Can Diabetics Eat Rice Daily Without Affecting Sugar Levels?

Rice is a high glycemic index food but it can be included in a diet that improves overall carbohydrate and insulin metabolism in individuals with diabetes.

Rice Facts

Red Rice is better than brown rice as the former has more antioxidants, more fiber and lesser glycemic index.

Brown rice has more fiber and takes longer to digest so is a better choice than white rice.

Basmati rice is a better choice than Jasmine rice or broken small grain rice as it comparatively has better glycemic index.

While eating white rice always have same amount of salad with it to increase fiber intake.

Rinsing and throwing away of the water does not reduce the starch content of rice. You are actually throwing away all the healthy water soluble vitamins and minerals down the drain.

1. White rice is consumed in moderation. Ideally not more than one cup preferably for lunch. They should try avoiding white rice for dinner because physical activity levels are quite low at night.

2. The concerned person should ideally exercise for 30-45 minutes daily.

3. The person's blood sugar levels are not excessively high.

What one needs to understand is that white rice is generally suggested to be avoided because it causes a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. What is ideally suggested is slow releasing carbohydrates such as brown rice, oats. These won't spike the blood sugar levels suddenly and hence is considered to be safer for a diabetic. However, with moderate consumption and a regular active lifestyle, a diabetic can accommodate white rice in his/her diet.