Since milk is packed with nutrients, many consider it a vital part of a healthy and well-balanced diet. In addition, this versatile drink is essential for maintaining strong bones. However, people with diabetes might worry about milk negatively impacting their blood glucose levels. Let’s see if drinking milk is safe for them.
Is Milk Safe for People With Diabetes?
While high in nutritious calcium and the much-needed protein, milk can also be full of fat and carbohydrates. On top of that, most of the fats found in milk are of the unhealthy kind. Unlike good fats, these can’t help you manage your diabetes.
As for the carbs, they will turn into sugar in your bloodstream once they break down. So, drinking too much milk might spike your blood sugar levels.
Can I Drink Milk if I Have Diabetes?
If you’d like to keep milk in your diet with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the first step is to choose a low-fat or fat-free variety. This way, you’ll get all the nutrients without the unhealthy fat.
Next, start drinking milk in moderation and monitor its effects on your blood sugar levels. Over time, you should understand how milk affects you personally. Consequently, you’ll know how to combine it with other foods and how much insulin you’ll need after drinking milk.
Consult a Dietician
When you get diagnosed with diabetes, your physician will probably refer you to a dietician. The dietician will devise a meal plan for you and calculate how many carbs you can consume daily. With their help, you’ll also learn how to read nutrition labels and count carbs so that you don’t go overboard. You can use this opportunity to ask the specialist how milk can factor into your diet.
