I was recently diagnosed with diabetes; What dietary changes should I make to manage my…

Take all your prescribed medicines regularly and follow up with your doctor. Diet and lifestyle play an important role in diabetes management. A healthy diet, rich in nutrients that do not cause a blood glucose spike, would be an ideal choice to manage diabetes. Eating meals rich in nutrients but with low glycemic index is a good option. Including whole grains like brown rice, barley, millets and buckwheat with whole fruits and vegetables are recommended to help manage diabetes. 

You should make a diet plan that involves small frequent meals a day after a definite time interval. It will foster good use of the insulin available in your body. Avoid packed, processed, deep-fried foods, juices and sugary beverages as uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke. A good diet will help you manage your weight, control your blood sugar, and reduce the risk of developing diabetes related complications.

Yes, you can eat rice, but remember the following tips-

1. Consume rice in moderation.
2. Add a lot of salads, buttermilk, green vegetables and dal to your plate while having rice.
3. Avoid rice at bedtime.
4. Choose the right variety of rice - brown rice is a good option. Otherwise, choose the rice with dark colour and longer sized grains. 

Before taking on any diet plan, it is always better to consult your doctor or dietician. They will help you prepare a diet plan suitable for your needs and lifestyle.

Reference:

Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2022 [cited 4 January 2022]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295