Barley is a high carbohydrate food, so it’s probably not suitable for those following a low-carb diet, except in small amounts. Personally, I think a low-carb diet is good for blood sugar control and better average blood sugar levels, compared to a carbohydrate rich diet. Nevertheless, for those who want to eat some carbohydrate, barley seems like a decent choice.
In prediabetics, barley has favorable effects compared to oatmeal. In one study, barley consumption reduced blood sugar, HbA1c, insulin resistance, cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and increased carbohydrate tolerance, compared to oatmeal consumption.19
One study on type 2 diabetics found that barley has a relatively low glycemic index (53). In other words, it doesn’t increase blood sugar as much after a meal compared to many other carbohydrate rich foods.20
High-fiber barley has an even lower glycemic index than common barley.21
- Bi M, Niu Y, Li X, Li Y, Sun C. [Effects of barley flake on metabolism of glucose and lipids in the patients with impaired fasting glucose]. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. Sep;42(5):719-723, 782.
- Shukla K, Narain JP, Puri P, et al. Glycaemic response to maize, bajra and barley. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. Oct 1991;35(4):249-254.
- Liljeberg HG, Granfeldt YE, Bjorck IM. Products based on a high fiber barley genotype, but not on common barley or oats, lower postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy humans. J Nutr. Feb 1996;126(2):458-466.