GI Pasta: Low-Carb & High-Protein Noodles - Beneficial for Diabetes?

GI Pasta und low carb Nudeln von Zuckerschmuck

GI Pasta: Low-Carb Noodles with a Low Glycemic Index for Diabetes

Pasta for Diabetics: Guilt-Free Indulgence

Diabetics know the problem: craving pasta, but the mere thought of high blood sugar levels afterwards makes you despair. Classic pasta usually has a high glycemic index, meaning it causes blood sugar levels to rise quickly and then often drop rapidly. But fortunately, there are alternatives like our GI Pasta, which you can now find at Zuckerschmuck.


What exactly is GI Pasta?

GI Pasta is a special pasta with a low glycemic index. This means that the carbohydrates it contains are absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly, your blood sugar level remains more stable, and insulin bolus calculation becomes more relaxed. This effect is further supported by the high protein content of the noodles. GI Pasta contains between 32% (penne and fusilli) and 45% (spaghetti) more protein than regular spaghetti. In addition, the noodles contain between 112% (penne and fusilli) and 146% more fiber than durum wheat pasta.

Preferring carbohydrate-rich foods with a low GI is part of the DDG practice recommendations for nutritional therapy in type 1 diabetes 2024 [1]. A review on GI reduction in type 2 diabetes also confirms that low-glycemic foods can significantly mitigate the postprandial glucose response (= the blood sugar increase after eating) [2].


The advantages of our low-carb and protein pasta for people with diabetes at a glance

1. Low glycemic index plus high protein content

The low glycemic index ensures a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This is not only interesting for people with diabetes but also for athletes who need an extra portion of protein for muscle building. According to authorized EU health claims, protein contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass (EU Regulation 432/2012, EFSA list) [4].

Here you can see the blood sugar curve of our Sonja after she tested the GI Pasta herself. The practical test: after consuming 2 large plates of spaghetti, without an "eat-and-press" interval and with only one bolus for 3 BE (= 36g carbs), her blood sugar level remained in the healthy range. No sudden rise, no roller coaster ride.

Sonja Spörlein self-test GI Pasta — stable glucose curve in Mylife CamAPS fx with Dexcom G6 and Ypsopump (bolus for 3 BE with 2 plates of spaghetti)

Important: Sonja's experience report is a personal test, not a therapy recommendation. Individual values may vary. Bolus calculation should be performed by your diabetological practice.

2. High fiber content

The pasta contains valuable fiber, which is filling and has a positive effect on digestion. Specifically, it contains between 112% (penne and fusilli) and 146% more fiber than durum wheat pasta. Fiber slows down the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood and, according to diabetesDE, is a key component of a diabetes-friendly diet. At least 30g per day is recommended for people with diabetes, ideally more [3].

3. Pasta that keeps you full longer

Due to the slow carbohydrate utilization and the high protein content, you feel full longer. According to the authorized EU health claim, protein contributes to satiety and thus to the reduction of energy intake (EU Regulation 432/2012, EFSA list) [4].

4. Taste without compromise

Our GI Pasta tastes similar to classic pasta. The taste and consistency hardly differ from normal noodles. We tested it ourselves, and even the children's verdict was "tastes like normal noodles."

5. Versatile in the kitchen

Whether as spaghetti bolognese, pasta salad or as a side dish: you can prepare GI pasta like conventional pasta. A practical tip: cook al dente, because soft-cooked pasta has a higher glycemic index than al dente pasta.

6. For the whole family

Not only people with diabetes benefit from the pasta. Children and partners can also eat along without the need for extra cooking, and they will incidentally consume more fiber and protein.

7. Three varieties to choose from

Our GI Pasta comes in three varieties. Which is your favorite pasta?


A tip from the Zuckerschmuck kitchen

Why not try our GI Pasta with a fresh tomato sauce or a protein-rich lentil bolognese? This way, your dish will not only remain low-glycemic but also become a nutrient highlight.

Another idea: have you seen our large selection of recipe books? Here you'll find inspiration for delicious pasta sauces and many other dishes suitable for a low-glycemic diet: Books at Zuckerschmuck.

If you'd also like to read Sonja's personal experience report on GI Pasta, you can find it in the Dexcom G6 pillar article and cross-referenced in the mental health article series.


Sources

  1. Skurk T, Krämer-Pickler E, Bosy-Westphal A, et al. Nutritional Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel 2024;19(S 02). Practice recommendations of the German Diabetes Society. Available at: DDG Practice Recommendations Nutritional Therapy 2024 (PDF).
  2. Vlachos D, Malisova S, Lindberg FA, Karaniki G. Glycemic Index (GI) or Glycemic Load (GL) and Dietary Interventions for Optimizing Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Patients with T2 Diabetes: A Review. Nutrients 2020;12(6):1561. Available at: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7352659.
  3. diabetesDE — German Diabetes Aid. What are dietary fibers? Patient information with DGE/DDG recommendation of 30 g per day. Available at: diabetesde.org/ballaststoffe.
  4. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to protein and increase in satiety leading to a reduction in energy intake (ID 414, 616, 730), and growth or maintenance of muscle mass (ID 415, 417, 593). EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1811. Plus EU Regulation 432/2012 with the list of authorized health claims. Available at: EFSA Journal 2010 (PDF) and EU Regulation 432/2012 (DE).

Note: This article describes the manufacturer's product characteristics and is not a substitute for medical or nutritional advice. For questions regarding bolus calculation or individual suitability, please contact your diabetes specialist. Please observe the consumption recommendations on the product packaging.

Do something good for your blood sugar and your well-being. Conscious indulgence has never been so easy.

Who writes here?

Hello, we are Sonja and Julia :-)

Sonja is the founder of Zuckerschmuck, has type 1 since she was 7 years old. With Zuckerschmuck® she implements all the ideas that she has had throughout her life as Child, student, at work, doing sports and as a mother of two to make everyday life with diabetes easier, to make it more cheerful and colorful. Sonja loves her Ypsopump CamAPS FX Loop in combination with Dexcom.

Julia works primarily on the packaging team at Zuckerschmuck and loves writing blog posts. She developed type 1 diabetes during her pregnancy and recently switched from a pen to insulin pump therapy with Kaleido and Dexcom.

What’s special about us: we know what it’s like to live with diabetes and write from our own life experiences.