Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing for soups, casseroles, and side dishes. But is eating broccoli and cheese good for people who live with diabetes?

Read on to discover whether people with type 2 diabetes can eat this classic combination. You’ll also discover the benefits of broccoli for people with diabetes and how the combination of broccoli and cheese can contribute toward a balanced meal.

Broccoli and Cheese Make a Low-Carb Dish

Foods high in carbohydrates cause your blood glucose (sugar) to increase. Foods that cause spikes in blood sugar levels are categorized as having a high glycemic index (GI).

Broccoli is a nonstarchy vegetable that is low in carbohydrates and low on the glycemic index. This means it has a smaller effect on your blood sugar. Eating broccoli is a healthy choice for someone with diabetes, since low-GI foods can help keep blood sugar under control. In fact, the American Diabetes Association recommends filling half of your plate with nonstarchy veggies, like broccoli.

Cheese is also low in carbohydrates. However, cheese is usually high in fat, and fats can affect insulin response in people with diabetes. Regular cheese also tends to be high in calories, so eating it in moderate amounts is key if weight management is important to your diabetes care.

Broccoli Offers Beneficial Nutrients for Diabetes

Broccoli is commonly seen as a healthy food, but for people with diabetes, it provides additional health benefits. Broccoli is rich in nutrients including:

• Vitamins A, C, and K
• Dietary fiber
• Minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium
• Antioxidants including beta carotene and vitamins C and E

The antioxidants and fiber in broccoli have been shown to help manage and even lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. When you have your blood sugar under control, there’s a lower risk of heart disease or vision loss related to diabetes.

Because broccoli is a nonstarchy vegetable that is low in carbohydrates, it’s one of the foods you can eat more of without causing a spike in your blood sugar.

Broccoli and Cheese Can Make a Balanced Meal

While broccoli is commonly seen as a healthy choice, cheese is sometimes considered unhealthy because of its fat content and high calories. However, the protein and fat in cheese can complement broccoli, which isn’t always filling on its own. Protein and fat provided by dairy foods like cheese can help make a more satisfying meal or snack for people with diabetes.

In addition, the fiber in broccoli combined with the protein and fat in cheese can help prevent a spike in blood sugar. They slow down the digestion of carbs and their absorption into the bloodstream. High-fiber meals can also help you manage hunger.

People with diabetes are typically advised to avoid high-fat dairy products since they aren’t heart-healthy. If you make a recipe with broccoli and cheese, using recipe substitutions like reduced- or low-fat cheese or a smaller serving size of cheese will allow you to get protein while reducing the calories and saturated fat content.

Seek Specific Nutrition Advice From a Doctor or Dietitian

Broccoli and cheese can be part of a diabetes-friendly meal when enjoyed in moderation. Still, it’s best to talk to a doctor or a dietitian with diabetes experience if you have specific questions about what to eat and what to avoid with diabetes.

Even some healthy meals may need to be adjusted, depending on your diabetes management plan. A healthcare professional can help you develop a meal plan with diabetes-friendly recipes that are both satisfying and appropriate for your unique health goals.

Talk With Others Who Understand

DiabetesTeam is the social network for people with diabetes and their loved ones. On DiabetesTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with diabetes.

Do you eat broccoli and cheese as part of a diabetes diet? Do you make any adjustments to help prevent high blood sugar? Share your comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.