5 Factors That May Hinder Diabetes Control
The “NDTV” website revealed that managing diabetes is not just about the type of food you eat, but also how you eat it, along with other lifestyle-related factors.
According to the website, living with diabetes can be extremely challenging and may cause anxiety about taking medications on time, monitoring blood sugar levels, and ensuring the consumption of the right foods. Some foods may not be suitable for you, as they can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
These foods include carbohydrate-rich beverages and foods, processed meats, fried foods, and the most dangerous of all—sugar. While removing these foods from your diet is beneficial, some people still struggle to manage their diabetes. So, where is the mistake? Are you missing something? Well, it’s not just about the type of food you consume, but also how you consume it, along with other lifestyle factors. If you are unable to manage your diabetes, here’s where you might be going wrong, as shared by nutrition expert Shweta J. Panchal.
5 other factors, aside from sugar, that make diabetes control difficult:
- Replacing sugar with jaggery or honey
Sugar is one of the major restrictions in a diabetic diet. It is something you must consume in moderation, and even then, only occasionally. However, replacing sugar with jaggery or honey won’t help. Let’s not forget that jaggery and honey also contain sugar, and consuming them in excess may make diabetes management harder. According to Shweta, portion control is key when consuming these.
- Eating too many simple carbohydrates
You should also avoid consuming too many simple carbohydrates. Simple carbs are digested quickly and can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. The nutritionist suggests enriching your diet with a balance of simple and complex carbs. Complex carbs take longer to digest and help keep blood sugar levels under control. So, make sure to include oats, quinoa, or brown rice in your diet.
- Eating meals without enough protein
The amount of protein you consume also plays a big role in managing diabetes. If you are only eating roti and sabzi in your meals, it’s time to change that. Protein breaks down into glucose slowly, ensuring that blood sugar levels don’t fluctuate. Shweta says, “It’s important to include protein in all your meals throughout the day.”
- Not starting your meal with fiber
According to the nutrition expert, you should always start your meal with a source of fiber. Opt for a tasty salad or a hearty soup. This works in your favor because fiber helps control blood sugar levels. When you eat something after having fiber-rich food, your blood sugar level remains under control. On the other hand, skipping fiber can lead to rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.
- Lack of physical activity
Another reason you may not be able to manage your diabetes is due to lack of physical activity. You may be following all the dietary guidelines, but if you are not physically active, it can be harder for your body to manage blood sugar levels, and this could be why your sugar levels remain high. Shweta advises, “Make sure to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine, as this will help improve insulin sensitivity.”
