Diabetes is a condition that often goes unnoticed as it doesn't cause pain or itchiness. Unexplained weight loss could be a sign of diabetes. So, can diabetes patients eat refined white rice and flour?
Can Diabetes Patients Eat Refined White Rice and Flour?
Rice, bread, and steamed buns are foods that we eat every day. They may not taste sweet, although if you chew them well, you might detect a slight sweetness. However, even though they have a mild taste, they are considered fast-acting carbohydrates.
Especially refined white rice and flour, they are abundant in starch and have undergone refined processing. The starch is converted into glucose and absorbed by the body. If consumed excessively and too quickly, they can have a significant impact on postprandial blood glucose levels.
Therefore, it is recommended for diabetics to mix whole grains with rice when eating, or replace rice and flour with potato-based foods to increase dietary fiber intake and help stabilize postprandial blood glucose levels.
Another consideration is porridge and rice gruel. After long boiling, the starch in them undergoes high gelatinization, making it easier to convert into glucose and be absorbed by the body. This is even more unfavorable for postprandial blood glucose levels, so eating dry rice is better than drinking porridge.
Exercise Regularly to Control Diabetes
In addition to dietary control, regular exercise is key to managing blood glucose levels. Exercise helps burn calories, reduce resistance to insulin in the body's tissues, enhance metabolism, and ultimately achieve the goal of lowering blood glucose levels.
However, diabetes patients must choose the right type of exercise and exercise in moderation. Intense physical activity can lead to low blood sugar levels, which can be life-threatening for diabetics.
