Can middle-aged and elderly people with high blood sugar eat rice?

Jul 02, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My mother recently had a medical checkup at the hospital, and the results showed her blood sugar levels were much higher than before. The doctor advised her to manage her diet. I would like to ask, can middle-aged and elderly individuals with high blood sugar eat rice?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Middle-aged and elderly individuals with high blood sugar can consume rice, but intake must be strictly controlled and properly combined with other foods. Rice, as one of the staple foods, is rich in carbohydrates and constitutes an important part of the daily diet for middle-aged and elderly people. However, for those with elevated blood sugar levels, rice has a relatively high glycemic index, and excessive consumption may lead to fluctuations in blood glucose. Therefore, it is recommended that middle-aged and elderly individuals choose brown rice or a mixture of brown and white rice to increase dietary fiber intake and slow down the rise in blood sugar. At the same time, rice consumption per meal should be kept within a reasonable range to avoid overconsumption. In addition, when blood sugar levels are high, middle-aged and elderly individuals should focus on balanced meals, consuming more vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in high-quality protein to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.