Nutrition for Patients with Diabetes: 6 Golden Rules to Remember

Rational nutrition acts as one of the most vital pillars in managing diabetes. A scientific diet not only stabilizes blood glucose levels but also supports the maintenance of an ideal weight, protects cardiovascular health, and prevents long-term complications.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there is no single diet that fits all patients. Nutrition must be personalized based on an individual's specific health status, energy requirements, eating habits, and treatment protocols.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung, Deputy Head of the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at the National Hospital of Endocrinology, provides 6 key recommendations for building a safe and effective menu:

First: Prioritize variety, balance, and portion control. Patients should avoid extreme dietary restrictions or the complete elimination of any food group. The goal is to ensure sufficient energy and nutrients while controlling food portions at each meal to prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.

Second: Manage carbohydrate intake. While carbohydrates from rice, noodles, potatoes, and corn are essential energy sources, they directly affect postprandial glucose levels. Patients should prioritize whole grains, legumes, and fiber-rich foods while limiting added sugars, sweets, and refined carbohydrates.

Third: Increase intake of green vegetables, fruits, and fiber. These are abundant sources of vitamins and minerals that slow down glucose absorption. Patients should choose fresh whole fruits over juices and be mindful of portion sizes as fruits contain natural sugars.

Fourth: Select healthy proteins and fats. Prioritize fish, lean meat, skinless poultry, eggs, and legumes. Regarding fats, choose vegetable oils and nuts over animal fats or fried foods. Patients with kidney complications should consult their physicians to adjust protein levels appropriately.

Fifth: Strictly limit sugary beverages. Water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee are the preferred choices. Milk tea, soft drinks, and canned juices should be excluded from daily routines.

Sixth: Do not skip meals and maintain physical activity. Skipping meals or altering medication doses independently is dangerous. Beyond nutrition, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for adults, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity, combined with strength-training exercises.

In recognition of World Diabetes Day on November 14, the National Hospital of Endocrinology encourages the community to proactively monitor their health for early detection, thereby establishing a healthy lifestyle and diet to manage the disease sustainably.