Absolutely. Regularly eating nuts can help manage existing diabetes and diabetes-related complications, as well as reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Research shows that nuts lowers HbA1c and blood glucose levels [1].

Research shows that nuts play an important role in preventing type 2 diabetes [2], managing existing diabetes and preventing or reducing the progression of diabetes-related complications [1]. 

How do nuts help manage diabetes?

While nuts themselves are not low GI (as they don’t have enough carbohydrate), they have a GI lowering effect, meaning that they reduce the rise in blood glucose after a meal [3]. Nuts contain mainly healthy unsaturated fats, and are low in saturated fats. Replacing saturated fats and trans fats with unsaturated fats improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce type 2 diabetes risk [4]. 

Most nuts are a rich source of magnesium, which can improve fasting blood glucose and blood lipid levels in those with diabetes [5]. 

Nuts also help to manage other health issues that often affect people with diabetes, for example, being overweight, developing heart disease, or having abnormal blood lipids.