Can diabetics have carbs?
My doctor told me to watch my carbohydrate intake, and now I'm completely confused. Does this mean I can't eat chapatis or rice at all? Can diabetics have carbs, and if so, what kind?
My doctor told me to watch my carbohydrate intake, and now I'm completely confused. Does this mean I can't eat chapatis or rice at all? Can diabetics have carbs, and if so, what kind?
Beta, you definitely need carbs because they give you energy, so don't stop eating them completely. The trick is to choose complex carbs like oats, ragi, and whole wheat instead of refined ones like maida or white rice. Just balance your plate with double the amount of green vegetables and dal.
As a vegetarian, most of our diet naturally contains carbs through grains and lentils. You can absolutely have carbs, but you must focus on complex, fiber-rich sources like brown chana and green leafy vegetables. Avoid simple carbs completely to keep your blood glucose stable.
I have been dealing with type 2 diabetes for ten years now, and let me tell you, a zero-carb diet is not sustainable. You can eat carbs, but keep the portion small and pair them with healthy fats and protein. For example, if you eat one roti, make sure you have a big bowl of salad and curd with it.
At Apollo, my clinical nutritionist clearly explained that our body needs carbs to function properly. You don't have to eliminate them, but the type and quantity matter. I strongly recommend visiting a good hospital and getting a customized diet plan tailored to your daily activity level.
Please don't experiment blindly with low-carb or no-carb diets on your own. Years ago, I ignored my rising sugar levels and tried cutting all carbs, which messed up my kidney health. Go get your HbA1c checked first, and let a qualified doctor plan your exact daily carb allowance.
Get the Zerunio health brief
Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.
Enter your phone number – we’ll text you a one-time code.