Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes a person to lose control of the amount of sugar in their blood. It causes the body not to respond to insulin (a hormone made by the pancreas) properly, which can cause blood sugar levels to become too high. If the condition is left untreated, complications can occur, including kidney failure, nerve damage, heart disease and stroke, so controlling blood sugar levels is crucial. One way to do this is through diet and eating healthily. When it comes to type 2 diabetes, it’s not just about foods that pack lots of nutrients. For a diabetes-friendly diet, you also need foods that will help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

To keep your blood sugar levels in check, it’s best to reach for sweet potatoes, which are high in fibre, as well as a host of other vitamins

Nutritionist Leah Kaufman

Nutritionist Leah Kaufman said: “When it comes to foods for type 2 diabetes, not all potatoes are created equal.

“To keep your blood sugar levels in check, it’s best to reach for sweet potatoes, which are high in fibre, as well as a host of other vitamins.

“When boiled, they are a low glycemic index food, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar as much as regular potatoes.

“I typically recommend about one-half plate of non-starchy vegetables per meal and one-quarter plate of fibre-rich starchy vegetables, such as sweet potato with skin on, to increase overall fibre intake.”

Japanese sweet potatoes are a type of sweet potato which some experts claim could be beneficial for type 2 diabetes.

Japanese sweet potatoes (Satsuma Imo) are sometimes referred to as white sweet potatoes, even though they’re purple on the outside and yellow on the inside.

This strain of sweet potato contains the extract caiapo.

Japanese sweet potatoes are drier and creamier than regular sweet potatoes.

In a study with the American Diabetes Association, caiapo was investigated. The study found caiapo helps with diabetes control in type 2 diabetic subjects. 

In another study, sweet potatoes health benefits were investigated.

The study noted: “Sweet potato is an extremely versatile and delicious vegetable that possesses high nutritional value. It is also a valuable medicinal plant having anti-cancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Sweet potatoes are now considered a valuable source of unique natural products, including some that can be used in the development of medicines against various diseases.” 

Sweet potatoes of all kinds are good alternatives to white potatoes. They’re high in fibre and nutrients, such as beta carotene.

Some of the nutrients found in sweet potatoes include vitamin A, protein, fibre, calcium, zinc, potassium, folate, vitamin K, and magnesium. No matter which type of sweet potato you choose, limit your quantity and opt to boil or steam instead of bake.

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