Blood sugar and diet are directly related. For people with high blood sugar, it is important to strictly control their diet in daily life and avoid high glycemic index foods. Most people with high blood sugar understand the significant impact of diet on blood sugar levels and will control their eating habits. However, some people with diabetes have a common misconception that only sweet foods contain high sugar levels and as long as they avoid sweet foods, they can effectively control their blood sugar. In reality, foods that should be avoided by individuals with diabetes go beyond just sweet foods. Some foods that may not taste sweet can still cause a spike in blood sugar levels when consumed.
Mr. Zheng, a 40-year-old man who has had diabetes for 3 years, normally managed his blood sugar fairly well through diet control. One morning, Mr. Zheng suddenly felt dizzy and weak, lacking energy. He immediately lay down in bed to rest for a while.
After lying down for some time, Mr. Zheng’s discomfort did not alleviate but rather worsened. His complexion turned pale, he became unusually restless, and his mental state began to blur. When his family discovered him, he was already disoriented and cold. Concerned, his family rushed him to the hospital.
Upon examination at the hospital, it was discovered that Mr. Zheng’s blood sugar had soared to 36.5mmol/L. It’s worth noting that a normal person’s fasting blood sugar level does not exceed 6.1, and the blood sugar level two hours after a meal does not exceed 7.8. Mr. Zheng’s blood sugar level was more than five times higher than that of a normal individual. Due to the extreme elevation in blood sugar, Mr. Zheng experienced ketoacidosis, and his pancreas also suffered from acute inflammation, putting him in critical condition with the risk of fatality.
Fortunately, timely intervention saved Mr. Zheng from the danger. His blood sugar levels began to decrease, and his other indicators gradually returned to normal levels.
So, what caused Mr. Zheng, who had been managing his blood sugar relatively well, to suddenly spike to 36.5? The answer: three braised pork trotters.
A few days prior, on his way home from work, Mr. Zheng saw braised pork trotters being sold and couldn’t resist. Believing braised pork trotters were not sweet and contained no sugar, he thought it would be harmless to indulge a little and bought four trotters.
Initially planning to eat only one, he found the taste irresistible and ended up consuming three trotters, feeling unsatisfied after finishing one. Shortly after consuming them, the next morning, he experienced the described situation.
Individuals with diabetes must be mindful of their diet. They may crave various delicious foods even though they are restricted. When they encounter foods they like and perceive as not sweet, they may lose control and overindulge. However, individuals with diabetes should remember that elevated blood sugar levels are not solely caused by consuming sweet foods. Some foods that may not taste sweet can still cause spikes in blood sugar levels, such as braised pork trotters. These types of foods, with their high fat and calorie content, can burden the body, especially for individuals with diabetes, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
For individuals with diabetes, not only should they avoid sweet foods and high-sugar foods, but they should also limit their intake of high-fat foods, fried foods, high-salt foods, high-starch foods, high-protein foods, alcohol, various beverages, etc. Overconsumption can not only lead to blood sugar spikes but also harm internal organs such as the pancreas, imposing a significant burden on the body, potentially resulting in circumstances similar to Mr. Zheng.
In conclusion, individuals with diabetes must be vigilant in controlling their diet. Restricting not only sweet-looking foods but also foods that do not taste sweet can help stabilize blood sugar levels. By mastering self-control, blood sugar levels can remain stable.
