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A baked potato has very little sugar. Does it still raise blood glucose?

Yes, its starch is a carbohydrate too.

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  1. No, only sugar raises it
  2. Yes, its starch is a carb too ✔
  3. Only if you add butter

Why: ADA says all carbs affect blood glucose, and sugar is only one of them. A baked potato is high in starch, so total carbs tell you more than sugar grams.

Huh, didn't know that: ADA suggests asking 'How many total carbs are in this serving?' instead of 'How much sugar is in this food?'

The dad joke
Why do potatoes make good detectives? They keep their eyes peeled.
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References

Answer: Yes, its starch is a carb too. ADA says all carbs affect blood glucose, and sugar is only one of them. A baked potato is high in starch, so total carbs tell you more than sugar grams.

  1. Sugar vs. Carbs (ADA Diabetes Food Hub) diabetesfoodhub.org/blog/sugar-vs-carbs-what-affecting-blood-glucose
    other carb foods, like baked potatoes, have very little sugar but still raise blood glucose because they are high in starch.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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