The Hidden Killer - Diabetes

Diabetes, as a common chronic disease in Hong Kong, is increasingly becoming a focal point in health discussions. According to the 2020-22 Population Health Survey conducted by the Department of Health, the overall prevalence of diabetes among individuals aged 15-84, as self-reported or detected through laboratory tests, is 8.5% (6.1% in females and 11.1% in males), including 3.1% who did not report a history of diabetes but were found to have high blood sugar levels in tests. The prevalence of diabetes continues to rise with age, increasing from 0.6% in the 15-24 age group to 19.0% in the 65-84 age group.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that promotes the conversion of glucose into liver glycogen and triglycerides stored in the body. Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by a lack of insulin, reduced response to insulin in the body, or both, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes increases the risk of developing cerebrovascular disease, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurological disorders.

For diabetic patients, a healthy breakfast is crucial. Eating breakfast can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve work efficiency, and provide the body with the necessary energy. Choosing foods with a low glycemic index can help control blood sugar fluctuations and slow down the rate of blood sugar elevation. Examples of such foods include brown rice, whole grain bread, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, strawberries, chestnuts, oranges, apples, pears, kiwis, grapes, among others, while avoiding fruit juice at breakfast.

High blood sugar may manifest with symptoms such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, hunger, bad breath, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat.

Furthermore, it is important to pay attention to the calorie intake at breakfast. It is recommended to choose foods high in protein and dietary fiber to increase satiety, control fat intake, especially saturated and trans fats.

Sodium intake should also be controlled to reduce the risk of hypertension. Avoid all salty bread and Chinese dim sum.

Below are 5 common breakfast foods that diabetic patients should avoid consuming.

1）Corn flakes

2）white bread

3）porridge

4）cake

5）steam-rice dumping 

All high glycemic index food that diabetics must not eat.

Ref: department of health HKSAR