Are sweet potatoes safe for diabetics?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Ngoc - General Internal Medicine - Endocrinology - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. Doctor has more than 10 years of studying, researching and working in the field of endocrinology.

Diabetics can eat sweet potatoes, cassava? This is a question of many patients with diabetes because they all have the same concern that sweet potatoes contain sugar. The answer is yes, but the patient needs to choose the type of potato and process it properly.

When the body does not produce insulin properly and does not use insulin well, it leads to diabetes. This condition leads to unwanted symptoms such as high blood sugar, weight loss, frequent urination, weakened immune system, blurred vision, constant hunger, numbness in the legs...
Currently, in medicine, there is no such thing. There is a definitive cure for diabetes. However, the condition can be controlled and improved through treatment with a moderate diet and exercise. If the patient is subjective, disregarding the disease will make it difficult to treat the disease, causing diabetes to become more serious, even fatal.
To treat diabetes in the most effective way, the patient needs to put the diet first. However, many people choose an excessively restrictive diet, leading to exhaustion, low blood pressure, this is the wrong way to treat the disease. Diet does not mean eating only a few foods and foods, but choosing foods that provide enough calories for the body. In addition, diabetics need to exercise regularly and control blood sugar at a safe level.

Sweet potato has the scientific name Ipomoea batatas. Sweet potatoes of all kinds are good alternatives to white potatoes. They are higher in fiber and nutrients, such as beta carotene. In addition to nutritional value, sweet potatoes contain properties that may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Like white potatoes, sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates. Even so, people with diabetes can eat them in moderation. There are several types of sweet potatoes that have been shown to be beneficial for people suffering from blood sugar related ailments and obesity.

Sweet potatoes contain a lot of nutrients such as: Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin K. With calories Low, sweet potatoes have the ability to balance insulin levels in the body, reducing blood sugar. So this tuber is very safe for diabetics.
Sweet potatoes also work to improve digestion for diabetics. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, which works to remove waste products accumulated in the stomach and soften stools to help prevent constipation. Sweet potatoes stimulate the production of gastric juice thereby helping to improve digestion.
In addition, ylang ylang is very effective when it comes to improving metabolism and is good for people who want to lose weight. The reason is that the sweet potato is rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates, which promote the metabolic rate and improve the body's metabolic function.
Some types of sweet potatoes are suitable for people with diabetes such as:
Orange sweet potatoes: The most common variety found in supermarkets in the United States. They are reddish brown on the outside and orange on the inside. When compared to regular white potatoes, orange sweet potatoes have a higher fiber content. This gives them a lower GI and makes them a healthier choice for people with diabetes. In fact, boiled orange sweet potatoes have a lower GI value than baked or fried.
Purple sweet potato : Has purple color on both inside and outside. We can find purple sweet potatoes marketed under the names Stokes Purple and Okinawa potatoes. Purple sweet potatoes have a lower GL than orange sweet potatoes. In addition to nutrients, purple sweet potatoes also contain anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a polyphenolic compound that studies show can reverse or prevent obesity and the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin resistance. A review of researchers found that anthocyanins act in the body through multiple mechanisms, including reducing carbohydrate digestion in the gut.
Japanese sweet potatoes (Satsuma Imo): Sometimes called white sweet potatoes, although they are purple on the outside and yellow on the inside. This sweet potato strain containing caiapo was able to significantly reduce two-hour fasting and blood sugar levels in subjects when compared to placebo. Caiapo has also been shown to lower cholesterol.
Sweet potatoes can be part of a healthy food plan when you live with diabetes, however, you need to eat them in moderation. Certain types of sweet potatoes may even be beneficial to help you manage your health. These include Japanese sweet potatoes and purple sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes contain many nutrients but also contain carbohydrates. To help sweet potatoes retain the most nutrients, you should prepare them by boiling, steaming instead of baking or frying.

Article referenced source: Healthline.com