Diabetes is known as the “rich disease” mainly because people’s living conditions have improved, and improper diet or unhealthy habits lead to elevated blood sugar.
If high blood sugar in the body is not adjusted in time, it may easily trigger complications of diabetes, directly threatening human life. Therefore, timely regulation of one’s blood sugar level is crucial.
When blood sugar is high, diet must be adjusted promptly. Even though some foods do not taste sweet, they have high sugar content, and even a small indulgence may cause a rise in blood sugar.
There are 4 types of foods that are not sweet but are natural sugar boosters, and even a small portion may increase blood sugar:
Rice Porridge
Rice porridge is a commonly seen food on our dining tables, especially favored by many middle-aged and elderly people to enhance satiety.
Rice porridge is a light and easily digestible food that is helpful for spleen and stomach health. However, if there is already high blood sugar, it’s best to avoid rice porridge entirely.
Although rice porridge doesn’t taste sweet, it is easily digested and absorbed by the body. When porridge is cooked for a longer time, the nutrients will convert into glucose in the body, causing a rapid increase in blood sugar and raising the risk of complications.
Beer
Many people enjoy drinking beer in summer, especially when the weather is hot. Drinking a bottle of chilled beer feels very comfortable, but even though beer doesn’t taste sweet, its glycemic index is very high.
When blood sugar is high, beer should also be avoided immediately, preferably put on the blacklist, as it may help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Moreover, when blood sugar is high, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol retention in the body, which is detrimental to health and may increase the risk of diabetes complications.
Pork Liver
Many people love eating pork liver for its rich iron content, which helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Therefore, many people like to include pork liver in their meals.
But if blood sugar is high, it’s best to refrain from consuming pork liver because it contains a lot of fat, which affects digestion and absorption in the intestines.
For individuals with chronic diseases, frequent consumption of pork liver can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which is unfavorable for sugar consumption and metabolism in the body. Even a small bite may cause a rise in blood sugar.
Potato
Many people enjoy eating potatoes, whether shredded or sliced, to satisfy their taste buds. Although potatoes don’t taste sweet, their glycemic index is very high.
If you love eating potatoes, it may likely cause a sudden increase in blood sugar as they contain a large amount of starch, easily digested and absorbed by the body.
Once starch enters the body, it quickly turns into glucose, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Therefore, when blood sugar is high, it’s best to limit potato consumption as even a small bite may raise blood sugar levels.
During high blood sugar, it’s essential to make timely adjustments. Some people believe that high blood sugar doesn’t show any symptoms, which is not true.
High blood sugar leads to “three more and one less”:
“Three more” refers to: increased drinking, more frequent urination, and increased eating. When blood sugar rises, individuals tend to drink more water, urinate more frequently, and feel hungry soon after a meal despite eating more than usual.
“One less” refers to: decreased body weight. Elevated blood sugar levels lead to inadequate energy utilization, resulting in rapid weight loss and a lean appearance. If these signs occur, it’s best to promptly check blood sugar levels at a hospital.
When experiencing high blood sugar, seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor’s guidance to take medication or use insulin to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent complications. In our daily lives, some foods are known as the “insulin on the tip of the tongue,” and consider yourself fortunate if you enjoy eating them.
There are three types of foods known as the “insulin on the tip of the tongue,” suitable for diabetics to enjoy, gradually lowering blood sugar:
Bitter Melon
For those with high blood sugar, regularly incorporating bitter melon into your meals helps stabilize blood sugar and is referred to as the “plant insulin.”
Bitter melon contains compounds that have a significant sugar-reducing effect. Eating bitter melon helps accelerate metabolism, eliminate toxins and waste, reduce blood sugar levels, and prevent complications.
Onion
Although onions have a strong flavor, they offer high nutritional value and are beneficial for health. When blood sugar is high, consuming onions regularly has a good effect on lowering blood sugar.
Onions contain abundant prostaglandin A, which aids in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, lowers blood lipids, accelerates blood sugar consumption and metabolism, supporting blood sugar stability. Therefore, enjoying onions helps prevent complications and is considered the “insulin on the tip of the tongue.”
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an excellent food for lowering blood sugar levels. For diabetics, eating more pumpkin regularly helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent complications.
Pumpkin contains a high amount of fructose, which inhibits the body’s absorption of glucose, promotes insulin secretion, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and supports overall health.
When blood sugar is high, seek medical attention promptly, correct poor dietary and lifestyle habits, establish habits of going to bed and waking up early, contributing to blood sugar stability, preventing complications, and improving overall health.
