Food for diabetics: 5 pulses diabetic people must eat

Create a healthy diet plan for diabetics by adding these 5 pulses

Diabetes or obesity management – you can never go wrong with pulses! All you need to do is select what suits your needs the best.

Diabetes management and pulses are a match made in heaven. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Published by Nikita Bhardwaj

Updated On: 30 Oct 2023, 01:35 pm IST

We all know dietary changes can help you or a loved one deal with any health issue. Unfortunately, diabetes is rapidly turning into one of the biggest health burdens, and we have our diets to blame for that! There are many diets that are recommended when it comes to diabetes. And a must-have in every diabetes-friendly diet is pulses.

Not many know that pulses help to keep your blood sugar levels in the normal range. The carbohydrates, fibre content, and high protein percentage in the pulses tend to slow down the breakdown of the carbohydrates into glucose in the blood, which won’t lead to a spike in blood sugar levels.

According to research, pulses help in the management of blood sugar levels, owing to their low glycemic index and high fibre content. So, it is imperative for those with diabetes to include pulses in their diets.

Here are 5 must-have pulses for diabetics

Chickpea
It contains all the vital minerals and vitamins. Plus, it has a low glycemic index, and is high in protein and fibre. Diabetics can consume them without any hesitation.
Chickpeas are a rich source of nutrients. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
Kidney beans (rajma)
“Do you have diabetes? Do you avoid eating kidney beans? It is time to rethink your decision. Did you know? Kidney beans have a low glycemic index and are fit for consumption when it comes to diabetics. Moreover, kidney beans are packed with complex carbohydrates, and are better than foods with simple carbs,” suggests Dr. Vipul Rustgi, MBBS MD Medicine, Consultant physician and Diabetologist, Apollo Spectra, Delhi.
Split and dehusked black gram (urad dal)
Urad dal is rich in protein and has a low glycemic index. Not only this, but you will also get flawless skin after eating this dal. So, go for it, right away!
Diabetics need a special diet to stay healthy and fit. Image courteys: Shutterstock
Bengal gram (chana dal)
It is highly nutritious. Bengal gram is high in protein and folic acid that aids in the formation of red blood cells, and is low in glycemic index. All in all, it is a boon for diabetics.
Moong dal (green gram)
Moong dal is loaded with proteins, and has a low glycemic index. It is also good for your heart, and thyroid health. So, diabetics shouldn’t skip this dal at any cost.
Moong dal can be a good addition to your diet to manage diabetes. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

“It will be a good idea to talk to an expert, who will decide the right quantity for you. Also, do not go overboard on pulses as they can lead to flatulence formation and intestinal discomfort,” suggests Rustgi.