Short Answer: Clam chowder is not very good for diabetes. Because it has high amounts of carbohydrates, fat, and sodium.
Diabetes is a condition that affects your pancreas, which is an organ that produces insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells use glucose, which is a type of sugar that comes from the food you eat.
In diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly.
This causes glucose to build up in your blood, which can lead to various health problems, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, heart disease, and stroke.
One of the key factors in managing diabetes is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood glucose levels, which can impact your diabetes symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage diabetes, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, and sugary foods.
You should also limit your intake of saturated fats and trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease.
Instead, you should choose healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
Now, clam chowder is a type of soup that usually contains clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and a creamy broth.
People usually eat clam chowder as a main course or a side dish with bread or crackers.
Clam chowder is not very good for diabetes because it contains high amounts of carbohydrates, fat, and sodium.
One cup of clam chowder can give you about 19 grams of carbohydrates (6% of your daily needs), 6 grams of fat (9% of your daily needs), and 1144 milligrams of sodium (48% of your daily needs).
Carbohydrates can raise your blood glucose levels quickly if you eat too much or do not balance them with protein and fiber.
Fat can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and make it harder for insulin to work.
Sodium can increase your blood pressure and damage your blood vessels.
Furthermore, clam chowder is a high-calorie food and calories are another factor that can affect your blood glucose levels.
Eating too many calories can lead to weight gain, which can worsen insulin resistance and make diabetes harder to control.
That’s why I suggest you limit your clam chowder intake to avoid spikes in blood glucose levels and other complications.
Stick to half a cup or less per serving, and pair it with a salad or a lean protein source to balance out the carbohydrates and fat.
You should also look for low-sodium or reduced-fat versions of clam chowder or make your own at home with fresh ingredients and low-fat milk.
Also, you shouldn’t eat clam chowder if you have high blood pressure or kidney disease to prevent further damage to your heart and kidneys.
Because clam chowder is high in sodium and potassium, which can worsen these conditions.
You can buy fresh clams in your local market or order them online.
Always choose clams that are tightly closed or close when tapped. Because open clams may be dead or spoiled.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days in a bowl covered with a damp cloth.
Read Next
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing diabetes effectively.
I always recommend my diabetes patients to follow a diabetes-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
