Can diabetics eat walnuts?
Disease description:
I have been diagnosed with diabetes, but I have a habit of eating walnuts. May I ask, can people with diabetes eat walnuts?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Diabetic patients can eat walnuts, but should do so in moderation.
Walnuts are a nutrient-rich nut, containing abundant oils, various trace elements, vitamins, dietary fiber, and small amounts of carbohydrates. For diabetic patients with well-controlled blood sugar, consuming walnuts can be beneficial by helping to improve vascular function and prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
However, walnuts are high in energy density. Therefore, diabetic patients should control the amount consumed to avoid excessive intake that may lead to exceeding total daily caloric limits, which could negatively affect blood sugar control. It is recommended that the daily intake not exceed a small handful and should be included within the overall daily caloric plan. In addition, diabetic patients should choose raw, unprocessed walnuts without added flavors, avoiding those with added sugar or salt to reduce intake of extra sugar and sodium.
If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a professional dietitian or doctor to develop a personalized dietary plan.
