Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Five ways to control sugar levels while eating

Darpan News Desk IANS, 15 Nov, 2022 02:32 PM
  • Five ways to control sugar levels while eating

A lot of people think a simple portion of dal and rice is healthy, but it is mainly comprised of carbs! Thinking it's healthy, they overeat these quantities and then complain about sugar levels or fatty stomachs.

The main agenda is to have balanced meals which are your protein as the top priority, low GI carbs especially for Diabetic people, lot of veggies and good fats.

White sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, beet sugar - all of these are types of sucrose. Sucrose is a disaccharide, meaning it is made up of two simple sugars: glucose and fructose. It is found in nature but is also produced commercially from either sugar cane or sugar beets. Sugar occurs naturally in all fruits and vegetables; however, it is the added sugars that are of concern. The over-consumption of added sugars has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. So how can we control our sugar intake?

What is diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when your body doesn't produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin that it does produce doesn't work properly.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy.

If you have diabetes, your body can't break down sugar correctly, and this causes your blood sugar level to become too high. Over time, if blood sugar levels aren't controlled, they can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.

The good news is that there are things you can do to control your blood sugar level. Eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and taking medication (if prescribed by your doctor) can all help to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

There are a few different symptoms of diabetes. They include:

Excessive thirst

Frequent urination

Weight loss

Increased hunger

Fatigue

Blurred vision

If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor right away. They can run some tests and let you know for sure if you have diabetes.

What are the three ways to control sugar levels while eating?

If you are worried about your sugar levels, here are three ways that you can control them while eating.

Watch your portion sizes. When it comes to sugary foods, it is important to be aware of how much you are consuming. Be mindful of your portion sizes and try to limit yourself to a small amount.

Choose natural sugars over processed ones. When given the choice, opt for foods that contain natural sugars rather than processed ones. This way, you can help regulate your sugar intake and avoid spikes in your levels.

Avoid sugary drinks. Drinks like sodas and juices can contain high amounts of sugar, so it is best to avoid them if possible. Stick to water or unsweetened tea instead to help keep your sugar levels in check.

Exercise. The end of it's all about physical activity, this doesn't mean you have to spend 2-3 hours in the gym on daily basis. Simply take a 20-minute walk before sleeping so the sugar levels can be balanced back slightly. Also after the walk, you will be sleeping for a minimum of 8 to 10 hours which automatically puts your body in a fasting state resulting in better insulin regulation + sugar control.

Include protein with every meal or snack. Protein helps to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, which can help to keep your blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating. So be sure to include a source of protein at every meal or snack time or a general thumb rule of consuming a minimum of 0.8g of protein per KG of body weight.

By following these five tips, you can control your sugar levels while still enjoying the foods you love. Make sure to monitor your sugar intake, limit sugary beverages, and include more healthy foods in your diet. By doing so, you'll be on your way to better blood sugar control and a healthier lifestyle overall.

Photo courtesy of IStock. 

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

Is it safe to fast in pregnancy?

Is it safe to fast in pregnancy?
You are nourishing not only your body when pregnant, but also that of your unborn child. Your infant will fast if you do. Your blood sugar levels may rise during a fast without food or water, and you could become lightheaded. Fasting on any day is strongly discouraged if you have any pregnancy issues, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, among others as this puts both you and your unborn child in grave danger.

Is it safe to fast in pregnancy?

5 lifestyle changes to keep sickness at bay

5 lifestyle changes to keep sickness at bay
Did you know that there are certain techniques to keep the sickness at bay regardless of many other circumstances? This can be accomplished by eating the correct foods.  Many factors contribute significantly to the prevention of illness.

5 lifestyle changes to keep sickness at bay

Detoxify your body effectively post Diwali celebrations

Detoxify your body effectively post Diwali celebrations
You must have eaten your fair share of delicacies. While indulging in your favourite food, it is also important to maintain a healthy balance. Binge eating at a festival also means your body is filling up on toxins, which can make you feel sick or lethargic.  Here are five ways to help your body detoxify efficiently post-festival. 

Detoxify your body effectively post Diwali celebrations

Why we should never skip breakfast

Why we should never skip breakfast
Studies have also proven that having breakfast reduces the chances of getting Diabetes since it minimises the insulin spikes in your blood and keeps insulin resistance at bay. By skipping breakfast, you allow your body's insulin levels to drop and spike again sharply post lunch - the most foolproof way to getting Type 2 Diabetes.

Why we should never skip breakfast

Health tips as per Ayurvedic principles for a guilt-free Diwali

Health tips as per Ayurvedic principles for a guilt-free Diwali
Diwali is the ideal time to renew yourself, a fresh new start, a new beginning of a new journey to good health. Take an Ayurveda Detox and Cleanse to correct the imbalances in your body and arrest the onset of any diseases. 

Health tips as per Ayurvedic principles for a guilt-free Diwali

Yoga to cope with depression, stress, and anxiety

Yoga to cope with depression, stress, and anxiety
Yoga provides a systematic method, along with a structured approach towards managing and treating mental conditions to provide relief to individuals over time. The benefits of yoga are many. The myriad asanas and breathing exercises help in improving bodily functioning, while also strengthening the individual's mind. Yoga can be a useful means to supplement psychotherapeutic treatment for depression, anxiety and stress.

Yoga to cope with depression, stress, and anxiety