When an individual is diagnosed with diabetes, dietary restrictions should be observed. One of these restrictions is limiting the intake of carbohydrate-rich foods or beverages. This restriction must be followed as it helps in preventing the surge of a person’s blood sugar levels.
One of the foods that are yet to be proven harmless for individuals with diabetes is rice. As you know, rice contains a high amount of carbohydrates. That is why it becomes a big No sometimes to those who have been suffering from the abnormal spike of their blood glucose levels. However, there are also other varieties of rice that are proven safe to consume. Read on to learn more.
Adding rice to a diabetes kind of diet
The most common type of rice that is being served at any household table is white rice. It is believed to have 53.4 grams of carbohydrates in total. If an individual with diabetes consumes too much of this food, plus a beverage that also contains a high amount of carbohydrates, then expect the body’s levels of blood sugar to increase drastically.
This is the reason why diabetics must ensure that anything they eat must also be done moderately. Aside from that, eating foods that are rich in fiber and protein are the most recommended as these nutrients make the person feel full immediately.
How does consuming too much carbohydrates affect the levels of blood sugar?
The main purpose of blood sugar monitoring is to tell the needed amount of sugar that the body should take. As rice can already elevate the levels of blood sugar, consuming only the right quantity is a must.
How does the process affect individuals with diabetes then? How about for those who haven’t been diagnosed with the condition?
Those who receive a diabetes diagnosis will have a hard time controlling their blood sugar levels. If too much rice is ingested, the body becomes resistant to insulin medication. Meanwhile, those who are not diagnosed still need to observe the right amount of rice to consume as their insulin production can cause their blood sugar levels to increase.
Aside from containing a wide quantity of carbohydrates, rice is also recognized for having high levels of glycemic index, as well as glycemic load. This will put more emphasis on individuals with diabetes to take an extra measure of what they consume, especially with rice.
What are other rice varieties that individuals with diabetes can eat?
Aside from white rice being the most common, there are other varieties of rice that people can choose from. Compared to white rice, these varieties are already proven to be safer to consume. These are as follows:
- Brown rice
- Jasmine rice
- Basmati rice
- Wild rice
These varieties have a lower amount of carbohydrates compared to white rice. They contain an average of 35-39 grams of carbohydrates, lower enough to not cause spikes in blood glucose levels.
What can be good substitute to rice?
If you wish to stop consuming rice due to your diagnosis, there are other options that you can choose from. These options are already tagged safe for consumption as they do not necessarily add to your medical burden. These are as follows:
- Millet
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Barley
- Cauliflower rice
Takeaway
Part of diabetes management is planning your daily meal plan. Your diet plays a vital role as you are still in the duration of your treatment. While eating rice is not so bad, you must know that in your condition right now, too much intake of this food is unhealthy. Remember to take extra precautionary measures since this will help you remain healthy and functional.
