemic-index value. Fat tends to lower the glycemic-index value of other foods and can be used to help keep blood-sugar levels balanced. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are recommended for diabetics to help regulate blood-glucose levels. Saturated fats and trans fats, such as those found in high-fat dairy products like half and half should be consumed only occasionally, as they can accelerate hardening of the arteries and lead to heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Diabetes and Fat
Although foods with fat typically have lower glycemic-index values, this does not mean they are healthy alternatives for diabetics. High-fat dairy products may offer a temporary balancing of blood-glucose levels but do not help diabetics achieve a healthy, balanced diet. The Mayo Clinic website recommends alternatives including avocados, almonds and olive oil.
