Once the blood sugar level exceeds the normal standard, does it mean you have diabetes? Not really, this can only be considered as high blood sugar, still a long way from developing diabetes. But even if one has developed hyperglycemia, it is important to take it seriously to prevent causing further damage to the body.
When the blood sugar index exceeds the normal level, even if it hasn’t reached the diabetes standard, it can still harm the body. Therefore, individuals with high blood sugar should pay attention to controlling their blood sugar to prevent worsening into serious diabetes or complications of high blood sugar.
Case:
Aunt Zhang, a 52-year-old woman, was found to have elevated blood sugar during a community health check three months ago. The doctor advised her to pay attention to her diet, take medication on time, and assured her that her blood sugar would soon come down; there was no need to worry too much. Thinking the condition was not severe, Aunt Zhang disregarded the advice to save money.
Instead, she believed in some unverified remedies, like consuming garlic daily to lower blood sugar and to save money. When she went for a follow-up at the hospital, her blood sugar levels were even higher. The doctor warned her that if she didn’t control them soon, she could develop diabetes. Panicked, Aunt Zhang asked the doctor, “Isn’t garlic supposed to lower blood sugar? I’ve been consuming it daily, why has it increased instead?”
The doctor explained to Aunt Zhang that raw garlic indeed contains substances like allicin, fiber, and propylene sulfide, which can to some extent increase the body’s tolerance to glucose, enhance the absorption of glucose by tissue cells, promote insulin secretion, and stabilize blood sugar levels.
However, since raw garlic contains only a small amount of allicin and propylene sulfide, it cannot directly lower blood sugar levels in the body but can assist in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Thus, frequent consumption of garlic will not enhance pancreatic function in the body.
The doctor reminds high blood sugar patients to remember the “2 Avoid, 3 Persist” rule to avoid diabetes or related issues.
“2 Avoid”
1. Fruits high in sugar content
Not all fruits are suitable for people with high blood sugar, as some fruits have high sugar content that can lead to blood sugar spikes if consumed in excess, like longan, lychee, durian, etc. Additionally, overripe foods can also cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
2. Foods containing glutinous rice
Whether made into zongzi or cooked as porridge, glutinous rice is delicious. However, it is not suitable for prolonged consumption because it has a high carbohydrate content that can rapidly increase blood sugar levels in the body, significantly increasing the risk of developing diabetes.
“3 Persist”
1. Persist in exercising
People with high blood sugar levels can intervene with their blood sugar levels through exercise. Patients should choose suitable exercise routines based on their condition, engaging in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, such as brisk walking, swimming, playing badminton, to improve blood circulation, promote sugar metabolism in the body, and further stabilize blood sugar.
2. Persist in supplementing nutrients – arginine
3. Persist in drinking plain water
Individuals with high blood sugar levels should cultivate a habit of drinking plenty of water in their daily lives. Hydration aids blood circulation, helps eliminate glucose from the blood, and dilutes blood viscosity. Therefore, drinking plain water regularly also promotes stable blood sugar levels.
Tip:
In addition to the above suggestions, don’t forget to undergo regular check-ups. Doctors recommend getting checked twice a year, as even a slight neglect can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Regular check-ups can help in early detection, allow for proper medication based on personal conditions, and ensure stable blood sugar levels.
