Cream of Wheat and Diabetes - Is It Good For Diabetics
Introduction
Eating foods with high carb content and a high glycemic index value can be harmful to diabetic people as it can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. We’ll discuss if you should consume Cream of Wheat if you have diabetes or prediabetic conditions.
Glycemic Index (GI) and Carbohydrates
Cream of Wheat is an American brand of Farina - a breakfast cereal made from milled wheat.
Cream of Wheat has the potential to raise blood sugar levels due to its high carbohydrate content and glycemic index value.
Cream of Wheat has a glycemic index equal to 67 and a glycemic load of 17, which is considered a moderate GI. However, instant Cream of Wheat has an even higher glycemic index of 75, classifying it as a high glycemic index food (1).
Cream of Wheat is made up of 83% water and 14% carbohydrates. The carb content of Cream of Wheat is 76.6g per 100g and 184g per serving (241g). 95% of these carbohydrates consist of net carbs, and only 5% are dietary fiber.
Muesli and oats can be healthier alternatives to Cream of Wheat as they have been researched to have a beneficial impact on diabetes management (2, 3).
To find glycemic index values of over 350 foods, visit our Glycemic index chart.
Summary
Try to avoid cream of wheat if you are managing diabetes and blood glucose levels. Cream of Wheat has a moderate to high glycemic index and a relatively high carb content.
References
- https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/114/5/1625/6320814
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4690088/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29673540/
