Milk for Diabetes [Good or Bad??] How Much And When Should Diabetics Consume It?? Learn More!!

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Dr. Pakhi Sharma, MBBSGeneral Physician, 6+ Years
Published On : 24-Sep-2021Read Time : 2 minutes
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Milk is a nutrient-rich food and is full of health benefits for all. Milk is especially beneficial for people with diabetes because it is low on the glycemic index. Though, diabetics should avoid sweetened milk or milk that is high in saturated fats.
To know in detail “Is milk good for diabetes?”, “Can diabetic patients drink milk” read the article.

Contents:
  • Milk: Nutritional Profile
  • Advantages of Milk for Diabetes
  • How to Consume Milk?
  • When to Consume Milk?
  • Risks of Over Consumption of Milk
  • Other Health Benefits of Milk
  • Don’t Have Time To Read?
  • FAQs

Milk: Nutritional Profile

The glycemic index (GI) of food determines how fast it can increase blood glucose levels in the blood. Diabetic patients can consume food items low or medium in glycemic index. Milk in diabetes is good because the glycemic index of milk is 31, which is relatively low.

Doctors suggest milk for diabetes because it is high in nutritional value. One cup of whole milk contains:

  • Calories: 149 grams
  • Water: 88 %
  • Protein: 7.7 grams 
  • Carbs: 11.7 grams
  • Sugar: 12.3 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Calcium: 307 mg

Milk in diabetes is good because it provides potassium, B12, calcium, and vitamin D.  

Advantages of Milk for Diabetes

  • Sugar-free milk is beneficial, especially for type 2 diabetics, because it keeps the sugar levels in control. Therefore, there is a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Diabetes can lead to bone fractures. Vitamin D and calcium in milk can help diabetic patients keep their bones strong.
  • The nutritional value of milk makes it a power-packed drink for diabetic patients.

How to Consume Milk?

  • Mix sugar-free milk with cereals or oats for breakfast.
  • Make a smoothie with milk and papaya or other low glycemic index fruit.
  • Make desserts with sugar-free milk.

When to Consume Milk?

Diabetic patients can consume two or three servings of sugar-free or low-fat milk each day. It is best to drink milk in the morning as it helps to keep sugar levels in check.

Risks of Over Consumption of Milk

Milk is low in glycemic index, but it contains sugar in the form of lactose. Therefore, overconsumption of whole fat milk can raise blood sugar levels. Moreover, it can lead to acidity and digestive problems.

Other Health Benefits of Milk

  • The calcium and vitamin D in milk promotes bone health.
  • Milk reduces the risk of obesity. A glass of milk makes you feel full, reducing hunger.
  • Milk can control high blood pressure and stroke. Lactose in milk reduces the formation of bad cholesterol.

Don’t Have Time To Read?

  • Milk and diabetes go hand in hand because milk is low in glycemic index.
  • Milk is rich in calcium, potassium, vitamin D, which makes it suitable for diabetes.
  • Overconsumption of whole fat milk can lead to a rise in sugar levels. It is better to drink sugar-free milk.
  • Milk reduces the risks of hypertension and stroke.
  • Use Phable Care App to consult India's leading diabetologists, order medicines, book lab tests, integrate Accu-Chek instant and other devices to get real-time remote care from the comfort of your home. Let's treat diabetes together.

Frequently Asked Questions

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