Per Serving — Diabetes Nutrition Facts

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https://www.bluecircle.foundation/food/dahi-bada

Dahi bada

CARBS

30g

PROTEINS

FATS

15g

Dahi bada, consisting of deep-fried lentil balls soaked in yogurt, is not advisable for a low-carb diabetes diet due to its high carbohydrate content primarily from lentils and added sugars in the yogurt.

Quantity: 100g

Glycemic Index: Medium

Glycemic Load: 15

Fiber: 2g

Key Nutrients: Calcium from yogurt, protein from lentils

Health Impact: The high carb content can lead to significant blood sugar spikes, especially due to the combination of sugars and starches, which may require careful insulin management.

💉 Suggested Bolus

Pre-bolusing or using a dual-wave bolus may help manage the slower digestion of fats and proteins along with the quicker impact of carbs.

🍽️ Best Paired With (Veg)

Grilled paneer salad – Provides high protein and healthy fats, further helping to moderate blood sugar levels.
Stir-fried veggies – Adds fiber and essential nutrients with minimal impact on blood sugar.

🍽️ Best Paired With (Non Veg)

Grilled chicken skewers – High in protein and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Fish tikka – Omega-3 fatty acids in fish can improve cardiovascular health and maintain steady blood sugar levels.

🥄 Smart Substitutes

Cauliflower fritters – Lower in carbs and provides a similar texture and satisfaction without the blood sugar spike.
Almond flour bada – Significantly reduces carbohydrate content and increases dietary fiber, which can help manage blood sugar levels.

⏱ Blood Sugar Timeline

0–15 min: Minimal impact as low-carb substitutes digest slower, causing less immediate rise in blood sugar.
30–60 min: Gradual increase in blood sugar if any, depending on individual insulin sensitivity and exact meal composition.
2–3 hr: Blood sugar levels begin to stabilize due to the lower glycemic impact of the substitutes.

“Many in the low-carb diabetes community find that substituting traditional high-carb foods with lower-carb alternatives not only helps in managing daily blood sugar levels but also aids in long-term glycemic control.”
— BCDF community member

🧠 Lowering Impact Tip

Reduce portion size, use full-fat unsweetened yogurt, and consider using a lower-carb alternative for the dumplings such as almond or coconut flour.

🤔 FAQs about Dahi bada

Can I eat dahi bada if I am on a strict low-carb diet?

Traditional dahi bada is high in carbs; consider low-carb substitutes like cauliflower fritters or almond flour bada.

How can I make a low-carb version of dahi bada at home?

Use ingredients like almond flour or ground cauliflower instead of urad dal and adjust other ingredients to keep the carb content low.

Have a question about Dahi bada or any other topic related to diabetes?

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