Ham, chopped, canned & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 0 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 0/100g · GI None · TIER 4 ⚠️ GI: Low-Carb Estimate
GI estimated by low-carbohydrate inference — not directly tested. [1] [3]
How This Food Affects Blood Sugar
Nutrition Profile
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Ham, chopped, canned contains 1.8g 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
Ham, chopped, canned provides 364mg 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.
⚠️ Pro-Inflammatory Food
Ham, chopped, canned is a refined grain — the bran and germ are removed during processing, stripping away most of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Diets high in refined grains are associated with elevated markers of chronic inflammation (CRP, IL-6), which can worsen insulin resistance — the core problem in type 2 diabetes. Whole grains retain the bran and provide anti-inflammatory polyphenols and fiber. While an occasional serving is unlikely to cause harm, refined grains should not be a dietary staple for people managing diabetes.
Liu et al. (2002). High-GL diet and plasma CRP. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 75(3), 492–498. · Qi & Hu (2012). Glycemic load, whole grains, and inflammation. Current Diabetes Reports, 12(1), 75–81.
Simple Ways to Balance It
💡 Balance Sodium
Pair with low-sodium foods throughout the rest of your day. Fresh herbs and spices can replace salt as flavoring.
💡 Check Your Own Response
Individual blood sugar responses vary. Use a glucose meter to understand how this food affects you personally.
💡 Glycemic Load Over Glycemic Index
GL accounts for both the speed AND amount of carbohydrate, making it more practical for real-world eating than GI alone.
💡 Pair Carbs With Protein
Adding protein to a carbohydrate-containing meal slows digestion and helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
Other Sausages and Luncheon Meats Foods
🟢 Low GL · GL /100g
🟢 Low GL · GL /100g
🟢 Low GL · GL /100g
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 14g | 0.0g | 0.0 | High |
| Standard Serving | 28g | 0.1g | 0.0 | High |
| Restaurant Portion | 57g | 0.1g | 0.0 | High |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ham chopped a reasonable choice if you have diabetes?
With a GL of 0, Ham chopped is in the lowest category for blood sugar impact. It may be a suitable choice within a balanced diabetes eating pattern.
How much GL does Ham chopped have per serving?
Ham chopped has a glycemic load of 0 per 100g. A standard serving (1 slice, 28.4g) delivers a GL of 0. GI data from Sydney University GI Database (Atkinson et al., 2021).
How quickly does Ham chopped raise blood sugar?
The primary way Ham chopped affects blood sugar is through its carbohydrate content (0.3g/100g). With a GI of 0 (low) and limited fiber, this produces an overall GL of 0 (Low).
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 0 for Ham chopped is estimated (Tier 4), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Sausages and Luncheon Meats 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.
Why is this food labeled pro-inflammatory?
Ham chopped is classified as a refined grain — the bran and germ are removed during processing, stripping fiber and nutrients. Research shows diets high in refined grains are associated with elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6), which can worsen insulin resistance. Choosing whole-grain versions when available can provide anti-inflammatory benefits from fiber and polyphenols (Liu et al., AJCN 2002; Qi & Hu, 2012).
Is the sodium level a concern?
Ham chopped contains 364mg of sodium per serving — approaching 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 1.8g of saturated fat per serving, Ham chopped 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 4 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 0 — None. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 28.4g) = 0 × 28.4 ÷ 100 = 0.0
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 171626. 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. “Ham, chopped, canned — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/ham-chopped-canned/
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.