Taiwanese family physician Dr. Li Sih-sian warns that seemingly innocent takeout dishes can send glucose levels soaring, sharing seven hidden pitfalls that threaten both diabetics and healthy eaters.
In a viral social media post, Taiwanese family medicine specialist Dr. Li Sih-sian revealed a startling personal experiment: after ordering a creamy soup during a takeout meal, his blood glucose jumped from 105 mg/dL to 174 mg/dL within just 30 minutes—a 66% surge. The doctor, who runs the popular Facebook page “Dr. Sih-sian, Your Healthy Friend,” says the culprit is not sugar alone but the hidden starches hidden in many convenience foods.
Dr. Li explains that creamy soups often rely on cornstarch or potato starch to achieve their thick, velvety texture. “A bowl of creamy soup is essentially a liquid starch delivery system—more easily absorbed than even congee,” he notes. While not every batch will trigger the same spike—cooking methods vary—the risk is significant, especially for those managing diabetes or prediabetes.
The Hidden Danger in Your Takeout Bag
According to the American Diabetes Association, normal post-meal blood glucose (measured two hours after eating) should remain below 140 mg/dL. Dr. Li’s reading of 174 mg/dL falls well into the abnormal range, highlighting how quickly an innocuous-seeming side dish can derail glycemic control.
But creamy soup is just one of several takeout landmines. Dr. Li identified seven common pitfalls that can cause rapid blood sugar spikes:
- Creamy soups (cornstarch-thickened)
- Fried rice and noodles (high glycemic index from refined carbs and oil)
- Sweetened beverages (bubble tea, juice, and flavored coffee)
- White rice in large portions (especially from bento boxes)
- Sauces and gravies (often thickened with starch or sugar)
- Dessert items (mooncakes, egg tarts, pastries)
- “Healthy” salads with sugary dressings (hidden sugar and refined carbs)
Dr. Li stresses that many takeout meals combine multiple traps—for example, a fried rice with sweet sauce and a side of soup can deliver a triple carbohydrate punch.
Why This Matters for Hong Kong Diners
Hong Kong’s love affair with takeout is well-documented; from cha chaan teng noodles to late-night dim sum deliveries, convenience often trumps nutritional awareness. The doctor’s warning is especially timely as the city’s diabetes prevalence continues to rise—one in 10 adults now lives with the condition, according to local health statistics.
For non-diabetics, repeated glucose spikes can increase the risk of insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Dr. Li advises paying attention to what goes into your takeout order: ask for sauces on the side, swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice, and avoid thickened soups or gravies.
Practical Steps to Reduce Blood Sugar Spikes
- Choose clear broth soups over creamy varieties
- Request that starchy thickeners be omitted
- Replace soda or sweet tea with water or unsweetened tea
- Add a source of protein or fiber to slow carb absorption
- Monitor portion sizes of rice and noodles
Dr. Li’s message is clear: a single takeout meal may seem harmless, but the cumulative effect of hidden starch can quietly sabotage health. As online food delivery platforms boom across Hong Kong, consumers must become savvier readers of their own plates—or risk paying the price with their blood sugar.
For more on healthy eating and diabetes prevention, follow the Hong Kong Department of Health’s guidelines and consult your family doctor before making significant dietary changes.