Currently, diabetes has slowly become a metabolic disease that affects human health. Once afflicted, individuals will bear a heavy economic and health burden. Those with diabetes also need to pay special attention to their diet and lifestyle habits. Furthermore, they need to measure their blood sugar levels daily to monitor their glucose levels.
37-year-old Mrs. Zhang works at a bank and spends her days sitting at the counter due to work requirements. Additionally, Mrs. Zhang does not enjoy exercising and often goes straight home after work. Last year, during a bank-organized health check-up, Mrs. Zhang was diagnosed with diabetes as her fasting blood sugar level was as high as 12.8mmol/L. To identify the cause, the doctor inquired about her diet and sleep habits in detail. After a comprehensive analysis, the doctor concluded that her diet was the main factor contributing to her blood sugar imbalance.
The World Health Organization warns against consuming “2 vegetarian foods” as they release sugar to the pancreas, so it is advised to avoid them:
1. Potatoes
Although potatoes are a common vegetable and delicious regardless of the cooking method, individuals with high blood sugar levels should consume them in moderation. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that as a starchy food, the glycemic index of potatoes is around 60%, and excessive consumption can damage pancreatic function, affect glucose metabolism, and elevate blood sugar.
2. Pickles
Pickles are preserved in saltwater, providing a refreshing taste. However, the pickling process involves adding a significant amount of salt, which can burden the pancreas and raise blood sugar levels. The Chinese Dietary Guidelines explicitly state that adults should not consume more than 6g of salt per day.
If dietary issues lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, what harm can it cause to the body?
Nervous system: Numbness, tingling sensations in the extremities, or even nerve damage may occur;
Kidney damage: Decreased kidney function, proteinuria, and potential development of uremia;
Major blood vessels: Damage to blood vessels leading to stroke, peripheral arterial occlusion, etc.;
Microvessels: Vision impairment, blindness, and retinal damage may occur.
Managing blood sugar: Master these 3 key points to help stabilize blood sugar
1. Nutrient supplementation
2. Regular blood sugar monitoring
If blood sugar levels start to become uncontrolled, it is essential to focus on control regularly and monitor levels to prevent further complications. Moreover, establishing a habit of regularly checking blood sugar levels can help patients better understand their condition and choose more appropriate ways to control sugar levels.
3. Maintaining a healthy weight
Obesity is one of the factors contributing to diabetes. For individuals with high blood sugar levels, excessive weight can disrupt metabolism, cause hormonal imbalances, and lead to elevated blood sugar levels, exacerbating the condition. Therefore, diabetic patients should regularly exercise, increase physical activity, accelerate the rapid utilization of excess sugar in the body, prevent weight gain, and avoid obesity.
