Can people with diabetes drink millet porridge and mung bean soup?

Jul 09, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

A family member was diagnosed with diabetes, but he has poor dental health and often drinks millet porridge and mung bean soup. May I ask, is it okay for someone with diabetes to consume millet porridge and mung bean soup?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The main reasons why diabetic patients are not advised to consume millet porridge or mung bean soup are as follows: 1. **Blood Glucose Impact**: Millet porridge, especially when cooked until very soft, and mung bean soup have a high degree of starch gelatinization, making them easily digestible and absorbable by the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause a rapid increase in post-meal blood glucose levels. This is very unfavorable for diabetic patients trying to control their blood sugar. Although mung bean soup has a relatively smaller impact compared to millet porridge, it may still lead to elevated blood glucose levels if sugar is added or excessive amounts of mung beans are consumed. 2. **Dietary Management**: Diabetic patients need to strictly control their diet and avoid consuming excessive high-glycemic-index foods. Millet porridge and mung bean soup, particularly the former, have relatively high glycemic indexes, making them unsuitable for the stable control of blood glucose levels. 3. **Individual Variability**: Each diabetic patient's condition and physical condition are different, and their responses to food may vary. Therefore, before consuming millet porridge or mung bean soup, it is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist for personalized advice on whether these foods are suitable.