Dietetics
Diabetes and food
How carbohydrates, portions and timing affect glucose, in practical terms.
5 min read
What it is
Carbohydrate has the largest and quickest effect on blood glucose, but that does not mean cutting it out. It means knowing which foods contain it, how much lands on the plate, and what else is eaten with it. Protein, fat and fibre alongside a starch slow the rise, which is why a mealie-meal porridge eaten alone behaves differently from the same porridge with milk and peanut butter.
What to look for
Glucose readings that spike a couple of hours after specific meals
Mid-morning slumps after a starch-heavy breakfast
Sensible things to do at home
- Keep starch portions consistent from meal to meal
- Pair every starch with protein and vegetables
- Choose lower-GI options: samp, brown rice, oats, legumes over refined starches
- Treat cool drinks and fruit juice as glucose, not as drinks
- Test around a new meal to learn how your own body responds
When to see us
- You have just been diagnosed and want to know where to start
- Readings stay high despite taking your medicine
- You fast for religious or cultural reasons and need a safe plan
- You are pregnant and have diabetes or gestational diabetes
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.