Taking care of diet in diabetes is the first condition to control it. Even one sugar-triggering thing in the diet can worsen the symptoms of diabetes. Crores of people in the country are either suffering from diabetes or their blood sugar is not under control. In such a situation, the biggest question is what should be eaten in the daily plate and what not.

Especially there is dilemma in the minds of people regarding common vegetables like potato and sweet potato. Some say that potatoes are poisonous, while others consider sweet potatoes miraculous. But first of all it is important to understand that eating in diabetes does not mean giving up anything completely. Blood sugar depends on how quickly food is digested and converted into glucose and enters the blood. This is called glycemic index. The higher the GI, the faster the sugar will increase. This is why comparison between potatoes and sweet potatoes becomes necessary.

Should one eat potatoes in diabetes?

Potato is often considered the enemy of diabetes, but not every potato is the same. Many varieties of potatoes are grown in India and each variety can have a different effect on the body. Some varieties contain starch that breaks down slowly, due to which sugar does not increase rapidly. Research shows that potatoes of the right variety and cooked in the right manner are not harmful in limited quantities. The problem occurs when potatoes are fried or eaten with too much spices.

Boiled potato can also increase sugar if eaten excessively, because its glycemic index is high. However, potatoes that have been boiled and cooled are considered slightly better because the level of starch present in it changes.

Does eating sweet potatoes increase blood sugar?

Now let’s talk about sweet potato, which people often consider safe for diabetes. Sweet potato is definitely sweet, but its sweetness affects the body differently. It has high amount of fiber, which allows sugar to enter the blood slowly. This is the reason why its glycemic index is lower than that of potatoes. Apart from this, vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants are found in sweet potatoes, which protect the body cells from damage and can improve the effect of insulin. Even in Ayurveda, sweet potato is considered energy-giving and relatively balanced for digestion, provided the quantity is correct.

According to scientific research, if a person’s priority is to control blood sugar, then sweet potato may prove to be a better option. But if eaten in large quantities, this carbohydrate can increase sugar. At the same time, it is not necessary to give up potatoes completely. If the potato is boiled, it can be eaten in balanced quantity with vegetables and pulses.