Diabetes has become a very serious condition in the last few years. These days, diabetics are very concerned and do have a lot of questions related to diet during diabetes. We have answered a few questions that will help manage your diabetes better.
Q1: What are the ideal foods for a diabetic like me?
Ans: Foods rich in soluble dietary fibre and magnesium like cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, lentils and peas, beans, rajma, soya, whole grains and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax) should constitute a majority of your diet. Other regulars include tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, onions, carrots, gourds, raw or boiled vegetables, whole grain foods (atta/cereals) and brown rice. Soluble dietary fibre has been demonstrated to slow down digestion and absorption and effectively reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Q2: I happened to skip a meal, should I have my diabetes medicine or should I have half dose or should I not take the medicine at all?
Ans: It is essential for a diabetic never to skip any meal or food serving in a day. It will dysregulate the insulin-blood sugar balance and can lead to serious unwanted consequences. Insulin is generally taken before a meal and the tablet after a meal. Hence, if you have taken insulin, you need to follow it up with a meal and if you have skipped a meal, you would naturally skip the tablet that follows the meal.
Only medicines or insulin wont control sugar alone. Make healthy food choices; eat smaller portions and less fat, and spread carbohydrates (bread, fruit, milk) throughout the day. If you are overweight, try to lose some weight so you can better use insulin.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Q3: Which fruits can I have?
Ans: Fruits rich in vitamin C is your best companion. Examples include amla, guava and citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruits. Berries (strawberries and blueberries), pears, apples, grapes, avocados, kiwi fruit, papaya, watermelon, pomegranates which are rich in antioxidants are good for a diabetic. They do not add much to your blood sugars and at the same time protect you from other complications.
Also Read: Citrus Fruits and their Benefits
Q4: Can I eat rice in moderation or should I stop it completely?
Ans: White rice is high in sugar and is low in fibre. If you avoid rice completely, especially if you are from a place like south India, it can be difficult and may get you starved. But, for effective control of blood sugars, do not have rice or rice flour items more than once a day. Limiting the consumption to small servings is the secret to not having to avoid it completely. Sprinkling some cinnamon powder or flax seed powder on your rice (or curries) will help to keep blood sugars under check.
Brittle diabetes is diabetes that is especially difficult to manage. Severe, unpredictable swings in blood glucose cause frequent episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re having trouble managing blood sugar.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Q5: I had lots of sweets during a festival, should I take more dose of insulin to compensate for it?
Ans: If you are a Type 1 diabetic on insulin, the best way is to check with a glucometer. You should think of increasing the dose only if 2 or more consecutive measurements are higher than usual. Do not titrate the dose of insulin without checking on the glucometer. One-odd higher value does not need a dose change. But if you are a Type 2 diabetic, there is no need to change the dose or dosage of your tablets. Add in a bit more exercise and foods that reduce sugar level quickly like bitter gourd, raw or boiled vegetables. Avoid fried, spicy and non-vegetarian foods for the next couple of days.
Q6: Any useful dietary tips for diabetics like me?
Ans: Drink plenty of water (preferably with a tinge of lemon). Have green tea daily (not more than twice a day). Limit the intake of caffeine, dry fruits and fruit juices. Nuts like peanuts, almonds can be taken in small portions as they are high in energy and low in sugar. Peas or beans with pods are of great benefit to diabetics. Consumption of animal protein like milk, eggs and meat should be cut down. There should be a gap of 5 hours between 2 servings of food. Regularize your food habits (have food at the same time every day).
Also Read: Turbinado Sugar: Understanding Its Health Impact and Uses
Q7: What is the normal range of blood glucose level?
Ans: Normal range of fasting blood glucose levels are between 70-110 mg/dL and the postprandial (meal) or random glucose levels should not exceed 140 mg/dL. In general, blood sugar levels in non-diabetics should never exceed 140 mg/dL. If your fasting glucose levels are more than 125 mg/dL or random/post-meal glucose levels are more than 140 mg/dL on two different measurements, you would be diagnosed to have diabetes.
Q8: What does fasting blood glucose mean?
Ans: Fasting blood glucose is the measure of glucose levels in your blood after a fasting period of more than 8 hours. For convenience, it is usually done early in the morning before you have your breakfast or take diabetes medicines. It gives a measure of the rate of glucose production by the liver and the body’s production of insulin. For this reason, fasting blood glucose is a more reliable test in type 2 diabetics than type 1 (insulin-dependent).
Also Read: How to Reduce Blood Sugar Level Immediately: Proven Methods and Guidelines
Q9: What is HbA1c? Why is it important to do this test?
Ans: HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin gives you the level of glucose that binds to hemoglobin. Though the average lifespan of a red blood cell is 120 days, cell death and new cell formation are not uniform. Hence, HbA1c is calculated as an average of new and old blood cells and is used to estimate the glycemic status of the last 60 days. Another advantage of this test is that it can be done any time of the day and values are usually the same. An HbA1c level of more than 6.5% usually confirms if a patient is diabetic. It is usually recommended to check your HbA1c every 2 months if you are a diabetic or at risk.
Q10: How often should I check the blood sugar level at home with a glucometer?
Ans: Glucometer testing at home is most beneficial in diabetics who take insulin injections. If you are on a fixed dose of insulin, it would be good enough if you check your blood sugars once or twice a week. But if your sugars are fluctuating, you have frequent episodes of high and low sugars, pregnant or breastfeeding, you are ill or had recent surgery and on prescribed insulin, you need to check your blood sugars before each meal and at bedtime every day. Frequent checking of blood sugars at less than 1-month intervals will usually be not necessary for diabetics on tablets.
To know more about types of diabetes, click here!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Do you have some unanswered questions on diabetes? We have answers to some of your doubts and how you can battle diabetes better. Take a look.
Q1: Is it possible to get rid of diabetes by homoeopathy treatment?
Ans: Diabetes can only be controlled through proper medications and a healthy lifestyle. No one therapy can help you get rid of diabetes completely.
Read More: 5 Effective Steps to Control Diabetes
Q2: Can diabetes cause sudden death?
Ans: In uncontrolled diabetes, sudden cardiac arrest can cause sudden death.
Q3: Why is diabetes so common among middle-aged Indians?
Ans: Obesity, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle are some of the reasons why diabetes is common in the middle age group.
Q4: What is the cause of diabetes among younger people these days?
Ans: Less active lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits are the cause of diabetes in younger adults. In children, the cause for diabetes is a family history of diabetes or diabetes in mothers during pregnancy and resistance to insulin.
Also Read: Bladderwrack: Discovering Its Research-Based Health Benefits
Q5: Today, almost everyone has diabetes. I have a diabetes history in my family too. How can I avoid it?
Ans: Keep yourself physically active. Reducing the amount of junk food, fried food, sugary foods will help in reducing the risk. Also, regular blood sugar testing will help in monitoring the risk of developing uncontrolled diabetes.
Also Read: “Diet Alert: Foods To Avoid While Taking Metformin”
Q6: Can diabetes affect a man’s sperm?
Ans: Yes. Diabetes can reduce the quality of sperm. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction which leads to low testosterone levels resulting in reduced sperm count and low semen quality.
Q7: How long can a diabetic go without insulin?
Ans: If blood sugar levels are well controlled with medications then diabetics can go lifelong without requiring any type of insulin.
Q8: How do insulin injections work in type 2 diabetes?
Ans: In type 2 diabetes there is either resistant to insulin or inadequate production of insulin. If the medications and lifestyle modifications are not able to achieve desired sugar levels then Insulin can help in attaining a better control on blood sugar levels. Also, it has lesser side effects than some medications.
Q9: Does Type 2 diabetes get worse over time?
Ans: If regular follow up with the doctor is done along with regular and proper consumption of medicine & lifestyle modifications then worsening of diabetes can be prevented over time. Only uncontrolled diabetes gets worse over time.
Q10: How do you test for type 2 diabetes?
Ans: Fasting, postprandial (2 hours after a meal), random blood sugar can be measured for diabetes. Also, HbA1c is used to estimate average blood sugar levels in the last 3 months. Urine sugar levels are also measured for diabetes.
Q11: What is the most reliable test for diabetes?
Ans: HbA1c levels is the most reliable test.
Q12: What is the normal blood sugar level for adults?
Ans: Fasting blood sugar- 70-100 mg/dl
Postprandial blood sugar- 80-140mg/dl
Random blood sugar- less than 200mg/dl
Read More: Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
If you want to know the dietary specifications for a diabetic, click here!
Also Read: Can You Drink While Taking Amoxicillin? Uncovering the Facts
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
India is the diabetes capital of the world with over 70 million cases being reported every year. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of awareness about diabetes in the country. World Diabetes Day is an event to make the public aware of the dangers of diabetes.
The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) has decided that the theme of World Diabetes Day this year will be ‘Family and Diabetes’. The focus is on how one’s family can support and help someone who has been diagnosed with Diabetes manage it better.
We all know that diabetes is a complicated disorder. It requires time, patience and discipline to defeat the disease. And in such difficult times, isn’t family the best support system?
Here are 7 ways you can help a loved one manage diabetes better.
1. Educate Yourself
What is the first step in fighting diabetes? Learning everything about it. It is important to know answers to questions like – What type of diabetes is it? How does it affect a person? What complications can arise? What to eat? What exercises are safe for a diabetic?
Many myths are surrounding this disorder that you have to brush away. If you are well informed about diabetes, you will be able to guide your loved ones correctly on their path to recovery.
2. Keep a tab on their blood sugar level
Is your loved one monitoring his blood sugar level? Diabetes patients have to constantly monitor their blood sugar level. You can help them pick a blood sugar test package so that they are aware of their current blood sugar level.
3. Remind them to take their medicines
People with diabetes may need insulin shots every day. Or they may have to take pills or capsules. Since diabetes treatment is long-term, your family member might forget to take the medicines now and then. But even one missed dose can be dangerous. How can you prevent that? Simple, you can set alarms for them to remind them that it’s time for their medication.
4. Help them with the injections
Some people feel uncomfortable pushing the needle into their own veins. It’s perfectly natural. In that case, you can learn how to do it and administer the insulin shots to them every day.
5. Self-testing kits for your loved one
Want an instant blood sugar reading? A blood sugar testing kit can help! These easy to use portable kits are useful if getting a lab test is difficult.
Also Read: Are Bananas Good for Diabetics? A Research-Based Analysis
6. Urge them to eat healthily
Is your loved one fond of sweets? Diabetics should never eat sugary treats. But eliminating them completely from the diet can really upset a person. What can you do? You can use healthier sugar substitutes.
Read More: Diet Tips For Managing Diabetes
7. You can exercise together
Who wants to exercise alone? It’s boring. So, you can accompany your loved ones during workouts and motivate them to give their best. Losing weight and vigorous physical activity can stabilize blood sugar levels. Read more about the health benefits of exercise.
The support you give to your family members can help immensely in his fight against diabetes. Help them live an active and healthy life with your support.
Read More: 5 Effective Ways to Control Diabetes
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
