Diet For Diabetics: Should A Diabetes Patient Eat Eggs? How Much Is Too Much?

Remember that untreated or poorly-managed diabetes can lead to serious health complications. When it comes to eating eggs, do it in moderation, a doctor warns.

Egg consumption for diabetic patients: Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that needs to be managed with dietary and other healthy lifestyle choices. It is characterised by high levels of glucose or sugar in the blood, which occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin — a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. It can also happen when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin. It is broadly of two types:

Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes: A metabolic disorder that shows insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion.

Doctors warn that its symptoms can include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

If diabetes is not managed, it can lead to other health complications like diseases of the heart, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye damage, and even foot damage.

As mentioned earlier, diabetes requires proper management with medications, insulin therapy, regular blood sugar monitoring, exercise and physical activity, diet and lifestyle modifications.

Diet plays a very important role, and diabetics are often asked to eat eggs. Egg consumption is anyway considered to be beneficial for the body, and for diabetes patients, it is considered to be extremely helpful. But how much eggs should one eat? According to doctors, egg consumption should be done in moderation.

We reached out to Dr Aarti Ullal, physician and diabetologist at Gleneagles Hospital Parel, for answers to some urgent questions pertaining to eggs being a part of the diabetes diet.

How Many Eggs Should A Diabetic Eat On A Daily Basis?

Diabetics can eat one egg per day for three days a week and two egg whites for the remaining four days of the week, the doctor said, adding that it is a known fact that eggs are low in carbohydrates and rich in protein. They help maintain blood sugar levels when eaten in the quantity recommended by a doctor. Those with high cholesterol or heart disease risk should seek expert advice when it comes to eating eggs, she warned.

Should A Diabetic Patient Eat Four Eggs Every Day?

“Anything done in excess can be harmful for health. It is not advisable to go overboard. Eating four eggs for diabetics is a strict no-no! Stick to one egg per day. Do not blindly follow any trend on social media, where many go on an exclusive egg diet. It is better to speak with an expert before eating eggs,” Dr Ullal said.

Benefits Of Eating Eggs, eating eggs, diabetic diet, healthy diet for diabetes, eating eggs daily, egg consumption for diabetes patients, side effects of eating too many eggs, best diet for diabetics, diabetes patients eating eggs, daily egg count for diabetes patients

Why Are Eggs Important For Diabetics?

Eggs are loaded with protein and healthy fats, which help manage blood sugar levels and keep one feeling full for longer. They have minimal carbohydrates, making them a good choice for controlling blood glucose levels. Eggs also support muscle health and provide essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline. Exercise caution while eating eggs, the doctor said.

What Happens When You Eat Too Many Eggs?

“Eating too many eggs, especially with yolks, may be a bad idea as it can raise cholesterol levels in some people, increasing the risk of heart disease,” the doctor pointed out. She also said that it can cause bloating or digestive problems. “Overconsumption may lead to excess protein intake, straining the kidneys in those with pre-existing kidney issues.”

Other Than Eggs, What Other Food Choices Should A Diabetes Patient Make?

Diabetes patients should choose high-fibre foods like whole grains, leafy greens, lentils, and beans. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and olive oil can help manage blood sugar. Fresh fruits and low-fat dairy can also be eaten, the doctor concluded.