
People with diabetes can eat cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, they may want to opt for low-fat and low-sodium cheeses, such as cottage cheese, to avoid blood sugar spikes. Parmesan is a high-protein, low-fat cheese that can be beneficial for people with diabetes. It is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, and it can help regulate blood sugar levels. However, it is also high in sodium, which is a risk factor for heart disease, so it should be consumed in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can diabetics eat parmesan cheese? | Yes, in moderation |
| Is parmesan cheese high in protein? | Yes |
| Is parmesan cheese high in fat? | No, it is a low-fat cheese |
| Is parmesan cheese high in sodium? | Yes |
| Is parmesan cheese good for diabetics? | Yes, it is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, and it can help regulate blood sugar levels |
| Recommended serving size of cheese for diabetics | 1.5 ounces |
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What You'll Learn
- Parmesan is a high-protein, low-fat cheese that can help regulate blood sugar levels
- Parmesan is high in sodium, which is a risk factor for heart disease
- Parmesan is a strong-flavoured cheese, so smaller amounts are needed
- Parmesan can be added to meals or snacks, or enjoyed on its own
- Parmesan is a good source of calcium and phosphorus

Parmesan is a high-protein, low-fat cheese that can help regulate blood sugar levels
People with diabetes can eat cheese, but they should be mindful of their consumption. Cheese is a good source of protein and bone-building calcium, as well as vitamins A, B2 and B12. It also contains other nutrients and may be beneficial when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
However, cheese is high in fat, calories and sodium, so it's best to opt for lower-fat varieties and stick to the serving size. Parmesan is a high-protein, low-fat cheese that can be beneficial for people with diabetes. It is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, and it can help regulate blood sugar levels. This is because protein is slow to digest and causes only mild increases in blood sugar.
When eaten with carbohydrates, protein and fat take longer to digest, keeping blood sugar levels stable and preventing spikes and dips that can leave you feeling tired and hungry. Parmesan also has a strong flavour, so you can sprinkle less on your pasta or add fewer slices to your sandwich.
Overall, parmesan can be a good cheese option for people with diabetes, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Parmesan is high in sodium, which is a risk factor for heart disease
While Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, it is also high in sodium. This is a concern for diabetics because sodium is a risk factor for heart disease, and people with diabetes are already at a higher risk of heart disease than the general population.
Sodium is a mineral that is essential for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure in the body. However, when consumed in excess, it can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure, which puts strain on the heart. Over time, this can increase the risk of heart disease, including conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
For this reason, it is generally recommended that people with diabetes choose low-sodium cheeses, such as cottage cheese, or opt for low-fat or non-fat cheese varieties to reduce their intake of saturated fat, another risk factor for heart disease. While the connection between saturated fat and heart disease is not as clear-cut as once thought, it is still sensible to be mindful of overall intake, especially from full-fat dairy products.
When it comes to Parmesan cheese, moderation is key. As a strong-flavoured cheese, a small amount can go a long way. Instead of using it as the main ingredient, consider sprinkling a small amount on dishes to add a burst of flavour. This way, you can still enjoy the taste of Parmesan while minimising your sodium intake.
In addition to its high sodium content, Parmesan cheese is also a highly processed cheese, which can be concerning from a nutritional standpoint. Processed cheeses tend to be higher in sodium and other additives, and lower in beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein. Therefore, it is generally recommended to choose natural, unprocessed cheeses whenever possible.
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Parmesan is a strong-flavoured cheese, so smaller amounts are needed
People with diabetes can eat cheese, but they need to be mindful of the type and amount. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and it can be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. However, it is also high in fat, calories, and sodium, which can negatively impact health when consumed in excess.
Moderation is key when it comes to cheese intake for people with diabetes. It is recommended to choose low-fat or non-fat cheese varieties and to stick to the serving size. Parmesan cheese, for example, is a high-protein and low-fat option that can be beneficial for people with diabetes. Its strong flavour means that a little goes a long way, so smaller amounts are needed to add a punch of taste to dishes.
The advantage of opting for strongly flavoured cheeses like Parmesan is that a little can go a long way. Due to their potent taste, you can sprinkle a sparse amount on your pasta or add a few thin slices to your sandwich, enjoying the flavour without overindulging. This makes Parmesan a good choice for those with diabetes, as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels without the risk of consuming too much fat or salt.
When incorporating Parmesan into a diabetic diet, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and frequency of consumption. While Parmesan can be a tasty and nutritious addition to meals, it should be used as a flavour enhancer rather than the main ingredient. This will help ensure that the overall diet remains balanced and in line with the nutritional requirements for managing diabetes.
In addition to choosing strong-flavoured cheeses, people with diabetes can also consider other types of cheese that are lower in fat and sodium, such as cottage cheese, feta, and Swiss cheese. Incorporating cheese into full meals and pairing it with high-fibre, low-calorie foods can also help prevent blood sugar spikes.
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Parmesan can be added to meals or snacks, or enjoyed on its own
Parmesan is a high-protein, low-fat cheese that can be beneficial for people with diabetes. It is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, and it can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Parmesan can be added to meals or snacks, or enjoyed on its own.
When it comes to managing diabetes, it is important to include a range of foods from all groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and dairy. Eating a balanced diet can significantly impact managing type 2 diabetes or preventing prediabetes from progressing to type 2. Parmesan cheese, being a part of the dairy group, can be included in a diabetic diet.
As a flavour enhancer, a small amount of parmesan can go a long way. For example, sprinkling parmesan on whole-grain pasta or chicken can add a burst of flavour to the dish. It can also be used in recipes like eggplant parmesan or roasted cauliflower mac and cheese.
When adding parmesan to meals or snacks, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes. A typical serving size of cheese is 1.5 ounces. While parmesan can be a tasty addition, it is important to remember that it is high in sodium, especially when compared to other cheeses. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
In summary, parmesan cheese can be enjoyed by people with diabetes when incorporated into meals or snacks in moderate amounts. Its high protein content and ability to regulate blood sugar levels make it a beneficial choice, but its high sodium content should be considered when planning meals.
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Parmesan is a good source of calcium and phosphorus
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong flavour. It is highly nutritious and rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus.
Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health, and Parmesan is an excellent source of it. With 242 mg of calcium per ounce (28 grams), it provides 19% of the recommended daily value. This is significantly higher than other cheeses like Brie, which only delivers around 4%.
The calcium in Parmesan also has high bioavailability, meaning it is easily absorbed by the body. This is due to the cheese's casein content, which enhances the absorption of calcium and other minerals.
Phosphorus is another important mineral found in Parmesan cheese. Phosphorus, along with calcium, plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
In addition to its high calcium and phosphorus content, Parmesan cheese has other benefits for individuals with diabetes. Cheese is a good source of protein and fat, which help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This can help stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and dips that can negatively impact energy levels and mood.
While Parmesan cheese can be a nutritious and tasty addition to a diabetic diet, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Individuals with diabetes should also consider choosing lower-fat and lower-sodium cheese options.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is a low-fat, high-protein cheese that can be beneficial for people with diabetes. However, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, which are risk factors for heart disease. Therefore, parmesan cheese should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Diabetics should opt for low-fat or non-fat and low-sodium cheeses. Examples include cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, feta cheese, and cheddar cheese.
Cheese is high in fat, calories, and sodium, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is important for diabetics to consume cheese in moderation and opt for lower-fat varieties.
A typical serving size of cheese for diabetics is 1.5 ounces or one serving per day, which is about 40 grams. It is important to stick to small servings and choose lower-calorie varieties.
Diabetics can use cheese as a flavour enhancer rather than the main ingredient of a meal. For example, sprinkling parmesan cheese on pasta or chicken. It is also important to avoid processed cheeses, which are typically higher in sodium.

























