Yogurt is a great breakfast or snack option. It’s versatile and easy to eat at home or on the go. For people with diabetes, yogurt can be a good addition to your diet. Research shows that yogurt may benefit those with diabetes as well as prevent those without the disease from developing it thanks to the fermented dairy product’s concentration of probiotics, or live active cultures. Studies show that probiotic-rich yogurt can benefit blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes, and it may play a role in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by improving glucose metabolism.
“[Live, active] cultures, aka probiotics, are termed healthy bacteria that help to keep our body healthy and working well,” shares Amy Kimberlain, RDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian and Academy Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Most yogurt contains live, active bacteria cultures and would indicate so on the label. Some of the alternative ‘milk’ yogurts may not, so it’s important to check and not consider it a given.”
Beyond its probiotic benefits, “yogurt is also considered to be a good source of protein, calcium, and potassium,” says Kimberlain.
Although yogurt can provide many benefits, how do you know which yogurt is the right choice, and which ones you should stay away from if you have diabetes? According to Kimberlain, she believes that the best yogurt for diabetes is a low-fat or fat-free yogurt with minimum added sugar or artificial sweeteners and more protein.
