Changes in meal times and daily routines can disrupt insulin activity, leading to abnormal blood sugar fluctuations. Master, Doctor Nguyen Anh Duy Tung, from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, noted that an appropriate Tet menu helps people with diabetes manage their condition.

Controlling carbohydrate portions

People with diabetes should consume about 150 grams (equivalent to one-eighth of a cake) per serving, with at least 8 hours between servings. After eating cake, it is important to reduce rice, vermicelli, or other carbohydrate-containing foods. Patients can opt for candies and sweets with a low glycemic index (GI

Increasing fiber to stabilize blood sugar

Incorporate more green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage, along with low-sugar fruits such as grapefruit, apples, guavas, strawberries, oranges, and peaches. These provide vitamins, calcium, and fiber, which slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, thereby supporting blood sugar control.

Patients should also consume almonds, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds, and macadamia nuts. These foods offer fiber, healthy fats, and protein, increasing satiety and helping to control post-meal blood sugar.

Tet dishes rich in carbohydrates can easily raise blood sugar. Photo: Bui Thuy

Tet dishes rich in carbohydrates can easily raise blood sugar. Photo: Bui Thuy

Limiting saturated fats

Tet feasts often contain high levels of saturated fat from foods like fatty meat, animal skin, offal, and deep-fried dishes. People with diabetes should limit these foods to avoid weight gain, dyslipidemia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular complications.

Protein-rich, low-calorie food groups

Doctor Tung suggests that patients choose lean meat, fish, beans, and eggs. Lean meat has lower fat content and fewer calories than fatty meat, supporting the maintenance and repair of body tissues. Fish is rich in omega-3 (especially salmon, mackerel, and sardines), a fatty acid that supports brain function and fights inflammation. Eggs and beans contain choline and iron, which are beneficial for patients.

During Tet, patients should eat moderate portions and divide meals into smaller ones to reduce the body's burden in regulating blood sugar. Alcohol, beer, and soft drinks cause blood sugar spikes and affect liver and kidney function. Patients should consume these in small amounts, no more than one small glass or one light beer can.

Maintaining daily physical activity and exercise increases metabolism, improves the body's response to insulin, and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Patients should engage in light exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming for about 30-60 minutes daily.

People with diabetes need to be examined at an endocrinology - diabetes specialty clinic to receive guidance on an appropriate diet. Supplementing with natural essences like GDL-5 from South American sugarcane pollen, containing policosanol, helps regulate blood lipids.

Quoc An