Diabetics and Butter

If you have diabetes, following a healthy diet is one of the most important steps you can take to control blood sugar levels. A healthy diet also lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, which is higher when you have diabetes. Butter is a source of unhealthy fats, which can contribute to heart disease, so it should not be a regular component of your healthy diet for diabetes management.

Diabetes and Weight Control

Obesity is a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes, and the majority of individuals with the condition are overweight or obese. If you are overweight and have high blood sugar levels, losing weight can help you control your blood sugar levels. With 102 calories per tablespoon, butter can contribute to weight gain or interfere with efforts to lose weight. As a healthier option, take smaller portions of butter or switch to a small amount of an unsaturated fat option, such as olive oil.

Avoid Butter for a Healthier Heart

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Diabetes increases your risk for heart disease, and a healthy diet supports heart health as well as a healthy weight and lower blood sugar levels. Butter is a poor dietary choice because each tablespoon contains 7.3 grams of saturated fat, or nearly 37 percent of the daily value -- a total of 20 grams of saturated fat daily -- based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Saturated fat can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk for heart disease, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 4. Plant-based oils are lower in saturated fat, making them healthier choices than butter.

Choose Low-Carb Options Besides Butter

Your blood sugar levels rise after you eat foods with carbohydrates, and individuals with diabetes must carefully monitor the quantity of carbohydrates they consume and the timing. High-glycemic carbohydrates can spike your blood sugar levels, while a low-glycemic diet helps you control your blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association states adding fat to a meal helps lower its glycemic index 2. Instead of choosing butter, include a healthy fat such as olive oil or avocado slices.

Butter Alternatives

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Peanut butter is low in saturated fat and a source of fiber. Spread no-sugar-added peanut butter instead of butter on whole-grain toast. Instead of making a cold cut sandwich with buttered bread, skip the butter and add a few slices of avocado. Dip bread into olive oil instead of spreading butter on your dinner rolls, and experiment with herbs to flavor steamed vegetables instead of dousing them with melted butter.