Broccoli is a non-starchy vegetable that is especially healthy for diabetics. It is high in fiber, is low in sodium and calories, and is only a 15 on the glycemic index. The lower a vegetable ranks on the glycemic index, the less likely it is to raise blood sugar. For comparison, glucose is a 100 on the glycemic index. This information means that broccoli will not cause an insulin spike and is a good vegetable choice for diabetics. According to many studies, broccoli contains the phytochemical sulforaphane, which has been shown to prevent and to reverse the damage incurred to heart vessels by diabetes. This is excellent news for diabetics, because they are five times more likely to develop heart diseases and strokes (the most common side effects of diabetes) than people are who are not diabetic. Steam it or eat it raw, but hold the carb-laden cheese sauce when you enjoy your heart-healthy broccoli.