Cheese, provolone & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 0.9 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 0.9/100g · GI 44 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
How This Food Affects Blood Sugar
Nutrition at a Glance
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Cheese, provolone contains 22.5g of saturated fat per serving — above the 5g threshold recommended by the ADA and AHA. High saturated fat intake is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, which is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. While this food may have a manageable glycemic load, consider it an occasional choice rather than a daily staple.
ADA Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management (2024). Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1). · AHA Dietary Guidelines.
⚠️ High Sodium
Cheese, provolone provides 960mg of sodium per serving — significant relative to the ADA's daily recommendation of <2,300mg. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, compounding cardiovascular risk in diabetes. If you eat this food, balance it with lower-sodium choices throughout the rest of the day.
ADA recommends <2,300mg sodium per day for most adults with diabetes. Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1), 2024.
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 66g | 1.4g | 0.6 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 132g | 2.8g | 1.2 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 264g | 5.6g | 2.4 | 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.
More Dairy and Egg Products to Compare
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Cheese, goat, semisoft type & diabetes →Common Questions
Is Cheese provolone good for diabetes?
Based on its glycemic load of 0.9, Cheese provolone falls within the diabetes-friendly range. This suggests lower blood sugar impact for the stated serving size. This is a dietary reference, not individual medical guidance.
What is the glycemic load of Cheese provolone?
GL = 0.9 per 100g for Cheese provolone. For context: low GL is ≤10, moderate is 11–19, and high is ≥20. Cheese provolone falls into the Low category.
What happens to blood sugar after eating Cheese provolone?
With only 0g of fiber per 100g, Cheese provolone's GL of 0.9 means the blood sugar impact is low. The carbohydrates digest and absorb quickly. Pairing with protein and high-fiber foods can help slow absorption.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 44 for Cheese provolone is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Dairy and Egg 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.
Is the sodium level a concern?
Cheese provolone contains 960mg of sodium per serving — well above the ADA's recommendation of <2,300mg daily. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, compounding cardiovascular risk — the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. If you eat this food, balance it with lower-sodium choices during the rest of the day. Fresh herbs, spices, and citrus can replace salt as flavoring.
What about the saturated fat content?
At 22.5g of saturated fat per serving, Cheese provolone exceeds the 5g threshold that the ADA and AHA recommend for diabetes and heart health. Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. While this food may have a manageable glycemic load, it is best as an occasional choice rather than a daily staple. Prioritize foods with unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, fish) for everyday eating.
References & Data Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 44 — subcategory_avg:Dairy and Egg Products. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 132.0g) = 0.9 × 132.0 ÷ 100 = 1.2
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 170850. 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. “Cheese, provolone — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/cheese-provolone/
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.