Are you confused about which foods to eat now that you have diabetes? You may be wondering whether you can have all your favourite fruits, and just which carbohydrates are safe to consume.

Question by meowy

I read in Chinese newspaper that there was an entrepreneur that eventually became no longer diabetic after drinking brown rice green tea everyday, he is now trying to create a mass production version for consumer sale at Singapore Polytechnic Food Science R&D. How is it possible that brown rice green tea can treat diabetes ??

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

There is no one particular food that will cure diabetes.

Question by kstan008

Hi, If i were to consume 2 to 3 pieces of small bittergourd (Grind into juice) daily,will that help to reduce or improve my blood sugar?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

There is little evidence that consumption of bitter gourd may improve blood sugar control but effective management of diabetes cannot be achieved without an appropriate diet.

Obesity does increase risk of developing diabetes.​

Question by ghk2233

If obesity is such a serious threat to diabetics, can the health authorities in Singapore formulate a diet regimen for diabetics of various age groups based on the types of food easily accessible from local sources?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Obesity does increase risk of developing diabetes.

Dietary requirements vary from person to person, depending on coexisting medical conditions other than diabetes itself, and also on other factors such as the individual’s height, weight, age and gender. An individual’s diet should be planned taking into consideration one’s metabolic profile (medical conditions and other risk factors) as well as one’s cultural practices, eating habits, lifestyle and day to day activities.

​​As a result, there is no one diet regimen/plan that will work for everyone in the same age group. It is advisable to seek individualized advice from a Dietitian.

Question by simon8851

Dear Specialist,

I will like to find out, if there a sample of diet to follow, for mild diabetic people.

If there a breakdown shown for all 3 main meal.

Thank you.
Simon

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

No one diet regimen/plan that will work for everyone. It is advisable to seek individualized advice from a Dietitian.​

Question by bearyhip

I am a fruits lover.

Can I have a diet that consists of fruits only for lunch?

Will will increase my blood sugar?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

A meal that consists entirely of fruits is not a balanced meal and as such is not recommended. As to whether that meal will increase your blood sugar levels or not will depend on how much fruit is consumed at a time. Remember that fruits are carbohydrate foods too.

Question by ireneneo

1. By omitting rice intake from lunch & dinner, will the blood sugars actually drop?
2. Can diabetes be completely cured over time?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Diabetes cannot be cured over time. In conjunction with medical management, diabetes can be better managed through a sensible diet.

Omitting a major food group i.e. carbohydrates from your diet is not advisable as it will result in omission of important nutrients from the diet. Carbohydrates should be included, at every meal, as part of a healthy balanced diet.​

Question by janmelody

A diabetic patient has to watch over food that are high in sugar. What about spicy food, can he eat spicy food like curry and dishes cook with chilli? If yes, what is the appropriate portion to take?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Yes. Spicy food can be consumed. Portion to be consumed will be dependent on the individual’s requirements, nutrient content of the spicy food and total food consumed for the rest of the day.

Question by hosy1612

Hi,

I'm trying to find breakfast alternatives for my diabetic mother rather than having her eat oats most of the time.

It has been known that diabetics should eat more wholemeal bread. I'm making homemade bread now for my mother. However, 100% wholemeal bread is too hard and dry... does a 30 - 50% wholemeal bread make any real difference to her blood sugar control as compared to a normal white bread?

Tks.

Regards,
Alice

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Fibre, can slow the absorption of glucose, which can help improve blood sugar levels. 30-50% whole meal bread will contain less fibre compared to a 100% wholemeal bread.

Try including a variety of fruit and vegetables, other whole grain products, cereals, beans and pulses and brown rice to increase fibre intake. Whole grain cereals, muesli, bran and oats are among the high fibre cereals that can be included as part of a healthy breakfast.

Question by queksp

I know that ripe grapes are very sweet. Can I still eat ripe grapes and bananas as part of my daily intake of fruits when you have diabetes?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

The recommendations for fruit consumption for someone with diabetes are the same as for the healthy population i.e. to aim for 2 portions a day. All fruits maybe consumed including grapes and bananas. Portion control should be exercised. Seek a Dietitian’s advice on your individualized requirements.​

Question by taylk

Food such as diabetic jam, diabetic biscuits, chocolate etc. Do I need to control the amount? Can I just take freely, will it affect my glucose level?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

‘Diabetic’ food products may offer no additional health benefits for the buyer and should not be consumed freely. Most of these products may still contain other sugar replacers. Look out for other sugar names. These alternative sugar replacers may still increase your blood glucose levels. In addition, some of these products; such as ‘diabetic’ biscuits still contain starch and will increase your blood glucose levels upon consumption. ​

Question by julie liau

1. Is it true that in addition to oats, cinnamon can also bring down a diabetic's blood glucose level?
2. Is diet more effective than exercise in the control of diabetes?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

There is insufficient evidence to comment on the effectiveness of cinnamon in lowering blood sugar levels.

The best way to manage your diabetes is to keep to medications as prescribed by your doctor and a healthy balanced diet that is planned to suit your individualized needs. In addition regular exercise is also encouraged for better blood sugar control and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Question by vshealth

Does a brisk walk post-dinner affect the fasting blood sugar the next day? We had been going for a brisk half an hour walk post-dinner, then having a fruit or bowl of salad to compensate for the higher metabolism; but that seems to shoot up the fasting blood sugar! Any advice?? Thanks.

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Individuals with diabetes who choose to do exercise need to be aware of the effect exercise can have on blood glucose levels i.e. hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) and hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels).

Blood glucose levels during and post exercise can be influenced by many factors including blood glucose levels prior to exercise, amount of carbohydrate eaten before and post exercise, type of exercise, duration of exercise, individual fitness level and so on. There are guidelines available to help you integrate exercise safely as part of your lifestyle. Your Dietitian will be able to give you individualized advice.

Question by jerlyntan

I am currently a newly diagnosed diabetic patient. I would like to ask if diabetic patients allowed to eat fruits that are very rich in sugar content? e.g. Durians and Mangoes. Also, am I allowed to have fruits just before I sleep?

Thanks,
Jerlyn

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

All fruits can be consumed as part of a healthy balanced diet planned to suit your individualized needs. Quantity consumed at any one particular time matters.

Yes, you may consume fruits before bedtime, however, this will need to be considered as part of your daily carbohydrate allowance. As such, it is wise to plan your carbohydrate distribution for the whole day.

Question by kennieg

History: I am a diabetic for last 15 years now.My care has always been by a polyclinic doctor , every 2/3 months , going for a review as well as replenish my medicine.I take very religiously , Metformin 850mg tablet ,1 each in the morning and night, usually after food. Besides , this diabetic drug , I take daily a cup of BitterGourd Tea and a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder (readily crushed from the Indian herbs store).I execise and do Qigong & Taichi for at least 45 minutes daily every early morning , rain or shine.

My Glucose Control: I checked myself 2 times a week.It has always been hovering around 6.7 to 6.8 level ( glycated HaemoglobinHBA1%).My target is and ideally would want to achieve 4.5 to 5.00 ! Please help me how to I achieve this level. Possibly= increase the daily dosage to 3 metformin tablets daily , and also increase my exercise regime to another 45 minutes at night?

Daily diet: No intake of sugar and sugary foods.I don't snack.I control my carbo food carefully.I don't take white rice.I take brown rice and 7 grains rice ,not more than a small bowl.I take whole grain bread but I don't like pasta.I take lots of fruits , a mix of oranges, pears, water melon, apples,pineapples and season prunes .I eat daily lots of leafy veges e.g kangkong , chai sim , kailan , bitter gourd , spinnach etc., all leafy green fresh from the market.

Plse tell how then can I improve my glucsoe control level .My ultimate aim is NOT to take any medicine and depend on my daily exercises , cinnamon , bittergourd powder & controlled diet

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Efficacy of alternative herbal treatments lacks the scientific evidence for use at the moment. The best way to manage your diabetes is to keep to medications as prescribed by your doctor, keeping to a healthy balanced diet that is planned to suit your individualized needs and regular exercise.

Please do not make any changes or adjustments to your diabetes medications until you have spoken to your doctor.

Question by arsnsathappan

I am Diabetic for the last 20 years. I am on Insulin Morning 35 and night 30. My glucose level Fasting 5.5 to 6.0 2 hours after food always High above 10.0 No complications. I visit my doctor regularly,take regular blood check up, three months once. My Hba1c is always high,above six since I miss Insulin when I am traveling. I like to eat fruits after each meal. 1 small Banana in the morning, Pine apple pieces in the after noon and at night small portion of Mango . I was told that i should not eat Banana and Mango. Please advise. with regards Sathappan

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

All fruits can be consumed as part of a healthy balanced diet planned to suit your individualized needs, including bananas and mangoes. Quantity consumed at any one particular time matters. It is also important that you understand what your individualized requirements might be, so that you may be able to fit your favourite fruits in as part of your daily intake. Your Dietitian will be able to provide you some guidance. ​

Question​ by s0128210g

On the wrapper of Frankonia Chocolate which I bought from SGH Retail Pharmacy, it is printed "Also suitable for diabetics in consultation with their physician". I have eaten such chocolates and to what extent would it affect my blood glucose. I am not on medication but on diet control. Thank you.

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Always read labels carefully and don’t be drawn in by a food product which is labelled as ‘suitable for diabetics’ as they may not necessarily be suitable. Chocolates labelled as suitable for diabetes may still contain other forms of sugar other than sucrose, which may still contain carbohydrate. As such, consuming these diabetes friendly chocolates may still increase your blood glucose levels. ​

Question by mayheng

Dear Docs,

I have diabetes not in any medication yet. I'm try to have babies, what should I do to my diet?

I hardly take sweet stuff, or soft drinks. I believe is due to my family history. I have high blood pressure also.

Please advise.
Mrs Heng

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Your doctor will be best able to advice you on medical issues pertaining to trying for a baby.

​​With regards to diet, in planning for a pregnancy, it is essential that your blood glucose levels are well controlled and your weight is within the normal weight range. There are also some nutrients of concern such as iron, folic acid and calcium that you should focus on in planning for a healthy pregnancy. Your Dietitian will be able to provide you some guidance and educate you on your individualized requirements.

Question by luanng

Hi. I have two questions regarding type II diabetes:

1. what causes the pancrea to not produce sufficient insulin?
2. will excessive consumption of natural frutose (i.e. fruits) cause a healthy person to become diabetic?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

1. Please refer to your doctor for the answer.
2. Excessive consumption of fructose (in the form of fruit) is not linked to increased risk of developing diabetes. Consumption of excessive calories from any nutrient can cause excessive weight gain and as a result increase insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Question by guethui

Dear Doc, will eating too much fruits lead to diabetes? Is it true that drinking soy milk and green tea can help to prevent diabetes?

Answered by Dietetics Department Singapore General Hospital

Excessive consumption of fructose (in the form of fruit) is not linked to increased risk of developing diabetes. Consumption of excessive calories from any nutrient can cause excessive weight gain and as a result increase insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

There is no scientific evidence that soy milk and green tea can help prevent diabetes.

Want more food tips on diabetes?

Check out this Healthy Eating Guide for Diabetes video from the Department of Endocrinology at Singapore General Hospital.

Also, watch more diabetes videos from SingHealth​ in our videos section.​

​​​​Ref: O​17​