Is Yogurt Good For Diabetes?

Americans love yogurt. In fact, yogurt consumption in the United States rose from 6.5 pounds per person in 2000 to 13.4 pounds per person in 2018, according to the website Statista. That’s a whole lot of spoonfuls of this nutrient-rich, convenient, and tasty dairy product. But does yogurt have a place in the diet and lifestyle of individuals with diabetes?

The answer is yes, though not all yogurt is created equal. Incorporating the right kind of yogurt into your diet can have significant health benefits generally and help you control blood sugar levels as well.

What Makes Yogurt So Beneficial?

Yogurt is made from the fermentation of milk-specific microorganisms. That fermentation causes the creation of “good” bacteria called probiotics. These bacteria help with digestive health and reduce inflammation. Diabetic complications, such as heart attack and stroke, are often accelerated by inflammation.

Recent research suggests that regular yogurt consumption might be associated with lower glucose levels, reduced insulin resistance, and lower systolic blood pressure.  Additionally, an analysis of 13 recent studies concluded that eating yogurt may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in healthy and older adults.

What Is The Best Type Of Yogurt For Diabetes?

The yogurt section of the dairy case can extend for almost a whole aisle, with a wide range of styles, flavors, and brands. Many yogurt products, such as those with added sugars, high fat content, or toppings, can obscure their health benefits by including less than beneficial items. That is why it is important to choose your yogurt carefully.

According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, people with diabetes should choose unflavored and fat-free or low-fat yogurt products. Here’s what else to look for when looking for yogurt:

  • Not all yogurt contains probiotics, so make sure that you pick one with active and live cultures
  • Look for yogurts that are low in carbohydrates and high in protein, like unsweetened Greek yogurt, which can contain up to twice the amount of protein and half the carbohydrates of regular yogurt.
  • Choose yogurt flavors with no more than 10 grams of sugar and 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
  • Avoid yogurt with prepackaged topping. If you want to add items to your yogurt, like blueberries, strawberries, or almonds, do so yourself.

Monitoring Glucose Levels As Part Of Your Healthy Lifestyle

In addition to a healthy diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is an essential complement to a healthy diet in managing diabetes. For many people with diabetes, a new, proven, tested, and reliable alternative to finger-pricking is available that can make inconvenient and disruptive glucose monitoring a thing of the past. 

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a transceiver device that helps those with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels 24 hours a day without any need to interrupt their day to obtain a sample.

CGM has easy-to-use features that can help each person proactively record and track glucose levels and provide valuable insights on data that helps manage exercise, meals, and daily health status.

Contact us today to see if you qualify for CGM and access our guide to continuous glucose monitoring.

CALL US TO QUALIFY NOW

If you are not insured, or have a high deductible health insurance plan, you can still purchase the Freestyle Libre Reader and Sensors at extremely competitive prices. Prices starting as low as $99 per month

*Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings when you suspect readings may be in accurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

Reference 1: Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care. 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual

Indications and Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring systems are continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The systems are intended for single patient use and require a prescription.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.

WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. When using FreeStyle LibreLink app, access to a blood glucose monitoring system is required as the app does not provide one. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.html. . FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Abbott. ADC-09691 vLO 10/18

*The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations

‡‡‡Based on the sensor being replaced once every 14 days, and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

§§§Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when you see an error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading