Can diabetic patients eat yam?
Disease description:
A friend of mine has diabetes and really wants to eat Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita), but we are unsure whether Chinese yam affects blood sugar levels. Could you please advise if individuals with diabetes can consume Chinese yam?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Diabetic patients can consume Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita).
Chinese yam contains various nutrients that help supply necessary nutrition to diabetic patients, promoting digestion and absorption of food. Additionally, its relatively low sugar content means moderate consumption will not cause significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels. The dietary fiber in Chinese yam aids in relieving constipation commonly experienced by diabetic patients. Moreover, the mucoprotein present in Chinese yam helps lower blood glucose levels, enhance glucose uptake and utilization in the body, and improve insulin resistance.
Although Chinese yam has a relatively low sugar content, it contains high levels of starch. Excessive consumption may lead to elevated blood glucose levels. Therefore, diabetic patients should control their intake of Chinese yam and appropriately reduce consumption of staple foods. To better control blood sugar levels, diabetic patients can include Chinese yam as part of their staple food, combining it with other low glycemic index foods such as vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to slow down the rise in blood glucose.
It is recommended to choose healthy cooking methods such as steaming or boiling, avoiding excessive processing and the addition of large amounts of fat to minimize impact on blood glucose levels.
