Diabetes: Managing diabetes does not end for anyone when the sun sets. Late-night snacking on the wrong food items can significantly spike the levels of blood sugar, derail the glucose control overnight and disrupt sleep. This is primarily because high glycaemic index (GI) products can cause rapid insulin surges. On the other hand, fatty or sugary culprits can promote insulin resistance and inflammation.
Foods To Avoid At Night For Diabetics
1. White Bread
White bread, which is made from refined flour, ranks high on the glycaemic index (about 70-75). It can flood your bloodstream with glucose just when your body is about to wind down. A single slice of bread before bedtime can pump insulin for hours. Choose whole-grain alternatives!
2. White Rice
Polished white rice with a GI of more than 73 can break down fast into sugar, lacking fibre to slow absorption. White rice tends to linger overnight in your system, which can result in 2 am hyperglycaemia. Choose quinoa or brown rice!
3. Fried Foods
French fries, samoasa or pakodas are loaded with trans fats and empty calories. These items can slow down digestion, resulting in prolonged blood sugar elevation and acid reflux that can interrupt sleep. Avoid them after 6 pm if your bedtime is 10-11 pm.
4. Pizza
Pizza is a blood sugar nightmare for obvious reasons! The high carbs (from dough) and fats (from toppings) of pizza delay glucose peaks but amplify them intensely. A single slice of pizza can elevate glucose levels for 4-6 hours.
5. Sweet Drinks
Packaged juices, sodas or even sweetened lassi can pack hidden sugar – up to 40-50g per serving. Liquid carbs tend to absorb instantly, bypassing satiety signals and spiking the levels of blood sugar without filling you up. Choose water with lemon or herbal teas!
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
