How can a diabetic patient plan their diet to prevent nutrition deficiency?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 56-year-old female. I have been diabetic for the past seven years. I take Metformin and Pioglitazone for that. My question is whether taking only plant-based food causes any nutrition deficiency since they say diabetic people are prone to have vitamin B12 deficiency. In that case, does animal protein cause cholesterol issues, or how should I plan my diet?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your query and concern.

First, you need to keep track of your Hba1c (glycated hemoglobin) for diabetes control. The glycemic load of the meal is important, as excess sugar will lead to conversion in fat and increased diabetes complications. Here are a few tips to manage your intake without getting worried about cholesterol.

Following are my suggestions:

1. Consume complex carbohydrates like whole wheat, quinoa, brown rice, oats, and broken wheat (dalia) because they are high in fiber, and fiber helps delay the process of sugar release from foods.

2. Other fiber-rich foods like sprouts, lentils, salads, green leafy vegetables, and whole fruits should be taken in the diet.

3. Small and frequent meals to be taken.

4. A brisk walk for a minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days a week is compulsory.

5. Regular self-monitoring of blood sugars is extremely important.

The following has to be avoided:

1. Sodas and sweet drinks like aerated drinks and tetra-pack fruit juices are to be avoided in the diet because they are high in carbohydrates, which increase blood sugar. Also, their high fructose content has been linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of obesity, fatty liver, and other diseases.

2. Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice are low in fiber, and they are high in glycemic index. This combination can result in high blood sugar levels.

3. Fruit-flavored yogurts are usually low in fat but high in sugar.

4. Breakfast cereals like cornflakes, sugar-coated muesli, and sugar-coated wheat flakes.

5. Honey, maple syrup, jaggery, and sugar.

6. Packaged snacks are typically highly processed foods made from refined flour that can quickly raise your blood sugar levels.

7. Fruits like bananas, sapodilla, mangoes, dates, munakka, and raisins are high in glycemic index and load and thus need to be avoided.

8. Starchy vegetables, like potatoes, Yam (Zimikand), Colocasia (Arbi), beetroot, squash, corn, and sweet potatoes need to be avoided.

9. Eat less salt. Use less salt in cooking, and replace salt with other herbs and spices. Cut out commercial soups and gravies that have a very high salt content and use a salt substitute.

10. Do not walk barefoot.

Hope this addresses your query and concern.

Kind regards.