Can I eat braised pork when I have high blood sugar?

Feb 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have a friend with high blood sugar who really wants to eat braised pork, but we are unsure whether braised pork affects blood sugar levels. Is it okay for them to eat?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

Under normal circumstances, individuals with high blood sugar are not advised to consume braised pork.

Braised pork contains a relatively high amount of fat, especially saturated fatty acids, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases—one of the common complications in patients with diabetes. Long-term hyperglycemia can damage vascular endothelial function and increase the risk of atherosclerosis; therefore, controlling fat intake in the diet is particularly important for diabetic patients. Additionally, a certain amount of sugar is usually added during the cooking of braised pork. For individuals with high blood sugar, the additional sugar intake may further elevate blood glucose levels. Thus, it is not recommended for people with high blood sugar to eat braised pork.

Patients with high blood sugar need to strictly control total caloric intake and focus on balanced nutrient consumption. They should choose foods that are low in sugar, low in fat, and high in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, to help maintain stable blood glucose levels. In addition, it is recommended to plan meal portions appropriately and ensure sufficient intake of vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality protein sources in the diet, which can help maintain stable blood glucose levels.

It is also advised to maintain a balanced intake of various foods in daily meals and avoid excessive consumption of any single food item in order to maintain overall health.