Navigating Five Guys with Diabetes: Tips from T1D Diabetes Dietitian

When it comes to dining out at Five Guys, making diabetes-friendly choices is crucial for managing blood sugar levels effectively.

Whether you're living with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, understanding how to make informed decisions can help you enjoy your meal while keeping your glucose levels stable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the Five Guys menu with diabetes in mind, including insights that can be particularly helpful from a certified diabetes educator

Start with the Burger

Five Guys is famous for its burgers, which can be a suitable option for those managing diabetes. Each burger provides around 18 grams of protein, which is beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance. To reduce carbohydrate intake, consider removing half of the bun. This simple change can help decrease the carbs that might otherwise lead to a blood sugar spike. For a lower-carb alternative, you might even skip the bun entirely. Opt for one or two patties, and add cheese and bacon. This combination boosts protein intake and keeps carbohydrates low, helping to manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Load Up on Veggies

A practical tip from a T1D dietitian is to enhance your burger with a variety of vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms. These additions not only increase the fiber content of your meal, which is important for stabilizing blood sugar levels, but also improve the overall nutritional value. Fiber helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more stable glucose levels and making the meal more balanced. Adding vegetables can also increase the satiety of your meal without significantly increasing carbohydrate content.

Be Cautious with Fries

Fries are a staple at Five Guys, but they come with a high carbohydrate load. A small order contains about 72 grams of carbs, which can significantly impact blood sugar levels. To manage this, consider sharing the fries with a friend to cut down on the carb intake. Additionally, fries are high in fat, which can affect blood sugar levels hours after consumption. It's crucial to monitor blood sugar levels and adjust insulin if needed when consuming fries. Your diabetes dietitian might suggest strategies to balance the meal, such as adjusting carbohydrate intake throughout the day or making use of insulin boluses to manage the spike.

Skip the Milkshake

While milkshakes at Five Guys are enticing, they come with a high carbohydrate count—often starting around 80 grams and exceeding 100 grams. This high sugar content can lead to significant blood sugar spikes, making milkshakes a challenging choice for diabetes management. Unless you’ve had a particularly intense workout and are experiencing heightened insulin sensitivity, it’s best to skip the milkshake to avoid large fluctuations in blood sugar levels. A diabetes educator might emphasize the importance of choosing lower-carb options to maintain more consistent glucose levels.

Making Smart Choices

Dining out at Five Guys can still be enjoyable while managing diabetes with careful planning. Focus on protein-rich options like burgers with minimal or no bun, incorporate fiber-rich vegetables, and be mindful of high-carb items like fries and milkshakes. These adjustments help keep blood sugar levels in check and make the dining experience more manageable.

Engage with the Diabetes Community

Everyone’s approach to managing diabetes while eating out is unique. Sharing your personal strategies or tips for other fast-food options can offer valuable insights and support. Engaging with the diabetes community, including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes dietitians, can help you discover new approaches and strategies for effective diabetes management, making dining out more enjoyable and less stressful.

In summary, navigating Five Guys with diabetes involves making thoughtful choices to balance enjoyment with blood sugar control. By focusing on protein, incorporating vegetables, and moderating high-carb items, you can create a more diabetes-friendly dining experience while enjoying the classic offerings of Five Guys.