Can people with high blood sugar eat corn?

Feb 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My husband has high blood sugar and has recently been hospitalized. I want to cook some food to bring to him, but I'm wondering if eating corn might have any negative effects on his health?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

In general, individuals with high blood sugar can consume corn in moderation.

For most people with elevated blood sugar levels, eating corn is acceptable. Corn is rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote intestinal motility and can improve high blood sugar conditions to some extent, benefiting the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, the vitamins and minerals in corn also help supplement nutrition to a certain degree. Corn also has a relatively low glycemic index; compared to staple foods such as polished rice and white flour, its effect on raising blood sugar is slower. Therefore, individuals with high blood sugar can eat corn.

Although corn may aid in blood sugar control to some extent, it is advisable to control the intake to avoid excessive consumption that could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Moreover, eating raw corn may cause significant irritation to the digestive system, so it is recommended to cook corn before consumption. Additionally, individuals allergic to corn should avoid consuming it to prevent adverse reactions such as skin itching and swelling.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, increase the intake of fruits and vegetables for essential vitamins, develop healthy lifestyle habits, and ensure adequate sleep.