After a diabetes diagnosis, people often struggle to understand what to include in their daily diet and what to avoid. Even slight dietary negligence can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Therefore, it is essential not only to monitor portion sizes but also to maintain the right balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates on the plate. A doctor from Jaunpur has outlined a diet plan for diabetic patients that can be easily adopted in everyday life.

According to Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Saini, an MD Physician and Diabetologist at Vedanta Hospital, Nai-Ganj, Jaunpur, diabetic patients should prioritize their diet above all else. Green, low-starch vegetables should feature prominently in meals; options such as bottle gourd (lauki), ridge gourd (nenua/tori), bitter gourd (karela), and okra (bhindi) can be included.

Dr. Saini suggests that approximately half of a diabetic patient's plate should consist of vegetables and salad. Salad options can include cucumber, tomato, radish, and carrot. Meanwhile, about one-quarter of the plate should be allocated to protein sources, such as lentils (dal), paneer, tofu, chicken, or fish.

The remaining quarter can consist of carbohydrates. This portion may include rotis made from multigrain flour and a limited amount of rice. Lentils like chana dal, moong dal, and arhar dal can also be part of the meal, though it is advised to consume kidney beans (rajma) in moderation.

Having diabetes does not mean one must give up fruit entirely. According to the doctor, if blood sugar levels are under control, one can consume limited quantities of apples, guavas, oranges, or small bananas. However, portion control is crucial. Eating whole fruits is considered better than drinking fruit juice; the juicing process reduces fiber content, allowing the fruit's sugar to enter the bloodstream rapidly. Consequently, diabetic patients are advised to avoid fruit juices.

Dr. Saini stated that diabetic patients can include items such as milk, yogurt, chickpeas, almonds, and walnuts in their diet in appropriate quantities. The most important factors are monitoring portion sizes and regularly checking blood sugar levels. To keep diabetes under control, it is essential to focus on the overall diet and daily habits rather than relying on any single food item. Since every patient's needs may differ, any changes to medication or diet should be made only upon a doctor's advice.

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