…a breakfast of either 42 grams of pistachios (about 1/3 of a cup) or 100 grams of whole wheat bread (two slices) after an overnight fast. The pistachios and whole wheat bread were matched for calories. Blood sugar and other indicators of glucose tolerance were measured every 30 minutes after the meal, up to 120 minutes. The researchers observed a significantly lower rise in blood sugar at every time point measured after the woman ate the pistachio nuts than after eating the whole wheat bread.
Pistachios have a low Glycemic Index (GI), are relatively high in fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants, all of which can benefit people with diabetes. Eating pistachios have a minimal effect on blood sugar levels after eating a meal and, when added to a carbohydrate-rich meal or snack, they help minimize any spike in blood sugar.
Remember, elevated blood glucose during gestational diabetes can impact your health and the health of your baby. Eating small amounts of carbohydrate all through the day can help keep your blood glucose from rising too high after a meal. If you are not achieving your blood glucose goals, speak to your registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or certified diabetes educator (CDE), who will help you find your best snack choice. If you don’t have an RDN or CDE, you can click here to locate one near you.
Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes. She is a Dannon One Yogurt Every Day Nutrition Advisor.
