Arvind Kejriwal eating aloo puri, mangoes to raise sugar levels, ED tells court; how do these foods affect a diabetic?

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, currently held in Tihar jail following his arrest in the excise policy case, has reportedly been having aloo-puri and mangoes during his confinement.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which apprehended Kejriwal on March 21, revealed in court submissions that Kejriwal has been regularly consuming items like tea with sugar, bananas, sweets (1/2 pieces), poori, and aloo sabzi.

Aloo puri and mangoes are delicious Indian treats but for diabetics like Kejriwal, they can be problematic, according to Dr Richa Chaturvedi, senior consultant of Endocrinology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

Why aloo puri spikes blood sugar

Dr Chaturvedi highlighted that aloo puri is a double whammy for blood sugar. It’s a combination of:

Refined Carbohydrates: The flour used in aloo puri is refined, leading to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels due to its high glycaemic index.

Deep-frying: The oil used in frying adds fat and further disrupts how the body processes sugar.

Starchy Potatoes: The potatoes themselves are starchy vegetables, contributing additional carbohydrates that raise blood sugar.

Dr Chaturvedi recommended diabetics avoid or limit some other foods as well (file)

Aloo puri and Kejriwal’s health

Dr Chaturvedi advised that people with type 2 diabetes, like Kejriwal, should avoid or strictly limit aloo puri. Regular consumption can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to serious health complications like nerve damage, kidney problems, and increased risk of heart disease.

However, it should be noted that Kejriwal’s case could be different and extenuating circumstances, along with advice from his doctor could be motivating his decisions. Representing Kejriwal, Advocate Vivek Jain had said the diet he was following was recommended by the doctor. “Is the ED above the doctor?” asked Jain, in response to the probe agency’s agency claims that the Delhi CM had been eating these foods on purpose, to be granted medical bail.

Other foods diabetics should limit

Dr Chaturvedi recommended diabetics avoid or limit these foods as well:

Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, pastries, sugary cereals, and processed foods made with white flour all have a high glycaemic index, causing blood sugar spikes.

Sugary Drinks: Sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages are loaded with sugar, directly impacting blood sugar levels.

Fried and High-Fat Foods: Fried snacks, fast food, and food cooked in excessive oil or butter are high in fat and calories, further complicating diabetes management.

Calorie-Dense Foods: Items like sweets and rich desserts should be consumed only occasionally, after consulting your doctor.

While complete restriction might not be necessary, diabetics should consume aloo puri and mangoes sparingly and prioritise a balanced diet. Consulting a doctor or registered dietician for personalised advice is crucial for effective diabetes management.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.