Foods to Avoid with Trulicity: A Comprehensive Dietary Guide
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, and managing it effectively requires a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications. One such medication is dulaglutide, which is used for maintaining the blood sugar levels. However, understanding which foods to avoid and include in your diet is crucial for achieving better diabetes control.
In this article, we will discuss the role of dulaglutide in managing type 2 diabetes, the foods to avoid and include in your diet, potential side effects, and other important considerations when using this medication. Additionally, we will answer frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Dulaglutide is a prescribed drug. It is taken once a week by subcutaneous injection into the fat under the skin that is subcutaneously. The FDA approved its use in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its role is to aid in controlling high blood sugar levels.
Dulaglutide works by triggering glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors or in other words, they are GLP-1 receptor agonists. After the activation of these receptors, three things happen. There is an increase in insulin output, a decrease in glucagon release, and a delay in stomach emptying. All these factors may contribute to better control of blood sugar levels.
Even though dulaglutide comes with no specific food rules, it’s essential to be careful with what you choose to eat. Certain foods can increase the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and affect sugar control in your blood. That’s why it’s vital to make well-conversed choices about your diet. Below we have described foods that need to be restricted, avoided, or replaced by alternatives while on dulaglutide.
Sweets like cakes, cookies, and candies are usually high in refined carbohydrates and sugars. Consuming them can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, affecting your diabetes control. You may try and replace them with healthier snacks such as trail mixes with nuts and berries, yogurt, or fresh fruits like apples and bananas.
Drinks filled with sugar, like soda, sweet tea, and fruit juices, can lead to a noticeable rise in blood sugar levels. This can make diabetes control a real challenge. Plus, they can harm your dental health, disrupt your attention and focus, and even increase your cancer risk. So, instead it would be wise to opt for water or low-sugar options like flavoured water or sugar-free drinks.
Refined carbohydrates, for example, white rice or bread, come up short in terms of essential nutrients. Furthermore, they can cause rise in blood sugar levels. Consider switching to healthier, low-carbohydrate alternatives like brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, whole-grain bread, or cereal which may help aid blood sugar control.
Foods high in saturated fats like fast food, ice cream, and milkshakes can slow down digestion. They can also cause symptoms of delayed stomach emptying worse. These might include bloating, feeling sick, throwing up, or stomach cramps. Avoid these foods when taking dulaglutide and keep your blood sugar steady with healthier options like grilled meats, low-fat dairy products, and properly balanced meals.
Drinking alcohol can affect blood sugar control while on dulaglutide. It can drop your blood sugar levels, which is why you should avoid or at least limit your intake of drinks like wine to one or two per occasion if you choose to drink. It’s always best to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about safe drinking levels while on dulaglutide.
Eating out can be tough if you’re managing your type 2 diabetes. It’s crucial to stay mindful of what you’re ordering. Avoid high-carbohydrate, high-fat dishes, and sugary drinks. Choose healthier options like grilled meats, whole grains, and lots of vegetables. By staying alert and making wise food selections, you may enjoy your meal out while keeping your blood sugar under control.
Following a balanced diet is a vital part of managing type 2 diabetes. While using dulaglutide as well as managing your diet is paramount. Knowing about the right portion sizes, meal planning strategies, and including whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables in your diet is important.
This simple system for portion control at meals is an idea suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just get a 9-inch dinner plate. Fill half with non-starchy vegetables (green beans, cabbage, salad, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots). The other half should be lean proteins (turkey, chicken, tofu, beans, eggs) and the other carbohydrates (grains, starchy vegetables, rice, pasta, fruit, yogurt). Choose water or unsweetened tea as your drink.
Meal planning may help keep blood sugar levels in balance. It’s an excellent way to stick to a well-rounded diet. Include nutritious ingredients like beans, dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, nuts, whole grains, milk, and yogurt. Whip up meals and snacks ahead of time to avoid eating unhealthy options.
Whole grains should be part of your everyday diet. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber which may help in the slow absorption of glucose and thus aid in regulating blood sugar. Quinoa, whole-grain barley, and farro are good options to consider.
Lean proteins are an important part of a balanced diet. They may help manage your blood sugar. Turkey, chicken, tofu, beans, or eggs are great choices. Plus, they may help keep your muscles untouched while aiding in weight loss, if required.
Fruits and vegetables are full of vital nutrients. These are needed not just for overall health but also for managing diabetes. This includes fresh or frozen fruits like berries, bananas, grapefruits, oranges, lemons, and limes. Leafy vegetables like spinach, collard, and kale are also good choices.
To my knowledge, there is a boxed warning concerning the danger of thyroid cancer, present with this drug. Thyroid cancer symptoms that might manifest include lump in your neck, hoarseness, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing. If you are on dulaglutide, you should always consider consulting your doctor frequently to manage the dosage.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
As with all drugs, dulaglutide can have side effects. The usual ones are reactions at the site where it’s injected, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, and headache. Besides knowing about these side effects, learning how to reduce any stomach issues that may happen because of dulaglutide is also essential.
The most common side effects faced by people taking dulaglutide can be stomach-related. Nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are a few examples. They usually appear at the start of therapy. However, they generally get better over time as your body adjusts to the drug.
Some serious side effects of dulaglutide use can occur. They include pancreatitis, kidney problems, severe allergic reactions, and an increased risk of heart attack for those with existing risk factors. If you have any alarming side effects when on dulaglutide, get in touch with your healthcare provider immediately.
One common side effect of dulaglutide is slow stomach emptying. This can lead to nausea, throwing up, bloating, and a feeling of fullness. You may try to reduce these effects by sticking to a meal plan. It should include smaller meals more often, instead of big ones. Your meals should also have low-carbohydrate and high-protein food. Keep track of your blood sugar levels, and if you spot something off, let your healthcare provider know.
Understanding the role of diet and lifestyle changes, along with weight management, is key to manage type 2 diabetes effectively. By keeping a balanced diet, doing regular exercise, and tracking your blood sugar levels closely, you may be able to keep diabetes under control and improve your overall health.
A well-rounded diet and regular exercise can go a long way. They may help reduce complications from diabetes, keep blood sugar levels in check, and boost overall health. Choosing what to eat wisely and doing physical activity suited to your preferences and fitness level is key.
Weight management is vital for individuals with type 2 diabetes as it helps improve blood sugar control and lowers the risk of developing other health complications. Moreover, weight loss, when necessary, may significantly enhance diabetes management, making it crucial to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Also Read: Foods to Avoid While Taking Metoprolol Tartrate: A Scientifically Backed Guide
In addition to diet and exercise, there are some other factors to keep in mind while taking dulaglutide. These include interactions with other medications, herbs, or supplements that could interfere.
Some drugs can interact with dulaglutide. These interactions can affect blood sugar control or cause side effects that nobody wants. Always make sure your healthcare provider knows about any other medications you’re taking. This way, they can manage your diabetes better.
Certain herbal supplements can interfere with how dulaglutide works. For instance, regular use of aloe vera, ginseng, sesame oil, St John’s wort, ginkgo, garlic, and turmeric may lower your blood sugar levels. If this happens, an adjustment to your dulaglutide dose may be necessary. Let your healthcare provider know about any herbal supplements you’re currently taking, so potential interactions can be avoided.
Managing type 2 diabetes effectively requires an holistic approach. This includes dulaglutide, diet choices made from information, and doing regular exercise. Knowing what food to avoid and what healthier alternatives to include in your diet is vital for controlling blood sugar levels and maintaining health overall. Armed with the information in this article, you’ll be better prepared to manage your diabetes and lead a healthier lifestyle.
It’s also important to remember to discuss any issues that may arise when you are on dulaglutide, your blood sugar levels, and potential side effects with your healthcare provider. Your medical team will play a key role in tailoring your diabetes management plan to meet your personal needs and achieve the best possible health outcomes.
While there’s no specific information about grapefruit and dulaglutide, it’s best to act on the side of caution. Grapefruit may affect certain enzymes responsible for metabolizing different drugs. If you choose to include grapefruit in your diet, consult your healthcare provider before doing so and monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
When it comes to drinking alcohol while on dulaglutide, caution is key. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, so limit your wine and other alcoholic drinks to one or two per occasion. Always talk to your healthcare provider for guidance on safe alcohol intake while using dulaglutide.
There’s no known direct interaction between dulaglutide and caffeine. However, many individuals with diabetes often have coronary artery disease (CAD) and may need to limit their caffeine intake. If in doubt, it’s best to ask your healthcare provider about caffeine intake.
The amount of weight loss with dulaglutide depends on the person. In clinical trials, most people lost a moderate amount of weight. But no exact averages were given. For some people, losing weight may help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of obesity. You should keep in mind that dulaglutide is not in the market for weight loss and is only indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Dulaglutide should be taken once a week on the same day and time. Your healthcare provider will instruct you on this. It doesn’t matter whether you take it in the morning or at night. Just pick a time that is convenient for you each week.
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