Mr. Hu is 56 years old this year. A month ago, he found that his weight was sharply decreasing. Although he felt lighter, his spirit was not very good. Additionally, he often experienced dry mouth and thirst. Besides going to the bathroom, he had to carry a water cup with him all day to prevent sudden thirst.
Later, his daughter took him for a physical examination and found that these were typical symptoms of high blood sugar, but not very serious. It was advised to pay attention to diet. Later, he occasionally learned that coarse grains could lower blood sugar, so he switched all his meals to coarse grains.
After half a year of eating this way, Mr. Hu suddenly fainted and was taken to the hospital by his family. After examination, it was found that his fasting blood sugar reached 12.3mmol/L and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Upon hearing this result, Mr. Hu was shocked. How could his blood sugar rise when he ate coarse grains every day to control it?
After some investigation, the doctor helplessly said: How can you treat two different types of coarse grains as the same?
Can coarse grains help lower blood sugar?
Scientific research shows that the difference between coarse grains and refined grains lies in the content of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Refined grains contain a large amount of starch and carbohydrates that convert to sugar in the body, causing blood sugar to rise quickly.
Coarse grains have lower carbohydrate content and are rich in dietary fiber, which can slow down the digestion of food, reduce the rapid increase in blood sugar after meals, and help balance the body’s blood sugar levels.
Doctor: Stay away from two types of coarse grains as soon as possible
1. Coarse Grain Steamed Buns
Fearing high blood sugar levels, Mr. Hu avoids eating white flour steamed buns and instead eats a few coarse grain steamed buns at dinner, thinking it would help stabilize his blood sugar. However, the doctor cautions that most coarse grain steamed buns on the market are not made entirely from coarse grains. To improve taste, some refined flour is often added, resulting in similar calorie, fat, and sugar content to white flour steamed buns. Regular consumption could lead to increased blood sugar levels and worsen the condition.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Mr. Hu rarely eats staple foods and opts for sweet potatoes when feeling too hungry. However, scientific analysis shows that the glycemic index of steamed sweet potatoes reaches 75. Prolonged consumption may inhibit insulin secretion, keeping sugar levels high in the body and even leading to complications.
To stabilize blood sugar, develop these two good habits for stable blood sugar levels
Supplementing blood sugar-lowering nutrition
Regular check-ups
It is recommended to have a blood sugar monitoring device at home and measure fasting blood sugar levels before meals daily. This helps in understanding blood sugar levels better, adjusting diet and lifestyle habits promptly, seeking medical attention early, and preventing disease progression. This practice not only familiarizes one with their health status but also facilitates early detection of potential health risks, reducing the occurrence of complications and contributing positively to overall health.
