What is a suitable dietary regimen for a diabetic person?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am concerned about my uncle's health. He is currently 56 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for the past five years. He is taking Metformin medication. Additionally, he follows a high-sodium diet, consuming a lot of pickles and adding extra salt to his food. I am worried that this diet might have adverse effects on his health. What potential health problems could arise from this diet? Is it essential to change his diet immediately, and if so, what specific changes should be made? Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. Yes, your concerns are valid as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many other medical issues. I would suggest checking HbA1c levels and getting a personalized diet plan. For customized diet plans, more details such as height, weight, age, and medical issues are needed. However, I can provide you with some quick tips and I suggest he follow the below-mentioned instructions:

Avoid sodas and sweet drinks like aerated drinks and tetra pack fruit juices as they are high in carbs, which can increase blood sugar. Their high fructose content is linked to insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver, and other diseases.
Stay away from refined carbs like white bread, pasta, and rice, as they are low in fiber and have a high glycemic index, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Be cautious of fruit-flavored yogurts, which are low in fat but high in sugar.
Avoid breakfast cereals like cornflakes, sugar-coated muesli, and sugar-coated wheat flakes.
Avoid consuming sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, jaggery, and regular sugar.
Avoid packaged snacks as they are often highly processed foods made from refined flour, which can rapidly raise blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain.
Limit the intake of fruits with a high glycemic index and load, such as bananas, mangoes, dates, and raisins.
Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, yam, colocasia, beetroot, squash, corn, and sweet potatoes.
Reduce salt intake by using less salt in cooking, replacing salt with herbs and spices, avoiding commercial soups and gravies with high salt content, and using salt substitutes.
Refrain from walking barefoot.

I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.