How should I arrange the timing of my meals to best manage my diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is caused by insufficient insulin production from the pancreas. This results in high blood glucose levels before and especially after meals.

Individuals with diabetes need to modify their diet regimens so that together with increased physical activity and blood glucose-lowering medications their blood glucose levels can be better controlled.

Carbohydrates in the diet directly affect blood glucose levels when digested and absorbed. Foods with high carbohydrate content cause high blood glucose levels after being consumed. Glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly carbohydrates in a particular food increase blood glucose levels. People with diabetes need to reduce their intake of carbohydrates and try to eat foods with low GI.

Apart from reducing carbohydrate intake, those with diabetes should also spread their meals apart and take smaller meals, rather than skipping one or two meals and eating more at the other meal(s). This will help to reduce the post-meal spikes in blood glucose levels. It is recommended that individuals with diabetes still take 3 main meals a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner - and incorporate a small snack (for example, nuts) in between the main meals.

Diet control definitely plays a big part in managing diabetes. Since carbohydrate is the main nutrient that raises blood sugar levels, we should focus on the intake of carbohydrates. First of all, diabetic patients should decrease their intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates. This includes white rice and white bread.

They have high glycemic index (GI), meaning that they can make your blood sugar levels shoot up very quickly. You should stick to low GI food, which includes oatmeals, brown rice, wholemeal bread, legumes and nuts.

Breaking your three main meals up to small frequent meals can also help to moderate your blood sugar levels throughout the day. This prevents huge spikes in your blood glucose levels and allows for a slower, continuous absorption of food. Furthermore, eating several small meals may also reduce your hunger, which leads to a lower calorie intake.