While traditional festival offerings during Zhongyuan Pudu are often abundant with biscuits, drinks, and canned foods, health experts warn that turning festive treats into daily habits risks disrupting blood sugar control, urging moderation and informed choices for people with diabetes.
During the Zhongyuan Pudu period, many households end up with a surplus of biscuits, drinks, sweets, instant noodles and canned food after the rituals are over. Diabetes educator Hsieh Yun-chi, writing on the Da Ye Clinic Facebook page, said the real challenge is not the occasional taste of offerings, but the habit of turning festival food into an everyday routine.
For people living with diabetes, Hsieh said there is no need to panic if they eat a little more than usual during the festival. What matters is avoiding the cycle of overeating, then trying to make up for it by skipping meals or changing medication without medical advice. She warned against adjusting tablets or insulin on one’s own after a large meal, as that can trigger either high or low blood sugar. If readings stay elevated, she said the safer approach is to speak to a doctor or care team.
Hsieh also cautioned against fasting the next day as a form of compensation. Returning to normal portions and regular mealtimes, she said, is more effective than cutting out food altogether. She advised looking for the underlying reason if blood sugar rises: perhaps there are more snacks and sugary drinks around, or daily routines, exercise and medication timing have shifted. She cited instant noodles as a useful example, noting that calorie counts vary widely by type, from about 250 to 350 calories for a small cup to as much as 650 calories for a large bowl with meat.
Other Taiwanese health outlets have echoed the same broader message, urging people to treat festival offerings as occasional foods rather than staples. TVBS Health said offerings should be covered and handled carefully in hot weather, while also encouraging lower-sodium canned foods and avoiding sweet drinks. Other guides have recommended choosing less processed snacks, unsweetened nuts, seaweed and baked items with lower sugar, salt and fat content. For those with diabetes, Hsieh’s conclusion was simple: the festival ends, but blood sugar control does not take a holiday.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
