Olufemi Fasanmade, a consultant endocrinologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, asserts that most traditional foods are considered healthy for diabetes management and healthy for people with the condition.

The consultant spoke on Thursday during a virtual media roundtable organised by Novo Nordisk, a multinational pharmaceutical company, to commemorate 2024 World Diabetes Day.

Mr Fasanmade, a professor of Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, also dispelled certain myths about diabetes diet, such as “eating garri is not suitable for people with diabetes.”

He said, “Most traditional foods are healthy for persons with diabetes, like vegetable soup and beans. All our traditional foods are actually protective, but some groups and people are trying to tell patients that they should not take garri.

“Our garri is even better than wheat. The only thing that may be wrong is that the person with diabetes must not take the usual size. You can take garri and eba, but it must be the size of your fist.

“Even bread, persons with diabetes can eat it, but the best type of bread is the whole wheat bread, unsweetened whole wheat bread, taken in moderate quantities.”

He added that persons with diabetes can also take snacks and cereals, including granola, walnuts, cashews, and almond nuts.

However, the endocrinologist recommended consultation with a registered nutritionist or dietician for personalised dietary advice, including calorie intake.

Mr Fasanmade also emphasised the importance of avoiding refined carbohydrates, sugar, soft drinks, smoking and alcohol for individuals with diabetes as part of a healthy diet plan.

(NAN)