Diabetic Minute: đź§‚ Salt & Diabetes

What is it?
Salt (sodium) is a mineral your body needs for fluid balance and nerve function. It doesn’t raise blood sugar directly—but it plays a major role in overall health, especially for people with diabetes.


Why?

With diabetes, your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke is already higher.
Too much sodium can increase blood pressure, putting extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.


The catch?

Most sodium doesn’t come from the salt shaker—it’s hidden in:

  • processed foods
  • restaurant meals
  • canned soups, sauces, and deli meats

So even when you think you’re doing “pretty good,” sodium can quietly add up.


Takeaway

Health Canada recommends:

  • Aim for ~1500 mg per day
  • Stay under 2300 mg per day

You don’t need to eliminate salt—just be more aware of where it’s coming from.


Salt doesn’t spike your sugar—but too much can raise the stakes elsewhere.

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