Hominy & Diabetes

Hominy's soft corn-like texture makes it a frequent ingredient in stews and soups, and it's also served on its own as a warm breakfast dish. For people with diabetes, these tasty kernels may be a welcome addition. Since hominy won't cause extreme blood sugar spikes the way some foods do, it's a safe choice in moderation for diabetics.

About Diabetes

Diabetes affects your body's blood sugar, also called blood glucose. Blood glucose provides energy to your cells, fuels your brain and is a vital component of good health. People with diabetes have an abundance of blood sugar and must take measures to keep their blood sugar within normal limits. Because of this, diabetics have to pay careful attention to the foods they eat and how those foods may affect their bodies.

Hominy and the Glycemic Index

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The glycemic index, also called the GI, ranks food items based on how much they raise blood glucose levels. Diabetics must pay special attention to the GI of the foods they eat, and avoid eating too many foods with a high GI. Hominy, which is made from dried maize kernels, has a GI of 40. This GI number classifies hominy as a low-GI food. Keep in mind, however, that diabetics must also pay attention to portion sizes, and eating a large portion of hominy may raise the dish to a medium on the glycemic index 2.

More Information

One serving, or 1/2 cup of hominy, contains about 100 calories, 0.5 grams of fat and 4.5 percent calories from fat. A serving of hominy also provides your body with 4 grams, or 16 percent of your daily recommended intake of dietary fiber. Hominy contains no saturated fat or cholesterol and only 1 gram of sugar, according to LIVESTRONG.COM's MyPlate.

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While hominy is a relatively healthy option for diabetics, cooking hominy with butter, bacon or other fatty or sugary foods may cause problems in people with diabetes. Large portions of hominy combined with other carbohydrates may also increase the glycemic index of your meal. To make sure you're eating right and managing your condition, talk to your doctor, dietician or nutritionist about how to prepare meals that won't negatively affect your blood sugar.