Based on what the AI Glycemic Index Estimator says, sausage, Vienna, canned, chicken, beef, and pork are likely to have a low glycemic index.
Check out low glycemic index foods page to view the foods with lab verified GI indices.
As a diabetic choosing the right foods can feel like a balancing act. You want options that are tasty, convenient and easy to bring on-the-go, but also healthy and diabetes-friendly. Vienna sausages seem like they could check all those boxes. But are they really a smart choice if you need to manage your blood sugar? I did some research on Vienna sausage nutrition facts and asked a dietitian for advice on how they fit into a diabetic diet. Here’s what you need to know.
Vienna Sausage Nutrition Stats
First, let’s look at the nutrition information in a typical 2.8 ounce can of Vienna sausages (about 10 small sausages):
- 220 calories
- 18g fat
- 6g saturated fat
- 450mg sodium
- 2g net carbs
- 8g protein
Right away, you can see that Vienna sausages are very low in carbs but high in sodium and saturated fat. The protein is decent for the small serving size.
How Vienna Sausages Impact Blood Sugar
The biggest factors to consider for diabetes are the carbs, sodium, and saturated fat:
Carbs
With just 2g of carbs per serving, Vienna sausages can easily fit into a low carb meal plan for managing blood sugar. Just be mindful of portions, as the carbs can add up if you eat too many. 3-4 sausages make a reasonable serving.
Sodium
The 450mg of sodium is high, providing almost 20% of the daily limit per serving. Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure and diabetes complications risks. It’s best to keep total sodium intake under 1500-2000mg daily.
Saturated Fat
The 6g of saturated fat per serving is also high, meeting about 30% of the recommended daily value. Too much saturated fat can negatively impact cholesterol levels and inflammation.
Tips for Enjoying Vienna Sausages with Diabetes
Here are some best practices when incorporating Vienna sausages into a diabetic diet:
- Stick to 1 serving (3-4 sausages)
- Choose lower sodium options when possible
- Pair with non-starchy vegetables
- Avoid high carb add-ons like crackers or pasta
- Balance out saturated fat with heart healthy fats
- Monitor your blood sugar response
Healthier Snack Alternatives
If you decide to limit Vienna sausages, some good high protein snacks include:
- Hard boiled eggs
- Hummus with veggie sticks
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Tuna packets
- Turkey roll-ups
The Bottom Line
Vienna sausages can be an occasional convenient snack for diabetics when eaten in moderation. But they may not be the best choice for everyday meals and snacks due to the high sodium and saturated fat content. Keep portions small, balance out your other food choices, and monitor your blood sugar levels when eating them.
How is GI determined?
Scientists have to do special tests in the lab to figure out the glycemic index by checking how different foods affect people’s blood sugar levels. However, as of now, the glycemic index of sausage, vienna, canned, chicken, beef, pork has not been tested.
We made an advanced AI model that looks at a food’s carbohydrate and fiber content, among other things, to guess how it might affect blood sugar levels. This is because most foods aren’t tested before they are sold.
Our model demonstrates high accuracy and provides a reliable approximation of the glycemic index level. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the glycemic index is affected by many things, and the model can’t take them all into account. Therefore, there may be instances where the model’s results are not entirely accurate.
The glycemic index chart page has a full list of all the foods that have been tested and given a glycemic index value.
The AI Glycemic Index Estimator says that sausage, Vienna, canned, chicken, beef, and pork are likely to have a low glycemic load.
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FAQ
Can diabetics eat Vienna sausage?
What kind of sausage can diabetics eat?
What kind of sandwich meat can a diabetic eat?
How healthy is Vienna sausage?
What kind of sausage is safe for a diabetic person?
Diabetic people are watchful of the kind of meat they eat to avoid more health complications. Sausages are ground meat that has been molded into a cylindrical form. They vary in flavor, shape, and size. Some of the most popular ones are chicken, pork, and beef. So what kind of sausage is safe for a person with diabetes?
Should you eat sausage if you have diabetes?
Sometimes the best way to get quality food is to go directly to the source. One of the main concerns surrounding sausages is the excess salt, as salt intake is a common concern for many people with diabetes, especially if you have hypertension (high blood pressure).
What are the best meat options for people with diabetes?
Lean meat and meat alternatives are the best options for people with diabetes. Fatty and processed meats contain unhealthy fats that can increase cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. In this article, we discuss healthful meat options and meats to avoid.
Are processed meats bad for diabetics?
Studies indicate that frequent consumption of processed meats like sausages, bacon, and hot dogs is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Processed meats often contain additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium, all of which can negatively impact metabolic health.