Can people with type 2 diabetes eat congee (rice porridge)?

In daily life, some older adults particularly enjoy eating congee—especially those with gastrointestinal sensitivities. Congee is soft, fragrant, glutinous, smooth, and soothing to the stomach. But can individuals with type 2 diabetes consume congee?

Can individuals with type 2 diabetes consume congee?

Yes, people with diabetes may consume congee. Its primary components are starch and carbohydrates, which are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream as glucose—thereby raising blood glucose levels and providing energy. However, diabetic patients must pay attention to timing: they should avoid congee when blood glucose is already elevated, as it may cause further spikes. Because congee is rapidly digested and absorbed, it often leads to pronounced postprandial (after-meal) hyperglycemia. Therefore, patients with high postprandial glucose levels should either avoid congee altogether or consume it only in very limited quantities—ideally about one-third to one-quarter the portion size recommended for healthy individuals. Additionally, no extra ingredients should be added: some patients add vegetables or meat to their congee, but incorporating fatty foods may exacerbate blood glucose elevation. Thus, individuals with diabetes should avoid adding sugar, meats, or other high-fat or high-carbohydrate ingredients to congee. After consuming congee, patients should monitor their blood glucose to assess its individual impact.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes may eat either dry rice or congee for breakfast. Approximately 60 minutes after the meal, those who ate dry rice exhibited significantly smaller increases in blood glucose compared with those who consumed congee. Specifically, 60 minutes after breakfast, blood glucose concentration was 4.29 mmol/L lower in the dry-rice group than in the congee group. Moreover, for individuals with type 2 diabetes eating dry rice in the morning, postprandial blood glucose levels remained relatively stable—facilitating better glycemic control.

For individuals with diabetes, dietary management is critically important. A balanced, nutritionally appropriate diet—including generous portions of high-fiber vegetables—is strongly recommended. We hope this information proves helpful to you.