Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (2024)

The leaves are changing, cool weather is arriving, and pumpkins are back on the menu! If fall has you craving all things pumpkin, then don’t miss our top 10 pumpkin recipes that are healthy, diabetes-friendly options.

Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (1)Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient. It can be used in sweet or savory recipes. In fact, you could have pumpkin-powered recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We even have a few healthy snack options too, for when you need a pumpkin pick-me-up in the afternoon.

Pumpkin is also a great option for people with diabetes due to its high fiber and low carbohydrate count per serving. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and vitamins.Want to learn more about pumpkins? Check out our What's in Season: Pumpkin article.

Savory Diabetes-Friendly Pumpkin Recipes


Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (2)Instant Pot Pumpkin-Spiced Turkey Chili
If you hate having to clean multiple pans, this Instant Pot recipe is right for you. Balancing sweet and savory, this low-fat and high-fiber chili will keep you full and warm through the fall. Bring it to your next fall party and it’s sure to be a hit!

Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (3)Pumpkin Hummus
Perfect as an afternoon snack, pumpkin hummus is a fun way to add some fall flair to traditional hummus. Feel extra good about this snack by pairing it with your favorite veggies like carrots or celery.


Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (4)Pumpkin Quiche with Quinoa Crust
This hearty breakfast is a tasty way to start your day. The quinoa crust is delicious and crunchy, but cuts the carbs substantially. The eggs add plenty of protein to help fuel your morning and keep you satisfied.


Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (5)Crab, Kale, & Ricotta Lasagna Rolls with Parmesan Pumpkin Sauce
Pumpkin and Italian make a great combo in this delicious meal! Break out this dish when you want to impress friends and family with your culinary skills. We won’t tell them that this is actually a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (6)Slow Cooker Pork and Pumpkin Stew
Tender pork pairs with pumpkin in this hearty stew. Simply brown the pork for a few minutes, then throw the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker and you’ll have a filling meal ready to go without having to spend hours in the kitchen!

Diabetes-Friendly Pumpkin Dessert Recipes


Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (7)Low-Fat Pumpkin Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is a creamy, custard-like dessert and has been perfectly paired with pumpkin in this easy dessert. Plus, when it’s been pre-portioned in ramekins to help with portion control to make it easier to stick to your diet!

Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (8)Holiday Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Ginger Crust
No pumpkin recipe collection would be complete without pumpkin pie. For this diabetes-friendly, higher in fiber version, we reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute blend in the filling. The low-fat crust is seasoned with a hint of crystallized ginger and maple syrup for an extra-special flavor boost.

Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (9)Pumpkin Pudding Parfait with Gingersnaps
This no-cook dessert is a great substitute for pumpkin pie—and it’s only 100 calories! For a quick, healthy, delicious, pumpkin dessert, look no further—this pudding parfait is amazing and ready in minutes.


Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (10)Mini Pumpkin Tarts
No one will ever know this simple treat is diabetes-friendly! You can bring these mini tarts to your next holiday gathering and impress them all with this low-carb dessert. But don’t let these low-calorie treats fool you, they still pack in tons of pumpkin flavor.

Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (11)Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Whether you have it as breakfast or post workout drink, this pumpkin smoothie makes a unique yet tasty treat. With flax seed, nonfat Greek yogurt, and protein powder, you can feel guilt-free and satisfied enjoying this version of pumpkin pie!

Want even more recipes? Sign up for the Diabetes Food Hub newsletter to have them delivered straight to your inbox every month!

Top 10 Diabetes Friendly Pumpkin Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Does pumpkin trigger insulin? ›

However, it is important to realise that overconsumption of anything can be harmful to health. So, having a lot of pumpkins at once can cause a sudden spike in insulin and can be harmful for health. “Moreover, it can cause constipation,” she said.

Is pumpkin spice good for diabetics? ›

Improves blood sugar control: Cinnamon, one of the main ingredients in pumpkin spice, has been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 Diabetes. Reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

Is pumpkin good for blood pressure? ›

To help decrease your blood pressure, try eating pumpkin, which contains potassium that helps to control blood pressure. Potassium also helps with bone health and decreases your risk for diabetes. Around 10% of your daily potassium is found in just a half-cup serving of canned pumpkin.

Is pumpkin high in natural sugar? ›

Most of a pumpkin's health benefits come from its vitamins and minerals, along with its low sugar and high fiber content. While there aren't many studies on pumpkin specifically, it's high in several nutrients that have established health benefits.

What are the 5 super foods for diabetics? ›

The list of foods below are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that are good for overall health and may also help prevent disease.
  • Beans. ...
  • Dark green leafy vegetables. ...
  • Citrus fruit. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Tomatoes. ...
  • Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Whole grains.

Is pumpkin good for A1C? ›

Pumpkin is also a great option for people with diabetes due to its high fiber and low carbohydrate count per serving. Plus, it's packed with nutrients and vitamins.

Can Type 2 diabetics eat pumpkin pie? ›

Diabetics can enjoy their favourite foods containing carbohydrates. They just need to keep a check on the portions and follow the diabetic plan for diabetes. There are various diabetic diet recipes to enjoy and creamy pumpkin pie is one of them. Here is the pumpkin pie recipe that you should definitely try.

Which Spice lowers blood sugar? ›

Cinnamon is especially great for people who have high blood sugar. It lends a sweet taste to food without adding sugar, and studies indicate it can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon may also provide heart-healthy benefits, such as reducing high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

What color pumpkin is good for diabetes? ›

Households that take part in the Teal Pumpkin Project offer Halloween happiness to children managing a range of medical conditions, including tens of thousands of youngsters with diabetes.

When should we not eat pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin is healthy and considered safe for most. But some people might experience allergies after eating pumpkin. It's mildly diuretic in nature and may harm people who take medicines such as lithium.

What is the healthiest way to eat pumpkin? ›

Pureed, baked or roasted pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food that is low in calories and fat while being high in fiber, helping you feel full for longer.

What organ is pumpkin good for? ›

Pumpkin is recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet that may help lower your risk of heart disease. It offers a long list of nutrients that protect and support the heart, such as vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, copper, fiber, folate, and manganese.

What's healthier, sweet potato or pumpkin? ›

However, if you place the two in a side-by-side comparison, sweet potato generally outpaces pumpkin in its nutritional makeup from vitamin A to fiber to protein. While pumpkin is a light, low sugar option, sweet potatoes do more heavy lifting and will ultimately feed your body more essential nutrients.

What foods will lower blood sugar quickly? ›

Here are five foods that can make a difference.
  • Berries. Don't make your trip to the store fruitless. ...
  • Go nuts. That's right—go ahead and snack on almonds, cashews or even pistachios. ...
  • Leafy greens. ...
  • Non-starchy vegetables. ...
  • Whole grains.

Can I eat pumpkin every day? ›

It is safe and healthy to eat pumpkin every day, but Campbell suggests sticking to only one serving per day—about half a cup of canned pumpkin and one cup of raw pumpkin – for a couple reasons. “Although pumpkins are great for you, they do contain a good amount of fiber,” says Menshulam.

Do pumpkin seeds raise insulin? ›

Including fibre-rich foods like pumpkin seeds in the diet can contribute to better blood sugar control. Magnesium-rich source: Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, an essential mineral that plays a vital role in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin regulation.

What foods spike insulin most? ›

The following types of food can cause a person's blood sugar and insulin levels to spike:
  • sugary drinks such as soda, juices, and sports drinks.
  • highly processed foods and baked goods, which often contain trans fats.
  • white rice, bread, and pasta.
  • breakfast cereals with added sugar.
  • yogurts with added sugar.
Jan 26, 2024

Who should not eat pumpkin? ›

While it's sometimes associated with seasonal lattes and desserts, pumpkin can be a simple addition to sweet and savory cuisines. Pumpkin is considered a safe food for most healthy adults, but check with a healthcare provider if you have a history of food allergies, are pregnant, or are taking certain medications.

What is the insulin index of pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin has a high GI at 75, but a low GL at 3.

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