Deepa Nair Deepa Nair Asked 5 months ago

Are mashed potatoes bad for diabetics?

My mother has diabetes, and we're planning a dinner party where I wanted to make mashed potatoes. I'm wondering if mashed potatoes are generally considered bad for diabetics because of the carbs. Should I avoid making them?

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6 answers

Rajiv Sen Rajiv Sen Joined May 2026 5 months ago
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My endocrinologist specifically warned me about mashed potatoes. Because they are mashed, the structure of the starch is broken down, making them digest very fast and causing a rapid blood glucose spike. He advised choosing boiled or baked potatoes with their skin on instead.

Anjali Deshmukh Anjali Deshmukh Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

I was just reading an article about this because my dad has diabetes. Apparently, mashing potatoes increases their glycemic index significantly compared to regular boiled ones. It seems they are best avoided or kept to a very small portion.

Preeti Shah Preeti Shah Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

Potatoes are a high-carb vegetable, and mashing them only makes the starch absorb faster. If you want a similar comforting vegetarian texture, try making a mash using cauliflower with a touch of garlic and olive oil. It is incredibly delicious and much safer for blood sugar.

Neha Sharma Neha Sharma Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

Oh, I am really scared of potato dishes now because my readings went up to 240 once after a small bowl of mashed potatoes. Did anyone else experience such a sudden spike with them? I think I will just stay away from potatoes completely.

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Consult a internal medicine specialist

Suresh Nair Suresh Nair Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

Any kind of potato, especially mashed, can carry a high glycemic load. Before making any changes or adding them to your diet, please consult your doctor or a certified diabetic educator to check if it suits your current medication plan.

Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

They definitely spike sugar quickly, but here is a realistic tip. If you really want mashed potatoes, cool them in the fridge overnight first. This creates resistant starch, which dramatically lowers the glycemic spike when reheated. Also, mix in plenty of ghee or butter to slow digestion.

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