Why You Should Consider Eating Avocados If You Have Diabetes

Key Takeaways
The nutrition profile of avocados—like their high magnesium and potassium content—is particularly beneficial to people trying to manage or prevent type 2 diabetes.
The lack of sugar and presence of healthy unsaturated fat are additional pros of the fruit.
Because it’s so versatile, dietitians recommend opting for avocado for diabetes prevention and management, while cautioning that one food alone won’t make or break your risk.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or you’re trying to lower your risk of the condition, what you eat will play a key role in your health goals. You can make diet and lifestyle changes to lower your risk of diabetes complications, and some of those steps may even help reverse the condition. If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, these changes may help prevent the disease.
Sticking to a “diabetes-friendly” diet is one of the first recommendations your provider will probably make, whether you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or you’re at risk for it. While many people think about cutting back on carbs or sugar, the addition of certain foods can mitigate your risk, too.
One such food is avocado. Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, and nutrients like riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They’re also a great source of lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids.1
“There isn’t one food that will magically protect your body from developing diabetes,” Mary Ellen Phipps, MPH, RDN, author of The Easy Diabetes Cookbook, told Verywell. “But research has found that consistently eating some foods can help promote healthy blood sugar levels over time.”
Here’s why avocados are such a good option for a diabetes-friendly diet.