Pakistani breakfasts often feature paratha, puri, naan with nihari or channay, bun kabab, rusk, and bakery products with chai. Many contain refined maida, which has less fibre than whole-grain flour and can cause rapid glucose rises, particularly when eaten alone after an overnight fast. Whole-wheat roti is generally a better everyday choice, but portions still matter. Naan and kulcha can contain as much starch as two or three rotis. Choose whole-wheat bread where possible and count every slice or piece of rusk.When diabetes remains uncontrolled, avoid or tightly limit rich, fried and sweet breakfasts such as paratha, aloo paratha, halwa puri, jalebi, mithai and bakery items. Parathas often contain substantial oil or ghee, while potato fillings add starch. Halwa puri combines fried flour, sugar and fat; sweets combine sugar with refined carbohydrates. After glucose control improves, keep these foods occasional and portions small. Also limit naan, kulcha, white bread and buns.An HbA1c of 7 per cent or higher, or readings above your agreed target, may indicate a need to review your food choices and treatment. However, below 7 per cent is not the right target for everyone. Your doctor should individualise your goal according to age, hypoglycaemia risk, pregnancy, kidney disease........

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