Uncle Zhang used to be an optimistic gardener in the community, and after retirement, he always smiled and chatted with his neighbors and shared the vegetables he grown.
However, this former gardening uncle suddenly collapsed because of high blood sugar and was never able to stand up again.
Uncle Zhang is a diabetic who has been sick for several years, he thinks he eats lightly, eats vegetarian every day, and occasionally does not touch sweets, why did he suddenly pass away?
This incident caused quite a stir in the community, after all, Uncle Zhang seemed to be quite healthy all along.
1. Hyperglycemia and its serious consequences
High blood sugar is a word that is like a bomb in the world of diabetics, and if you are not careful, it can trigger a chain reaction and eventually cause a catastrophe. Uncle Zhang's example is a living lesson.
Improper blood sugar control can not only cause inconveniences in daily life, but can also lead to a range of serious complications.
Ketoacidosis, for example, is not a joke, it can be a big problem that threatens life directly.
It was for this reason that Uncle Zhang's blood sugar soared to an alarming number, which eventually led to the tragedy.
You think, if a person's blood sugar is high to a certain level, the sugar in the body cannot be converted into energy normally, at this time, the body has to find other ways to obtain energy, which is to break down fat.
But the problem is that ketones are produced in the process of fat breakdown, and once this thing accumulates too much, it will lead to ketoacidosis, and in severe cases, people will not be able to stand it.
Think about it, if Uncle Zhang had realized this problem earlier, maybe the result would not have been so bad.
2. Common misunderstandings of diabetic patients: starch intake
When it comes to Uncle Zhang's diet, he himself feels that he eats very healthy. His vegetarian diet is not a casual vegetarian diet, and he grows organic vegetables every day, which looks refreshing and refreshing.
What he didn't realize, however, was that he was consuming a lot of starch every day, especially potatoes and sweet potatoes, which he loved so much.
Although these things are vegetables, the starch content is frighteningly high, and after eating them, the sugar in the body is like chicken blood, and it suddenly goes up.
Excessive starch intake is simply chronic suicide for diabetics. You think, as soon as this starch enters the body, it is converted into glucose, and the blood sugar immediately goes up to the sky.
For an elderly diabetic like Uncle Zhang, once his blood sugar can't be controlled, it's out of control.
He thought he was eating lightly, but in fact, he unknowingly pushed his blood sugar to a dangerous edge.
This is the misunderstanding of many diabetic patients, thinking that as long as they don't eat meat and sweets, their blood sugar will not be high, but in fact, starch is the silent killer.
3. Identification and selection of high-risk foods
In the dietary management of people with diabetes, it is crucial to identify and choose the right foods. While many people consider a vegetarian diet to be a healthy choice, not all vegetarian diets are suitable for diabetics.
For example, some starch-rich root vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and taro, are naturally rich in fiber, but their high glycemic index (GI) can cause blood sugar to rise rapidly.
In addition, some processed vegetarian products, such as vegan meat or vegan sausages, often have high amounts of added sugar, salt and other chemical additives, which are also detrimental to blood sugar control.
Although fruits are a healthy food source, diabetics also need to be cautious when choosing them. For example, fruits such as bananas, grapes, and cherries are high in sugar and should not be consumed in excess.
Comparatively, fruits with a lower sugar content, such as blueberries, strawberries, and apples, are more suitable.
By understanding the nutrient content and blood sugar effects of various foods, people with diabetes can better manage their diet and avoid foods that may seem harmless but may actually cause blood sugar spikes.
4. Healthy Eating Guidelines: Dietary Choices for Diabetics
A healthy diet for people with diabetes is not only about limiting foods high in sugar, but also about choosing the right food types and paying attention to the total amount of food.
The basic principle of a healthy diet is a balanced intake of a variety of nutrients, including moderate amounts of protein, healthy fats, and low GI carbohydrates.
For example, whole grains, legumes, and most leafy greens are excellent sources of carbohydrates because they are rich in fiber, which can help slow down the rise in blood sugar.
At the same time, people with diabetes should increase their intake of healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and fish oil, which are high in unsaturated fatty acids and can help improve cardiovascular health without causing sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
In terms of protein choices, it is recommended to choose low-fat meats such as chicken breast, fish or plant-based proteins such as tofu and legumes.
With such a balanced diet, not only can diabetics control their blood sugar, but they can also improve their overall health.
5. The importance of medical intervention and family support
For people with diabetes, professional medical intervention and comprehensive family support are the two pillars of managing the disease. Medical intervention is not limited to the initial diagnosis of diabetes, but also includes continuous blood glucose monitoring, regular medical evaluation, and appropriate medication adjustments.
For example, an endocrinologist may adjust insulin doses or recommend other drug regimens based on the patient's blood glucose history, lifestyle habits, and risk of complications. However, the doctor's efforts are only one aspect, and the support of the family is also indispensable.
The understanding and assistance of family members can significantly increase the patient's willingness and effectiveness in complying with the treatment plan. Family support includes encouraging healthy eating, participating in physical activity together, and even helping with emotional management.
Especially in diabetes management, mood swings can also affect blood sugar levels, so in a harmonious family environment, it is easier for patients to maintain emotional stability and avoid abnormal blood sugar caused by mood swings.
epilogue
We can't change the genetic factors, but we can greatly reduce the risk and effects of diabetes through daily efforts.
Healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, regular medical check-ups and family care – these seemingly simple elements make up a strong line of defense against diabetes.
Finally, we should remember not only how to avoid the dangers of high blood sugar, but also how to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Diabetes should not define a person's life, but should be part of how we manage and overcome it together. Let's move forward together to build a future of support and hope for people living with diabetes.