Spaghetti and Diabetes

The Best Things to Add to Spaghetti When You Have Diabetes

Being diagnosed with diabetes likely leaves you with lots of questions about what you can and can’t eat. For example, you might be wondering can diabetics eat spaghetti? That’s a great question since pasta contains carbs, which you have to pay careful attention to if you have diabetes. Fortunately, diabetes and spaghetti can go together. Here’s how to enjoy it in a healthy way. 

The Relationship Between Gluten and Diabetes

Not only does pasta contain carbs, but it also contains gluten. While not all diabetics need a gluten-free diet, it can be beneficial for some individuals with the disease. That’s because many foods that contain gluten are also high in carbs, which can cause a spike in blood sugar. 
Some people with type 1 diabetes might also have celiac disease, which requires a gluten-free diet. 

For both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, eliminating gluten helps control carbohydrate intake, which can have a positive impact on symptom control. Fortunately, there are plenty of gluten-free pasta options to choose from.

How Much Spaghetti Can I Eat?

This is another great question. Whether you choose gluten-free pasta or traditional noodles, you can enjoy spaghetti if you have diabetes. The trick is to keep your portions moderate to control your carbohydrate intake. At the same time, make sure you balance the carbs in your spaghetti dinner with those you eat for the rest of the day. That way you don’t go overboard and end up with a spike in blood sugar due to carb overload. 

What to Add to Spaghetti

The noodles form a base for your spaghetti, giving you a great opportunity to make the meal healthy with your sauce and toppings. Your best bet is to make your own sauce since many store-bought versions are high in sugar. 
Tomato sauce is a healthy choice that you can jazz up with fresh vegetables and garlic. Avoid cream sauces, which are high in fat and calories. If you’d like to add meat to your pasta, choose fresh options rather than processed meats. 

Research shows that processed meat can exacerbate diabetes symptoms and increase the risk of developing the disease. Cheese is also an excellent choice as long you grate it on top in moderation. 

Diet is an important component of a diabetes management plan. You don’t have to give up spaghetti if it’s your favorite but doing so in a healthy way means enjoying the meal without worrying about symptoms arising afterward.