Bread Recipes For Diabetics

There are certain key steps and ingredients to consider if you are trying to make bread for someone with a diabetic condition. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Millions of people around the world have either Type 1 diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes. Millions more have a condition known as prediabetes that can eventually lead to Type 2 diabetes.

Anyone with a diabetic condition is challenged by their ability to manage their blood sugar levels. When blood glucose spikes too high various impacts occur ranging from high-blood pressure to kidney problems, nerve problems, feet, and eyes, to obesity and other conditions. Type 1 diabetics often use regular injections of insulin to manage their condition.

Low Carb Seed & Wheat Bread

That’s the challenge when it comes to making, baking and eating bread. Many breads are high in carbohydrates as a result of the type of flour and how it was processed, and added sugar or sugars that some recipes call for. The solution is to understand the flours that have the least impact from a carbohydrate standpoint, the use of natural or artificial sweeteners, and care and attention to other ingredients that could add carbohydrates like canned fruits.

Blood glucose or blood sugar gives us the energy we need to essentially function. However consistently high levels can cause a spike in glucose affecting everyone, but especially people with diabetic conditions.

The glycemic index is a 100 point scale used to measure the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Foods with a glycemic index in excess of 70 can cause a spike in blood sugar aggravating any conditions related to diabetes. Foods with a glycemic index of 55 or less create a more gradual increase.

Delicious Breakfast For Diabetics

If you have a slice of pumpernickel bread with a glycemic index of 50 and top it with a tablespoon of grape jelly with a glycemic index of 85 you’re defeating the purpose.

Some people are tempted to believe that a gluten free loaf will be low in carbohydrates. That’s not necessarily true. White rice flour is gluten free but relatively high in carbohydrates. If you must eat gluten free and are diabetic check the nutrition facts on the flour and assess the carbohydrates. You might also want to consult with your doctor or a dietician.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that flours used in breads should be high fiber, whole grains to keep blood glucose from spiking and to maintain optimal digestive health. Many whole grain flours are sold in the baking section, but you may need to peruse the health food aisle to consider your options. Flour examples include oat flour, whole wheat flour, brown rice flour (not white rice flour), bulgur flour, rye flour, and bran flour, among others.

Date Nut Bread

This traditional German bread is a dark-colored whole grain bread that always tops the lists of diabetic organizations recommending smart food choices for diabetics. It provides 1 gram of fat, has a glycemic index of 50 and 15 grams of carbohydrate per one ounce slice. It has a rye flour base.

Put all of the ingredients in the bread pan in the order indicated and select the whole wheat course, 1.5 pound loaf, and medium crust. When done, let rest for 10 minutes and serve. If you like you can seal in a large, one gallon plastic bag and refrigerate for additional servings later.

This traditional white bread has 1 gram of fat, a glycemic index of 53 and 37 grams of carbohydrates per one ounce slice. A benefit of sourdough bread is that it rises well due to the sourdough starter which you can buy or make yourself. We’ve included that recipe.

Italian Bread Recipe

Many diabetic organizations also tout sourdough bread as good for diabetics but there is some debate. I’ve reduced the standard portion of sugar from 4 teaspoons to 2 teaspoons and had no problem growing the starter. You only use a fraction of the starter so you should be okay unless your glycemic index is very high. For the actual bread recipe I’m recommending the use of a natural or artificial sweetener rather than sugar. This is also a standard recommendation from some diabetic organizations.

Other sourdough recipes call for the use of bread flour but I’ve cut that in half using whole wheat flour in equal proportions.

Add ingredients to the bread pan in the order indicated in the recipe. Select the Basic White cycle for a 2 pound loaf and a medium crust. When the bread is done, cool it on a wire rack for 10 minutes and serve.

Sugar Free Zucchini Bread Recipe By The Diabetic Pastry Chef

A variety of multi grains can be used for this bread recipe. The fat grams and carbohydrates vary depending on the diversity of the grains, but typically average 1 gram of fat, a glycemic index of 56 to 69 and 20 grams of carbohydrates per one ounce slice.

This recipe was similar to a recipe from a diabetic organization and suggested 1 tablespoon of honey. I’ve marked that as optional. If there’s a grain you don’t like you can substitute one of the others grains in equal proportion.

Add all of the ingredients to the bread pan in the order indicated and select the whole wheat course, 1.5 pound loaf and medium crust. When done let it rest for 10 minutes and serve.

Sugar Free Banana Bread Recipe

Hopefully you have some success with these recipes. Keep in mind that portion control is important. Just because it’s relatively low in carbohydrates you should adhere to the one slice rule. If you have questions you should consult with your General Practitioner or a dietician to discuss any and all ingredients you might use in a bread machine recipe in the future.

Steve Nubie has been writing professionally for 38 years. He is a Chef and has traveled across Asia and Europe studying language, culture and cuisine. He instructs culinary classes in the Culinary School at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and has written extensively on cuisine, cooking, diet and nutrition. He is a published author of 10 books including a cookbook and continues to write on subjects related to culinary trends.

A complete set of 10″ x 16″ magnetic dry-erase menu/dinner planner for your refrigerator, one smaller whiteboard for grocery list, and 8 multicolor markers.

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A complete set of 10″ x 16″ magnetic wet/dry-erase menu/dinner planner for your refrigerator (chalkboard), one smaller black board for grocery list, and 8 multicolor markers.

Large Size Organizer for Grocery/to-Do Lists. Full Set of Two Whiteboards: 17.5 x 13.5 Inch & 12 x 8 Inch, 8 Markers and 1 EraseFind a variety of smart bread choices for people with diabetes. From muffins and loaves to flatbread and cornbread, there’s something for everyone in this dietitian-approved recipe collection.

My daughter and I prepare this Indian flatbread frequently. It is so fun to make and goes well with any spiced dish. We use the extras to make sandwich wraps. —Joyce McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin

Sugarfree Pumpkin Bread

Yogurt CornbreadMy husband doesn't like traditional Texas cornbread, so I came up with this recipe. This is the only kind he'll eat. Yogurt makes this variation different from most. —Amanda Andrews of Mansfield, Texas

Healthy Avocado Pineapple MuffinsThese healthy muffins are a real treat for breakfast, lunch or a coffee break. The avocado adds an extra-special touch. They are delicious served warm from the oven, and they also freeze well. The muffins would be a nice touch for breakfast on St. Patrick’s Day. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Wild Rice Bread with Sunflower SeedsI loved skipping the boring school cafeteria meals and going to my grandma’s house for lunch. She spent most of her life in northeastern Minnesota, which is reflected in this bread's ingredients. Now my family uses this for our holiday stuffing. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Diabetic Bread Recipes In Your Bread Machine

SoccaSocca is a traditional flatbread from Nice, France. It's a common street food, cooked on a grill and served in a paper cone, usually chopped and sprinkled with salt, pepper or other delicious toppings. Bonus: It's gluten free. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tender Whole Wheat RollsEven though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa

Feta 'n' Chive MuffinsThis is a spring variation on the savory muffins my husband has made for years. It has a light texture almost like a popover and tastes best eaten hot right from the oven. —Angela Buchanan, Boulder, Colorado

Is There A Link Between Sourdough Bread And Diabetes?

Tomato-Herb FocacciaWith its medley of herbs and tomatoes, this rustic bread will liven up any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a game-day get-together. It never lasts long! —Janet Miller, Indianapolis, Indiana

Applesauce Cinnamon BreadThis whole wheat apple cinnamon bread recipe contains quite a bit of applesauce, which provides natural sweetness so you use less sugar. As a bonus, it also allows for a minimal amount of oil to be used. —Sherry Craw, Mattoon, Illinois

Sour Cream-Leek BiscuitsThese biscuits are a wonderful pairing for soups. I've made them with all-purpose white flour as well as whole wheat, and both work equally well. —Bonnie Appleton, Canterbury, Connecticut

Everyday Low Carb Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Oat MuffinsIt isn't considered Thanksgiving or Christmas in my house until these are on the table. Enjoy