Why Cannot Reduce Blood Sugar although Doing the Right Things?

by Mercy Cachero

Hi dear readers.


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"


First of all, I want to make you understand Mercy that blood sugar cannot be reduced only by eating the right foods.

Exercise, managing stress, following healthy lifestyle habits (like no smoking, no alcohol, etc.), using certain herbs can enhance the chances to bring the blood glucose to normal or acceptable levels.

Now, what you are asking about is related to only a part of actions one diabetic should do to optimize one's blood sugar. So, the general rule is to eat from each type of foods because your body needs all of them to work properly.

It is not advisable to follow only-one line diet because it may cause deficiencies or suffices in the body nutrients.

In other words, one-line diets are based only on high fat or high protein, eliminating the carbohydrates.

To my opinion, carbohydrates are essential nutrients to our body. If we find the right way to use them (let's say exercise), they will not be deposited, so you won't become fat, which, in fact, will end up in a closed circle.

You are asking me to prepare a menu for your mother in law. I do lack many of your data:

- her weight

- her age

- her ability to move

- other diseases she might be suffering

- your location

- your traditional habits


All these data will give a hand in designing the right menu to your mother in law to give her the right nutrients according to her daily needs.

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


Breakfast


1 slice of toasted bread

1
glass of milk (low-fat)

1 slice of cheese (10 gram)

or whole grains mixed with fruits or milk


There is an old tradition in my country to use okra in the morning (as you are doing) together with parsley.

Actually, okra is a good source of fiber; while parsley is a good source of vitamin C. So, it is a good way to wake up as diabetics lack energy.



Snack Time (10:00-11:00)



Mixed fruits with/without yoghurt/peanut butter or crackers or nuts

As time is passing you need energy, because the released insulin or your diabetic pills are increasing your hunger.



Lunch Time


Soups (mixed vegetables with added olive oil) or

Mixed boiled spinach-rice.

Have water instead of drinks or fruit juice (home-made)

You can have whole grain bread (up to 2 slices)


Keep in mind that these menu tips are based on my local tradition. That is why I have asked about your local traditions too so you can prepare dishes based on them.

Modifying the existing dished according to diabetic needs are also a useful way of preparing foods.



Snack Time - Afternoon

If you had fruits during the a.m. snack-time, you can have crackers or nuts to cut the hunger in the afternoon snack time.

I repeat again, eating often and in small portion is a good way to keep your blood sugar at a steady range.

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, use fish.

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!

Dr.Alba

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