Donut
Category: Snacks & Sweets
Serving size: 1 donut (60 g)
Glycemic Index (GI): 75 (high)
Glycemic Load (GL): 22 (high)
Blood Sugar Guide: Avoid
Sodium: Low
Glycemic Index Range Chart (0-100)
Donut GI: 75
Glycemic Load Range Chart (0-40)
Donut GL: 22
Is Donut Good for Diabetes or Prediabetes?
Donut is generally not the best choice for diabetes or prediabetes when eaten in typical portions. With a glycemic index of 75 and a glycemic load of 22 per serving, it can raise blood sugar quickly and may lead to a larger post-meal glucose response.
If you do eat donut, keep the portion moderate and pair it with protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats to help slow carbohydrate absorption. Many people with diabetes or prediabetes do better choosing lower-GI alternatives from the list below.
Blood Sugar-Friendly Food Pairings
Pair donut with these foods to improve meal balance and help reduce blood sugar spikes:
| Food | Fiber | Protein | Healthy Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almonds or walnuts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Greek yogurt | ✓ | ||
| Chia or ground flax seeds | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Berries | ✓ | ||
| Apple slices | ✓ |
Diabetes-Friendly Meal Planning
- Pair it: Pair donut with protein or healthy fats instead of eating it alone.
- Portion it: Keep portions small and avoid frequent grazing on high-GI snacks.
- Choose wisely: Choose snacks with more fiber and less added sugar when possible.
- Swap when possible: Rotate in lower GI snack alternatives from this guide.
Lower GI Alternatives
| Food Item | Serving Size | Glycemic Index | Glycemic Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate (70%) | 1 oz (28 g) | 25 | 4 |
| Milk Chocolate | 1 oz (28 g) | 42 | 6 |
| Cookies (Chocolate Chip) | 1 cookie (16 g) | 44 | 5 |
| Caramel | 2 pieces (20 g) | 44 | 2 |
Medical Note
This content is for informational use only and is not medical advice. For personalized guidance, work with your healthcare team.
Report a Data Issue
Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values are compiled from research and nutrition databases. If you notice a potential error, please so we can review and update the information.