Mastering Pancake Eating with Stable Blood Sugars: Insights from a T1D Dietitian
Pancakes are a favorite when it comes to breakfast foods, and I know you are probably wondering, ‘can diabetics eat pancakes?’
Well, I have good news for you! Yes! You don’t have to give up your favorite breakfast just because you got diagnosed with diabetes. If you're living with diabetes, you know that managing your blood sugar can be a daily challenge. And if you love food, that challenge can feel even greater. But that doesn't mean you have to give up delicious food. In fact, with a little planning and knowledge, you can enjoy just about any food, even giant pancakes.
Here are some tips on how to eat your favorite pancake without sending your blood sugar through the roof.
1. Figure out the carb count.
After all, as someone with diabetes, you're probably already familiar with the importance of counting carbs and dosing insulin accordingly. For example, an enormous blueberry pancake is estimated to be equivalent to about four regular pancakes. Which we can estimate to be about 170 grams. Add in a little bacon and an orange on the side, and we were looking at around 150-170 grams of carbs.
2. Taking into account not just carbohydrates, but also the impact of fat and protein that you are eating. Fat can slow down digestion and cause blood sugar spikes hours later, which can make managing blood sugar levels more challenging. Pre-bolusing for your meal, or taking insulin ahead of time to account for the delay in digestion, can be an effective strategy for avoiding blood sugar spikes.
Diabetes doesn't have to be a barrier to enjoying your favorite foods and living life to the fullest. Don’t let it stop you from trying something new and delicious.You can still enjoy amazing food, even with diabetes. With careful planning, a little knowledge, regular monitoring, a lot of willingness to experiment and learn. and the support of healthcare professionals, you can successfully manage your diabetes while still enjoying the foods you love.
By taking a comprehensive approach to managing your diabetes, including monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly, adjusting your insulin dose as needed, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can maintain good health and enjoy a fulfilling life.
So go ahead and enjoy that pancake, and remember to savor every bite! With the right tools and strategies, you can successfully manage your diabetes and live life to the fullest.
