Many people with diabetes are very cautious about their diet: some exclude rice, while others completely abstain from evening meals. Social media often claims that skipping dinner helps control blood sugar levels, but experts question this information.
To find out the truth, we spoke with Dr. Rajesh Hargavath, Professor of Endocrinology at AIIMS in New Delhi. Dr. Hargavath emphasizes that when dealing with diabetes, it is extremely important to pay attention to nutrition throughout the entire day. The diet should contain a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. It is recommended to consume vegetables and whole grains, while avoiding excessive amounts of food and long breaks between meals.
Dr. Rajesh asserts that there is no connection between skipping dinner and diabetes control; it is a common myth. If a person takes insulin or other diabetes medications that can lower blood sugar, fasting or delaying meals can lead to a dangerously low drop in sugar. Therefore, diabetic patients are advised not to skip dinner based on advice from others or information from social media.
According to Dr. Rajesh Hargavath, managing diabetes primarily requires focusing on diet. It is important to include protein and necessary vitamins in the diet, as well as limiting the consumption of very sweet products. Furthermore, if weight gain is observed, controlling it is also mandatory. Daily exercise is necessary, performing two sessions of exercise lasting at least 45 minutes.
It is also noted that weight loss can contribute to improved blood sugar control. Reducing body mass in overweight individuals positively affects diabetes control.