Do Carrots Have Sugar? Tips for Diabetics

Do Carrots Have Sugar?

Carrots do naturally contain sugar, but compared to other vegetables, they are low on the glycemic index. This makes them a great addition to a healthy, diabetes-friendly diet when consumed in moderation.

Types of Sugars Found in Carrots

Carrots contain natural sugars including:

• Glucose
• Fructose
• Sucrose

These sugars are what give carrots their sweet taste. But carrots also provide fiber, which slows down the digestion and absorption of the sugars.

Carrots Nutrition Facts

Here is the carb, sugar and fiber content in 5.5 inch medium raw carrots (61 grams):

• Total Carbohydrates: 7 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugars: 4 grams

As you can see, over half of the naturally occurring sugars in carrots come from fiber and complex carbs, rather than simple sugars.

Glycemic Index of Carrots

Carrots have a glycemic index of 35, which is considered low. For comparison:

• High GI foods = 70+
• Moderate GI foods = 56–69
• Low GI foods = 55 or less

This means carrots do not spike blood sugar levels much at all. The fiber slows digestion, resulting in a relatively gradual rise in blood glucose as the sugars are absorbed.

Benefits of Carrots for Diabetics

Here’s why carrots are a diabetes superfood:

Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

The fiber and nutrients in carrots help moderate blood sugar spikes and drops throughout the day.

Rich Source of Vitamin A

Carrots provide over 100% of daily needs for antioxidant vitamin A per serving. This vitamin improves immune function and eyesight.

Support Heart Health

Compounds in carrots can reduce inflammation, oxidative damage, and bad LDL cholesterol. This protects heart health for diabetics.

Improve Wound Healing

Carrots provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidant benefits for faster recovery from wounds, cuts or sores.

Are Cooked Carrots Less Healthy?

Cooking can alter the starch digestibility of carrots to a small degree, but they retain most of their nutritional benefits. Research shows no significant differences between raw and cooked carrots in regard to glycemic response.

For example, boiled carrots have a GI of 39 compared to 35 for raw. So enjoy them anyway you prefer!

How Many Carrots Can a Diabetic Eat Per Day?

Moderation is key with all fruits and vegetables when managing diabetes. As a guide, the American Diabetes Association recommends:

• Non-starchy veggies: 1.5 - 2 cups per meal

One cup of chopped carrots would fit well within a balanced diabetic plate, providing plenty of nutrients without significantly impacting blood sugar levels.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.