Can diabetic patients drink instant oatmeal?

Jul 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Instant oatmeal is a processed oat product made by puffing, which can be directly consumed with hot water. Instant oatmeal is generally very sweet and often contains added creamer (non-dairy creamer); therefore, it is not recommended for patients. Diabetic patients may consume oat porridge. Oats, wheat, corn, and buckwheat are considered whole grains or coarse grains. Whole and mixed grains are rich in dietary fiber, provide a strong feeling of fullness, and have a low glycemic index.

Diabetes is a chronic condition caused by insufficient insulin secretion and impaired insulin utilization. Generally speaking, whether diabetic patients can consume instant oatmeal depends on their specific medical condition. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Can consume

If a diabetic patient has well-controlled blood glucose levels and properly managed diet, they may适量 consume instant oatmeal in moderation. Oats are rich in dietary fiber, which helps delay digestion and absorption of food, thereby reducing post-meal blood glucose spikes. The complex carbohydrates in oats provide more stable blood glucose levels compared to refined grains.

2. Should not consume

Diabetic patients with poor blood glucose control, or those who add large amounts of sugar, creamer, or other high-calorie, high-sugar condiments when consuming instant oatmeal, should avoid it. Instant oatmeal may already contain added sugars; adding more sugar during preparation could cause a sharp rise in blood glucose levels, which is detrimental to glycemic control.

Diabetic patients may take medications such as glibenclamide tablets, acarbose tablets, or gliclazide modified-release tablets as prescribed by their doctor. In daily life, patients should maintain a balanced diet,尽量 avoid consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods, and regularly monitor their blood glucose levels to prevent worsening of the condition.

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