Diet is one of the most powerful tools for controlling diabetes. The right food choices help keep blood sugar stable, reduce the need for higher medicine doses and lower the risk of complications. Good sugar control also matters for the lungs: people with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to develop infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, and to become seriously ill from them. Dr. Dipak Viradia explains simple, practical diet tips for people with diabetes.

Follow the plate method. Fill half your plate with vegetables, one quarter with protein (dal, pulses, sprouts, paneer, curd, eggs, fish or chicken) and one quarter with whole grains (jowar, bajra, ragi, whole wheat roti, brown rice or a small portion of rice).

Choose high-fibre foods. Whole grains, green leafy vegetables, salads, pulses and sprouts release sugar slowly and keep you full longer.

Eat at regular times. Eat meals at fixed times and don’t skip meals, especially if you take diabetes medicines or insulin, as this can cause sugar to drop too low.

Choose fruits wisely. Whole fruits like guava, apple, orange, papaya, pear and jamun can be eaten in moderate portions. Avoid fruit juices, and limit very sweet fruits like mango, chikoo, grapes and banana.

Avoid or limit:

• Sugar, sweets, mithai, jaggery and honey
• Soft drinks, packaged juices and sweetened tea or coffee
• Maida-based foods like bread, biscuits, bakery items and noodles
• Fried and oily snacks such as farsan, bhajiya and namkeen
• Large portions of white rice, potatoes and other starchy foods
• Alcohol

Watch your portions. Even healthy foods raise blood sugar when eaten in large amounts. Eat slowly and stop when you’re comfortably full.

Combine diet with activity. A daily 30-minute walk, a healthy weight, regular sugar checks and medicines as prescribed work together with diet to keep diabetes under control. Diet needs vary from person to person, so follow the plan advised by your doctor or dietitian.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com