Hot Dog and Diabetes

Should Diabetics Load Up Their Hot Dogs with Extras?

When you have diabetes, careful attention must be paid to what you eat and drink. That’s because it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels stable to control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications to your health. The main foods that diabetics have to pay attention to are carbohydrates and foods with a lot of sugar. So are hot dogs and diabetes a safe relationship? Keep reading to find out.

Are Hot Dogs Safe for Diabetics?

Research has found that people who eat more processed meat have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The theory is that the preservatives and nitrates in hot dogs trigger insulin resistance. This can affect those who already have diabetes if you eat a lot of hot dogs. Additionally, there’s a link between the iron in processed meats and diabetes. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a hot dog from time to time, but they shouldn’t be something you eat all the time. 

How to Make Hot Dogs Healthier

If you’ve decided to indulge in a hot dog, there are some things you can do to help make it a healthier choice. Look for a low-fat, organic hot dog to control your calorie intake and choose those that are low in preservatives to help control insulin resistance. 

Healthy hot dogs for diabetics are grilled, which helps control the amount of fat and calories. 

As you know, being overweight contributes to diabetes symptoms, especially among those with type 2 diabetes so controlling fat and calorie intake is important. But what about toppings?

Best Hot Dog Toppings for Diabetics

When you decide to enjoy a hot dog, you have an opportunity to support your health by choosing the right toppings. There are a huge number of items that are delicious and nutritious. You want to be sure you are getting enough fiber, vitamins and minerals and your hot dog toppings are the perfect way to fit them in. 

Choices include fresh bell peppers, jalapenos, grilled onions, roasted corn kernels, sauerkraut, crumbled cheese, pickles, shredded carrots, chopped tomatoes, fresh pineapple, black beans and diced avocado. When you choose condiments like ketchup and mustard, keep the sugar content in mind. 

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t have a hot dog at a backyard barbecue or for dinner when the mood strikes. Moderation is key so don’t eat them all the time. Use your hot dog as the base for loading up on tasty toppings that add nutrition to the meal.