As the incidence of diabetes gradually increases, people are starting to pay more attention to these chronic diseases. However, because the symptoms of pre-diabetes are not severe, they are often overlooked by many. But when the condition worsens, blood sugar becomes difficult to control.
If one unfortunately develops diabetes, special attention must be paid to diet. Many foods may seem unrelated to sugar but can still raise blood sugar levels.
Case:
Ms. Zhang, 46 years old, was diagnosed with high blood sugar two years ago. Since then, she has been controlling her daily diet, cutting out sugar and meat, and mostly consuming vegetarian food. Ms. Zhang thought her diet plan was flawless, but the results were unexpected.
About three months ago, Ms. Zhang started feeling dizzy inexplicably. At first, she thought it was due to lack of rest and ignored it. But when other discomforts appeared, she realized something was wrong. She went to the hospital for a check-up, and by then, her blood sugar had risen to 16.4mmol/L, diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Facing this result, Ms. Zhang found it hard to accept why her blood sugar wouldn’t stabilize despite being so careful in her daily life.
After detailed communication with the doctor, it was revealed that the nuts she often ate were the “culprit” for raising blood sugar levels.
Many hospitals strictly prohibit: “Nuts are hollowing out the islets, if you love eating them, your islets will become like a beehive.”
The doctor explained that even though nuts do not contain sugar and are considered vegetarian, they are high-calorie foods. For example, pistachios contain 631 calories per 100g, and to burn that energy off, one would need to climb stairs for at least 30 minutes after consumption.
If nuts are consumed frequently, excess fat and calories will accumulate in the body, leading to less insulin secretion and greater blood sugar fluctuations. The “Chinese Resident Dietary Guidelines” suggest that individuals with high blood sugar should consume 50-70g of nuts per week, as excessive consumption could worsen the condition.
5 misconceptions about diabetes that patients should avoid
1. Choosing only expensive medication – Diabetes patients should choose medication that suits them, effectiveness should not be judged by price.
2. Persisting with a single plan – After consulting with a doctor, many patients stick to a single treatment plan for years. However, the condition evolves, and without timely adjustments, it may not benefit the patient.
3. Relying solely on medication without check-ups – Some patients only buy blood sugar-lowering medication without undergoing medical checks, which hinders proper disease control.
4. Maintaining a negative mindset – Some patients believe diabetes is incurable, leading them to neglect treatment. Diabetes not only affects blood sugar levels but also can lead to complications if not controlled in time.
5. Over-controlling diet – After developing diabetes, certain foods should be avoided. However, overdoing dietary restrictions can lead to malnutrition and decreased immunity.
For people with high blood sugar, making beneficial adjustments in two aspects can help lower blood sugar levels
1. Supplementing with blood sugar-lowering nutrients
2. Engaging in post-meal exercise
After eating, blood sugar levels tend to rise. Engaging in appropriate exercise after meals can effectively lower postprandial blood sugar levels and help maintain stable blood sugar.
For instance, going for a walk half an hour after a meal for 30 minutes is beneficial. Patients should also be aware that exercise intensity must be well-controlled; excessive physical activity beyond one’s capacity not only fails to lower blood sugar but may also increase fluctuations.
Reference: “The Impact of Nut Intake on Blood Sugar in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes,” by Hu Yihe, 2018
