Cooked — Diabetes Nutrition Facts

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https://www.bluecircle.foundation/food/1-cup-cooked-barley

1 CUP COOKED BARLEY

CARBS

44.3g

PROTEINS

3.55g

FATS

0.44g

Barley is a high-carbohydrate grain and may not be suitable for a low-carb diet aimed at managing diabetes.

Quantity: 1 cup

Glycemic Index: 25

Glycemic Load: 11

Fiber: 6g

Key Nutrients: Manganese, Selenium, Phosphorus

Health Impact: High in carbs, which can cause significant blood sugar spikes and require careful management with insulin.

💉 Suggested Bolus

Consider pre-bolusing or using a dual-wave bolus to manage the slower digestion and absorption rate of barley.

🍽️ Best Paired With (Veg)

Grilled Tofu – High in protein and low in carbs, helping to balance the meal and reduce overall glycemic load.
Avocado Salad – Rich in healthy fats and fiber, which can help slow digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes.

🍽️ Best Paired With (Non Veg)

Grilled Chicken Breast – Provides a high-quality protein source that helps modulate blood sugar levels without adding carbs.
Baked Salmon – Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon improve insulin sensitivity and provide heart health benefits.

🥄 Smart Substitutes

Cauliflower Rice – Offers a similar texture with significantly fewer carbs, helping to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Shirataki Rice – Very low in carbohydrates and calories, aiding in better blood sugar control.
Broccoli Rice – Provides essential nutrients and fiber with minimal impact on blood sugar.

⏱ Blood Sugar Timeline

0–15 min: Little to no impact on blood sugar as digestion and absorption are slow.
30–60 min: Moderate rise in blood sugar depending on individual insulin sensitivity and overall meal composition.
2–3 hr: Blood sugar begins to stabilize as the high fiber content moderates glucose absorption.

“Many in the low-carb community find that replacing high-carb grains with vegetable-based alternatives not only helps in managing blood sugar levels but also enhances overall nutrient intake.”
— BCDF community member

🧠 Lowering Impact Tip

Combine barley with high-fiber vegetables or healthy fats to slow glucose absorption.

🤔 FAQs about 1 CUP COOKED BARLEY

Can I eat barley if I am on a low-carb diet?

Barley is higher in carbs; consider lower-carb substitutes like cauliflower rice to better manage your carb intake and blood sugar levels.

How does fiber in barley affect blood sugar?

While barley is high in fiber, which can moderate blood sugar rise, its overall carbohydrate content might still cause significant blood sugar spikes in some individuals.

Have a question about 1 CUP COOKED BARLEY or any other topic related to diabetes?

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