Is Vienna Sausage Good for Diabetics?

As a diabetic myself, I know how challenging it can be to find convenient, grab-and-go snacks that won’t send your blood sugar through the roof Vienna sausages seem like they could be a good option – they’re portable, don’t require refrigeration, and pack in some protein But are those little canned sausages actually a smart choice for diabetics? I decided to take a closer look at the nutrition facts.

When it comes to diabetes, it’s important to keep an eye on carbohydrates, fat, and sodium content. Here’s how Vienna sausages stack up:

Carbohydrates

A 2 oz serving (about 5 small sausages) contains around 5g net carbs. This is considered low carb. Unlike a cookie or candy bar, those 5g won’t cause a big spike in blood sugar levels.

However, the sausages are made with wheat flour so they do contain some refined carbs For diabetics following a very low carb diet, other snacks might be preferable. But overall, Vienna sausages are a reasonable carb option

Fats

There are around 5g total fat in 2 oz of Vienna sausages. This breaks down to:

• 2g saturated fat
• 2g unsaturated fat
• 0.4g trans fat

These are pretty decent ratios. The American Diabetes Association recommends getting most fats from healthier unsaturated sources, limiting saturated fat to no more than 10% of total calories. The small amount of trans fat is lower than the recommended maximum as well.

Sodium

This is where Vienna sausages fall short – they’re very high in sodium. One 2 oz serving contains about 450mg sodium, which is 18% of the daily value. Consuming too much sodium causes increased thirst, elevated blood pressure, and added stress on the kidneys.

The American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 1500mg sodium per day. Diabetics who also have hypertension or other cardiovascular risks should consume even less.

The Verdict

Given the decent protein and fat breakdown combined with relatively low carbs, Vienna sausages aren’t the worst choice for diabetics in theory. However, the extremely high sodium content is very concerning. Consuming these too frequently could absolutely raise blood pressure and jeopardize kidney function.

So are Vienna sausages good for diabetics? I would say only on occasion, and in very small amounts. To make them a healthier option:

• Limit to 1-2 sausages at a time
• Rinse sausages before eating to remove up to 40% of the sodium
• Opt for low-sodium versions
• Balance with plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins

Vienna sausages should not become a dietary staple. When you do indulge, be sure to drink extra water before and after to counteract the sodium. Moderation and variety is key to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

There are also healthier, lower carb snack options to consider, such as:

• Hard boiled eggs
• Cheese sticks
• Fresh veggies with hummus
• Greek yogurt
• Beef jerky
• Mixed nuts

While Vienna sausages can fit into a diabetic diet sparingly, they are far from the best choice due to their extremely high sodium content. For regular snacking, opt for fresh foods over packaged, processed meats whenever possible.

The key is balancing convenience with nutrition. Don’t rely solely on pre-packaged snacks, but Vienna sausages in moderation can be an acceptable option when you’re in a pinch. Follow common sense – look for low carb, low sodium products, and always pair with fresh fruits and veggies.

With thoughtful food choices and proper medication, we diabetics can still enjoy the occasional treat without wreaking havoc on our health. Armed with the facts, we can indulge wisely – even in high-sodium foods like Vienna sausages!