The word “diabetes” reminds us of the big “NO” to sugar. Most of us love sweets and sugary foods, and we are often told to avoid them when diagnosed with diabetes. However, it is important to learn that regulating diabetes is not merely confined to the intake of sugary foods. So, if you are wondering whether it is just eating sugar affecting your blood sugar or something more exists to take care of, you can find this blog very helpful.
Well, being a diabetic, you need to understand the concept behind the sugar level. Generally, when you are diagnosed with diabetes, you are actually under threat of excess intake of sugar. Sugar levels are not just confined to the sugary foodstuff but are also related to the conversion of food into glucose. Whatever we eat or take in our body gets converted into glucose: which is a simple form of sugar. This Blood Sugar Level (BSL) needs to be monitored regularly. What you eat in your diet impacts diabetes. So, you need to keep a check on what you eat.
A word of caution for diabetics
Do you find it difficult to stabilize your sugar levels after eating? This is the most challenging task for every diabetic person. Here is the solution and some key facts about diabetes that you should be aware of:
- Diabetes can be controlled and managed
- Diabetes is a lifelong chronic problem
- Diabetes should be managed well
- Understanding Blood Sugar Levels (BSL) is very important for managing diabetes
- A healthy lifestyle can help you overcome the diabetes problem
Diabetes and Food Choices
You make food choices every day. Isn’t it? Sometimes you can’t resist opting for French fries over fresh fruit or white bread over whole wheat. This is a common complaint of diabetic patients. The quality of the food which you select is very important. You also need to pay attention to the quantity of food you eat if you are diabetic. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol parameters are very important when making an effort to follow and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Understanding how food affects blood glucose is the first step to managing diabetes well.
Why do Diabetics Crave Sugar or Sweet Tasty Food?
Understanding Symptoms of Diabetes
- Polyphagia (increased appetite)
- Polydipsia (increased thirst)
- Polyuria (increased urination)
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Low stamina
- Itching or rashes
- Prone to infections
All these contribute to an increase in the craving for foods and sweets.
Healthy Food Options for Diabetic Patients
Diabetics need to be watchful and careful about what they eat. Here, is an important step for a meal plan for diabetics
- Eat smart
- Eat small portions
- Eat at regular intervals of 2 or 3 hours
- Eat healthily
- Control and manage blood glucose levels
- Take your medications regularly. Do not skip them.
| Favorite foods | Substitute healthy foods for diabetics |
| White bread | 100% Whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal |
| Dairy products | Natural Low fat and non-fat dairy products with no added sugar |
| Non-veg | Boiled chicken and lean meat, boiled eggs |
| Aerated drinks | Coconut water, Fresh fruit juices with no added sugar |
| White sugar | Honey, jaggery |
| Regular Cooking oil | Extra virgin Olive Oil |
| Regular white rice | Quinoa and Oats |
| Regular tea and coffee | Green tea |
| Foods with carbohydrates | Power-packed protein foods |
One thing which is common to note in the substitute healthy food list is that they are foods with a low Glycemic Index (GI). Low glycemic food is the best choice for diabetics. So, eat smart and indulge in these substitute healthy foods for regulating your blood sugar levels and leading a healthy life.
- Written by Dr. Rati, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah
