How Should Diabetes Patients Eat?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that needs to be managed not only with medication but also with lifestyle changes. However, research shows that a significant portion of patients unknowingly make mistakes in their diet. Dietitian Harika Özkaya Yurttadur emphasized that nutrition plays a critical role in diabetes management, warning that "Even seemingly simple bad habits can disrupt blood sugar balance and increase the risk of complications." Dyt. Yurttadur explained the 10 most common nutrition mistakes made by diabetes patients and the correct approaches.

Skipping Breakfast

Skipping breakfast is one of the most significant dietary mistakes that negatively affects blood sugar control in diabetes patients. Prolonged fasting overnight causes blood sugar to drop, while in the morning hours, the body increases the release of sugar from glycogen stores into the blood to meet its energy needs. This situation can lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar.

When breakfast is skipped, these fluctuations become more pronounced, making it difficult to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. Research shows that skipping breakfast leads to negative outcomes in diabetes management. For example, a study involving 317 diabetes patients found that about 7% of the participants did not eat breakfast. This group was found to be younger, had more prevalent smoking habits, and most importantly, had significantly higher HbA1c levels and daily blood sugar fluctuations compared to those who ate breakfast.

These results show that breakfast plays an indispensable role in diabetes control. Starting the day with a breakfast containing healthy protein sources like eggs and cheese, healthy fats like avocado, olives, and walnuts, and fiber-rich carbohydrate sources like whole-grain bread, oats, and whole-wheat crackers will support blood sugar control.

Trusting "Sugar-Free" Products

Another common misconception among diabetes patients is the belief that every product labeled "sugar-free" is safe. However, many sugar-free products, even if they contain sweeteners, can be high in carbohydrates, fat, or calories. Such products, especially when consumed excessively, can negatively affect blood sugar balance and lead to weight gain.

Additionally, some artificial sweeteners can increase appetite and the desire for sweets. Therefore, a "sugar-free" label does not necessarily mean a product is diabetes-friendly. Carefully reading product labels and evaluating carbohydrate and calorie content is crucial. The most correct approach is to stick to a natural and balanced eating plan and consume processed "sugar-free" foods in moderation after checking their contents.

Neglecting Fiber Intake

Insufficient fiber intake is one of the important dietary mistakes that negatively affects blood sugar control in diabetes patients. Fiber-rich foods, especially soluble fiber, slow down digestion, allowing glucose to enter the bloodstream more evenly and preventing sudden blood sugar spikes. At the same time, they increase the feeling of fullness, reducing the risk of overeating and aiding weight control.

However, many diabetes patients do not consume enough fiber sources like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. This can lead to both blood sugar fluctuations and negatively impact gut health.

Peas, dried beans, kidney beans, oats, and some vegetables and fruits are rich in soluble fiber. These foods help post-meal blood sugar rise more slowly. Additionally, fibrous foods require more chewing, which prolongs meal time, slows digestion, and increases satiety. This contributes to managing weight issues, which are common in type 2 diabetes.

Lack of Portion Control

One of the most common mistakes is not paying attention to portion control, even when choosing healthy foods. Foods consumed without regard to quantity, especially meals rich in carbohydrates and fat, can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar and weight gain. This can negatively affect both diabetes management and overall health.

Hidden Calories from Liquids

Diabetes patients can unknowingly consume high amounts of calories from liquids. Added sugar and cream in tea, coffee, fruit juice, carbonated drinks, and ready-made beverages can quickly increase daily calorie intake. While many people think liquids have no effect, this calorie and sugar load can lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar and long-term weight gain. Therefore, the contents of beverages should be checked, and sugar-free, natural options should be preferred whenever possible.

Not Knowing Carbohydrate Sources

Not being sufficiently familiar with carbohydrate sources and viewing only bread, pasta, or rice as carbohydrate sources is a significant misconception. However, yogurt, milk, some vegetables, fruits, and packaged snacks can also contain carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar.

While the carbohydrate amount in one slice of bread or one bowl of rice may seem small, consuming multiple carbohydrate sources together in one meal can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar. It is also a common problem that these amounts go unnoticed in packaged products. Additionally, fruit juices, smoothies, and milk-based beverages contain rapidly absorbed carbohydrates and are often overlooked.

Therefore, knowing which foods contain carbohydrates and regulating their portions is one of the most effective ways to prevent blood sugar fluctuations.

Insufficient Water Consumption

Water consumption is critically important for diabetes patients. Drinking enough water facilitates the removal of excess glucose accumulated in the blood through urine and reduces the risk of hyperglycemia. Therefore, it is important for individuals with diabetes to aim to drink at least 2.5 liters of water daily to help balance blood sugar.

Skipping Meals During the Day and Wrong Snack Choices

Skipping meals during the day is a significant mistake that makes blood sugar control difficult for diabetes patients. Fasting for long periods can lead to low blood sugar and an urge to overeat at the next meal. Especially skipping breakfast or lunch makes this situation more pronounced.

Another problem is wrong snack choices. Chocolate, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks quickly raise blood sugar and create hunger again shortly after. This cycle leads to both blood sugar fluctuations and difficulty in weight control. In diabetes management, not skipping meals and choosing healthier alternatives for snacks are fundamental ways to maintain balance.

Not Paying Attention to the Quality of Fat Sources

In nutrition, not only the amount of fat but also its quality is important. Foods high in saturated and trans fats increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and make weight control difficult. In contrast, healthy fat sources like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and fish support both heart health and help maintain blood sugar balance.

Not Getting Professional Support

Diabetes patients making dietary decisions on their own can lead to the development of wrong habits. Not knowing which foods to eat and in what amounts can lead to blood sugar fluctuations and an increased risk of complications in the long term.

Personalized nutrition recommendations from a specialist dietitian support both blood sugar control and healthy weight management. Attempts made without professional guidance can cause faulty eating habits to become permanent.