Can cutting out carbohydrates help treat diabetes?

Some believe that consuming too much starch will raise blood sugar levels, and that cutting back on this nutrient group will cure diabetes. However, according to experts, this view is not recommended in current clinical practice.

According to Dr. Le Ngo Minh Nhu, a specialist at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, carbohydrates are converted into glucose after digestion, contributing to increased blood sugar levels. However, carbohydrates are not the only cause; they are an essential energy source, accounting for approximately 50% of the recommended daily energy intake, even for diabetic patients.

The benefits of controlling carbohydrate intake (using the right amount of carbohydrates) include more effective blood sugar control, reduced blood glucose fluctuations, and provision of essential energy for the body. However, completely eliminating carbohydrates can lead to hypoglycemia, increased blood ketones, lipid metabolism disorders, and fiber deficiency.

Therefore, completely eliminating carbohydrates to treat diabetes is not a recommended approach in current clinical practice. Instead, modern treatment guidelines encourage controlling the quantity and quality of carbohydrate intake, prioritizing appropriate choices.

Patients should choose slow-absorbing carbohydrates (low GI - low glycemic index), such as brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, and whole-grain bread, to better control their blood sugar after meals. Individual portion sizes should be chosen. Combine carbohydrates with protein, fat, and fiber to slow glucose absorption. Control total energy intake...

Completely eliminating carbohydrates can lead to hypoglycemia, increased blood ketones, lipid metabolism disorders, and fiber deficiency.

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Appropriate nutrition for people with diabetes

The Ministry of Health forecasts that by 2045, the number of people with diabetes in Vietnam will increase to 6.3 million, a significant increase from the current approximately 5 million. With the dangerous complications it can cause, diabetes is becoming an urgent health issue, attracting the attention of the entire society.

According to Dr. Le Thao Nguyen from Nam Saigon International General Hospital, to minimize complications caused by diabetes, in addition to adhering to medication treatment, a proper diet plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar and improving the quality of life for patients.

Foods that are good for people with diabetes

Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in fiber : Eat more than 500g of green vegetables and less than 300g of fruit each day to supplement fiber, which helps slow down the absorption of sugar.

Carbohydrates : Choose minimally processed or refined options such as brown rice, whole grains, rye, millet, and quinoa to limit post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Healthy protein sources: Fish, lean meat, egg whites, and legumes are high-quality protein sources that should be included regularly in your daily diet.

Fatty fish and oily nuts: Foods like salmon, peanuts, almonds, and sesame seeds contain omega-3s, which help protect cardiovascular health and maintain overall well-being.

Choose foods based on their glycemic index.

The glycemic index (GI) reflects how quickly or slowly a food raises blood sugar levels after consumption. People with diabetes should prioritize foods with a low GI (GI < 55), consume foods with a medium GI (56-69) in moderation, and limit foods with a high GI (GI > 70).

"Although foods with a low glycemic index (GI) help control blood sugar, eating too much of them can raise blood sugar levels just as much as high-GI foods. Therefore, people with diabetes need to pay attention to glycemic load (GL), which is a more accurate indicator of the impact of food portions on blood sugar," Dr. Thao Nguyen advised.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cat-tinh-bot-co-giup-tri-duoc-benh-tieu-duong-185250815105134677.htm