Sweet potatoes are not yams (and this is important). Despite supermarket labels, most of the “yams” sold are actually sweet potatoes. True yams are mealier, drier, and much less sweet. Sweet potatoes are more tender, sweeter, and higher in beta-carotene. Why is this important? Their impact on blood sugar, digestion, and cooking behavior are very different. If you’re monitoring your blood sugar, confusing the two can lead you to make poor choices. 2. They can raise blood sugar more than you might think. Sweet potatoes are often recommended for diabetics, but the way they’re prepared makes all the difference. Boiled: