According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. BS Bui Thi Nhung (Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Nutrition Association, Head of the Nutrition Department of Sun Hospital), to control blood sugar well, people with diabetes need to avoid some of the following unhealthy eating habits.
1. Using too much white rice and foods with high glycemic index
This is one of the reasons why blood sugar increases rapidly after eating. People with diabetes should limit the use of white rice and prioritize whole grains such as brown rice because it contains a lot of fiber and has a lower glycemic index. At the same time, it is necessary to increase green vegetables to support blood sugar control.
2. Abuse of sweets and sugary drinks
People with diabetes need to limit pastries, soft drinks, dried fruits and high-sugar fruits. Regular use of these foods can make blood sugar difficult to control and increase the risk of complications if maintained for a long time.
3. Eat more saturated fat
For people with diabetes and dyslipidemia, consuming a lot of saturated fat can affect the disease control process. Patients need to choose the appropriate amount of protein and limit foods rich in saturated fat to contribute to improving metabolic health.
4. Eat one meal a day
Many people have a habit of eating too much in one meal or skipping meals and then eating more in the next meal. This is not a habit that is beneficial for blood sugar control.
Experts recommend that patients divide meals into smaller portions and use nutritional products for people with diabetes when necessary, according to the instructions of a doctor or nutritionist.
5. Self-create a menu when illness is difficult to control
For people with long-term diabetes or frequently fluctuating blood sugar, self-adjusting their diet may not be effective.
Patients should go to a medical facility for advice from a doctor or nutritionist, and develop a disease-specific menu suitable for each stage and health condition. A personalized diet will help better control blood sugar and support long-term treatment.
