Why Cannot Reduce Blood Sugar although Doing the Right Things?

Hi dear readers.

I wanted to thank you for following us and getting the time to read this new article.

Today, I wanted to share with you the concern of Mercy Cachero regarding her mother in law, who is not able to reduce her blood sugar although doing the right things according to her.

Have her mail as following:

"Hi,

I'm Mercy. My mother in law is diabetic and i'm wondering why no matter how we reduce her food intake no sugar on her drinks, but still her blood sugar keeps on rising?

I'm having problems right now on what kind of diet I would serve her. Can u give a list of fruits and vegetables to give her?

Right now she's taking okra every morning and oatmeal but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right.

Please help me. Her diabetes is hereditary by the way.

Thank you"

Firstly, I would like to emphasize, Mercy, that regulating blood sugar levels is not only about consuming appropriate foods. Factors such as exercise, stress management, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits (such as avoiding smoking and alcohol), and incorporating certain herbs in the diet can all contribute to normalizing or stabilizing blood glucose levels.

In relation to your question, a comprehensive approach is necessary when managing diabetes. It is crucial to consume foods from all the different food groups, as our body needs all the nutrients provided by these groups to function properly. It is not advisable to follow a one-line diet that eliminates or overemphasizes certain food groups (such as high-fat or high-protein diets that eliminate carbohydrates).

In my opinion, carbohydrates are essential nutrients that should not be entirely eliminated from the diet. They can be incorporated into the diet in the right amounts and complemented with exercise to prevent them from being deposited as fat and causing a vicious cycle of weight gain.

In regards to creating a menu for your mother-in-law, more information is necessary to design a diabetic menu that is tailored to her specific needs. Data such as her weight, age, mobility, current health conditions, your location, and traditional food habits are essential in creating a menu that provides the right nutrients for her daily needs.

Although I might not have such data, I would advise as following:

Simple Breakfast Diabetic Recipe:

Vegetable omelette: Cook a two-egg omelette with chopped vegetables (such as mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers), and serve with a side of fresh fruit.

Sharing Greek yogurt with berries and nuts recipe: Combine 1 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt with a handful of mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) and a small handful of unsalted nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios). Sprinkle with a small amount of cinnamon for added flavor.

However, you should exercise as the energy you are taking with foods should never be stored. That will cause further problems.

Dinner

It is of our tradition to use yoghurt (Greece yoghurt as it is of our specialty although not being in Greece:).

So, for dinner we use to have yoghurt with whole grain bread.

Sometimes, we use to have rice (boiled or steamed) with some kind of sauces - or with just yoghurt).

Dinner meal should be as light as possible to avoid bedtime sugar spikes or hypoglycemia.

Furthermore, try to eat dinner at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to ensure you meal is totally absorbed and used and not being stored.

When having meat, poultry should be your basic at least 3 times a week. The other days, fish is of great choice.

Try to have meat for lunch; avoid eating it during dinner. As fish is considered a "light" meal, you can have it whenever you want:)

Hope I have given some ideas based on my local traditions:))).

All the best!

References:

• Diabetics diet plan
• Follow Diabetes Friendly Diet

Written by Dr.Albana Greca Sejdini, Md, MMedSc       

Medically reviewed by Dr.Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist

Last reviewed: 02/12/2023