Brussels sprouts, raw & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 3.2 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 3.2/100g · GI 61.9 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Glycemic Response at a Glance
The Numbers at a Glance
How This Version Compares
At the high end for glycemic load: 3.2 per 100g, about 20% above the family average, inside a 2.5-3.2 per 100g spread. This version sits at the low end for saturated fat: 0.1 per 100g, about 32% below the family average (family spread 0.1-0.1 per 100g).
Glycemic load across the 6-item Brussels sprouts group runs 2.5 to 3.2 per 100g, so the version matters as much as the food. The rest of the family: Unprepared, Boiled, Boiled.
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 44g | 3.9g | 1.4 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 88g | 7.9g | 2.8 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 176g | 15.8g | 5.6 | Friendly |
GL ≤10 = Low (Friendly) · 11–19 = Moderate · ≥20 = High (Limit).
The page-level verdict is based on GL per 100g; this table shows how portion size changes the actual GL you get.
Lower-GL Alternatives
🥦 Chrysanthemum leaves, raw
GL 0/100g — Low GL
Fiber 3.0g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Chrysanthemum leaves, raw & diabetes →🥦 Chrysanthemum, garland, raw
GL 0/100g — Low GL
Fiber 3.0g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Chrysanthemum, garland, raw & diabetes →🥦 Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
Fiber 1.9g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw & diabetes →🥦 Mustard greens, frozen, unprepared
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
Fiber 3.3g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Mustard greens, frozen, unprepared & diabetes →More Vegetables and Vegetable Products to Compare
Questions People Ask
Is Brussels sprouts a reasonable choice if you have diabetes?
Brussels sprouts has a GL of 3.2 — in the lower range. The carbs are released slowly, or there simply aren't many carbs to begin with. As always, check your personal glucose response.
What is the glycemic load of Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts's glycemic load: 3.2 (per 100g). Unlike GI which only measures speed, GL accounts for actual carbohydrate quantity — making it the more practical number for diabetes management.
Does Brussels sprouts spike blood sugar?
After eating Brussels sprouts, you can expect a low blood sugar response. The GL of 3.2 means a gentle rise. This can vary based on what else you eat with it.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 61.9 for Brussels sprouts is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Vegetables and Vegetable Products category from the International GI Tables (Atkinson et al., 2021). Actual GI may vary by variety, ripeness, cooking method, and individual response. We display estimated values with full transparency so you can make informed decisions.
Data Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 61.9 — subcategory_avg:Vegetables and Vegetable Products. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 88.0g) = 3.2 × 88.0 ÷ 100 = 2.8
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 170383. Data are in the public domain (CC0 1.0).
GL Classification: ≤10 = Low (Low GL), 11–19 = Moderate (Eat in Moderation), ≥20 = High (Limit). Based on University of Sydney Glycemic Index Foundation classification.
⚠️ GI value is estimated, not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. Actual GI may vary by variety, cooking method, and individual glycemic response.
Cite this page: GlycemicWise. “Brussels sprouts, raw — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/brussels-sprouts-raw/
Dietary reference — not medical advice. This page provides evidence-based dietary reference information for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual blood sugar responses vary significantly. Always check your blood glucose to understand your personal response to foods, and talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Data sources are cited above and publicly available from the USDA and the University of Sydney Glycemic Index Research Service.