Is It Safe to Eat Millets, Black Wheat, or Oats in Diabetes? Let’s Break It Down Scientifically
Managing diabetes isn't just about taking medicines—it's about choosing the right food. In this blog, we'll address a common question many diabetic patients ask: Are millets, black wheat, and oats actually good for diabetics? We’ll also introduce an easy and science-backed method to evaluate whether any food item is suitable for your diabetic diet.
First, let’s understand the concept of glycemic load (GL). It tells us how much a particular food will raise your blood sugar levels. The lower the glycemic load, the better it is for managing diabetes.
To calculate it:
Glycemic Load = (Total Carbohydrates x Glycemic Index) / 100
But here's the catch: the glycemic index values for many packaged foods, like millets or oats, are either missing or inconsistent across websites. That’s where a new method comes in: the PF (Protein + Fat + Fiber) value.
Think of the PF Value like this: the more protein, fat, and fiber a food has, the slower its sugar is released into the bloodstream.
To calculate: PF Value = Protein (g) + Fat (g) + Fiber (g) per 100g
A PF Value above 50 indicates a food is generally safe for diabetics. If it's lower, the food might spike your sugar levels. Simple, right?
Let’s analyze some popular millets using this PF formula:
Millet Type | PF Value (g) | Verdict |
---|---|---|
Foxtail Millet | 28 | Not Recommended |
Kodo Millet | 26 | Not Recommended |
Little Millet | 30 | Not Recommended |
Barnyard Millet | 27 | Not Recommended |
Pearl Millet (Bajra) | 25 | Not Recommended |
Despite their reputation as “healthy grains,” these millets don’t provide enough PF value to be considered safe for diabetic diets.
Let’s compare:
Wheat Type | PF Value (g) | Verdict |
Normal Wheat | 42 | Borderline Risk |
Black Wheat | 44 | Borderline Risk |
Diabexy Flour | 72 | Safe |
Both regular and black wheat fall short of the ideal PF value. However, Diabexy’s specialized low-carb flour exceeds the threshold and is safer for diabetics.
Rolled oats are often promoted as diabetic-friendly, but let’s look at the numbers:
Food | PF Value (g) | Verdict |
Rolled Oats | 32 | Not Recommended |
So, while oats may be high in fiber, their overall PF value doesn’t make them the best choice for someone managing blood sugar.
Based on PF value, here are some excellent choices:
Food Item | PF Value (g) | Verdict |
Peanuts | 70+ | Excellent |
Almonds | 60+ | Excellent |
Coconut | 65+ | Excellent |
Diabexy Flour | 72 | Excellent |
Diabexy Snack Bar | 66 | Excellent |
Nuts, seeds, and specialized low-carb products have a naturally high PF value, making them highly suitable for diabetes management.
If you can't find a reliable glycemic index online, use the nutrition label and PF formula.
PF Value = Protein + Fat + Fiber
If it’s above 50 per 100g, it’s usually safe for diabetics.
Every diabetic should learn to make food choices backed by data. Instead of falling for vague labels like “whole grain” or “natural,” look at actual nutritional values. Whether it’s millets, oats, or wheat—the PF Value can help you decide wisely.
Visit www.diabexy.com or order Diabexy products online on Amazon and Flipkart to take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier life