Can people with diabetes drink yogurt? Will it raise blood sugar levels?

Anyone who has consumed yogurt knows that, compared to milk, yogurt tastes sweet—largely due to its sugar content. So, can people with diabetes drink yogurt without experiencing elevated blood glucose levels?

Can people with diabetes drink yogurt, and will it raise their blood glucose?

They should avoid yogurt containing added sugar. For healthy individuals, consuming yogurt typically does not significantly raise blood glucose levels, as insulin secretion helps maintain relatively stable blood glucose within the normal range. People with diabetes may experience no notable rise in blood glucose after drinking unsweetened (sugar-free) yogurt; however, yogurt containing added sugar may elevate their blood glucose. In diabetes, insulin is not secreted “on demand,” and insulin release often lags behind the postprandial blood glucose peak. Therefore, consuming sugared yogurt may cause pronounced blood glucose fluctuations in diabetic patients—hence, sugared yogurt is not recommended. Yogurt is rich in protein and calcium; thus, people with diabetes are advised to consume unsweetened yogurt, which helps maintain glycemic control while providing essential nutrients.

Additionally, in daily dietary management, individuals with diabetes should prioritize whole grains as their staple food and consume ample green leafy vegetables such as spinach and celery, while minimizing intake of oil and salt. Importantly, they should avoid rice porridge (congee), as its starch is partially broken down into readily absorbable carbohydrates, leading to rapid increases in blood glucose.

When consuming yogurt, people with diabetes should select only unsweetened varieties—and ideally consume them between meals (i.e., as a snack before the next main meal). We hope this information is helpful!