Chips on the Diabetic Diet Plan

Diabetic dieting revolves around control of blood-sugar levels, trying to avoid large swings in glucose levels that could lead to diabetic symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue or even diabetic coma. There are two general types of diabetes, inborn (type I) and developed (type II), categorized respectively by whether the body is unable to produce or properly use insulin, the blood-sugar storage hormone. Consuming a processed food such as potato chips is never a good idea on a diabetic diet, but there are ways to make it less of a burden on your blood-sugar levels.

Diabetic Dieting and Chips

• Consume chips sparingly, if at all, while following a diabetic diet plan. Whether you are discussing potato chips or french fries, the fluctuation in blood-sugar levels is not something that you can afford while suffering from diabetes. How heavily a specific food will affect your blood sugar level is measured by a scale known as the glycemic index, with higher ranking foods having a greater impact on resting blood sugar. Both potato chips and french fries have a glycemic index score of more than 50 (56 for potato chips and 75 for french fries), meaning that they should be generally avoided while dieting to control blood sugar. Instead of relying on potato chips for your snacking efforts, consider snacking on lower glycemic index foods such as fresh pieces of fruit like apples, pears, citrus fruits and cherries or even on foods that barely impact blood sugar at all such as hard cheeses or dried meats (like beef jerky).

Damage Control

• Understand how best to control the "damage" if you find yourself in a situation in which you are unable to exercise willpower and refrain from consuming chips. According to information from the website Diabetes in Control, consumption of vinegar prior to a meal can help to lower the resultant swing in blood sugar after the meal. Thus, consider indulging in vinegar-coated chips (or chips dipped in vinegar) where absolutely necessary, as these will afford you a snacking opportunity while minimizing your chances of being struck with the effects of hyperglycemia.

  Another way to minimize the blood-sugar swing from consuming chips on a diabetic diet is to only consume chips as a part of a well-balanced meal that also contains slow-digesting carbs (fruit, vegetables and whole grains), lean protein and healthy unsaturated fat. Mixing macronutrients will prevent the chips from being digested too quickly, blunting the insulin response and helping to avoid diabetic symptoms.