Is eating Corn safe for people with high blood sugar? | The Times of India (2024)

Munching on a nicely roasted Bhoota(corn) glazed with lemon juice and spices on a rainy evening is pure bliss, but is it safe for people with Diabetes? ‘What to eat’ and ‘what to avoid’ is a common concern for people suffering from insulin sensitivity and Diabetes as it is believed that eating corn can instantly spike blood sugar levels. Here’s a low down on how corns can impact sugar levels, read on to find out!

Corns are loved for their delightful taste and texture, but you will be amazed to know that boiled corn has a glycemic index (GI) of 52, which is moderate GI, when consumed in some quantities.

Corn contains carbohydrates, which are majorly high in starch content and eating corn may raise blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes need to monitor their intake and manage portion sizes. As per health experts, eating around 10 grams can help in balancing the sugar levels and will not lead to a sudden spike.

Corn is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the bloodstream and help in sustain release, which helps better insulin management. Thus, it is best to opt for whole corn kernels or non processed forms to maximize fiber intake in the diet.

Preparation of corn can play a major role in increasing or reducing the calorie intake and impact the sugar levels. For example, eating roasted fresh corn cobs is better than consuming packed corn kernels or eating cheesy or sweetened corn as they may spike the sugar levels due to their high carb and fat content.