Is It True That Diabetics Can't Eat Rice? This Is The Nutritionist's Answer

White rice illustration (Freepic)

JAKARTA - One of the nutritional myths circulating in the community states that diabetics are not allowed to eat rice. Nutritionists from the Nutrition Service Installation of the National Central General Hospital, dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Inti Makaryani, S.Gz dismissed the myth.

"It is not recommended that patients only eat fruit and vegetables, without rice or not. In the rice there are carbohydrates that are still needed for the body, there is good glucose for the brain and energy," said Inti in an online discussion in Jakarta, Monday.

Inti said that diabetics do not need to avoid rice as long as the dose consumed is still within reasonable limits and in accordance with their body needs.

For example, if someone needs 1,700 kilo calories, then at breakfast, diabetics can eat 100 grams of white rice or the equivalent of 3/4 glasses. If you don't want rice, there are other exchange options such as 70 grams of white bread or three slices.

"So, the exchange is when we replace the food with the same group. For example, I want white rice, but there is only bread, it can be replaced with white bread for the morning or if you want a boiled cassava, that can also be done, so it is adjusted to the group of food ingredients," said Inti.

On that occasion, he also dismissed the myth that diabetics should not eat seafood (soybean food). Patients can eat it on a note only occasionally.

Because marine foods contain protein as well as a lot of saturated fat, so it is feared that it will make the nutritional intake of patients unbalanced.

"For the amount consumed again (as recommended by the doctor who handles it), how much is allowed to be consumed," said Inti, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, July 27.

In addition to the allowed dose, Inti also said that patients must consider how to process marine food, one of which is reducing fried foods.

"So, for processing, only one food is processed with oil. For example, using olive oil, coconut oil or coconut milk, so we have to calculate how much is allowed first," said Inti.

Inti juga menyarankan bagi penderita diabetes yang ragu dengan kebutuhan hinouri per hari dapat datang ke fasilitas kesehatan terdekat untuk melakukan konsultasi ke ahlih untuk melakukan pencalur calori serta tahuran makan yang sesuai.