Pistachios are a good source of fibre and protein and offer mono - and polyunsaturated fats, making them a perfect snack for diabetics following recommended dietary guidelines.

The glycemic index (GI) is a tool used by many individuals with type II diabetes to rank carbohydrate-containing foods on a scale from zero to 100 based on the extent that they raise blood sugar levels. High GI foods result in greater fluctuations in blood sugar levels compared to low GI foods which produce gradual peaks, proving to be beneficial for health.

A University of Toronto study found that eating about 2 ounces of pistachios with carbohydrate-rich foods like white bread, pasta and rice significantly reduced the GI of these foods. (1)

(1) Kendall, C., Josse, A., & Jenkins, D. Effect of Pistachios Consumed with Different Common Carbohydrate Foods on Postprandial Glycemia. FASEB J. 2007 21:832.2