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Diabetic for 20 years, fasting sugar high, weakness, nerve pain, leg cramps: How to manage diet?

Komal Jethmalani |374 Answers |Ask -Follow

Dietician, Diabetes Expert - Answered on Jul 07, 2024

Komal Jethmalani is a practising dietician and nutritionist with over 26 years of experience.
She specialises in weight loss and diabetes management.
Jethmalani has completed her MSc in food and nutrition from SNDT University and trained at Jaslok Hospital.
She is a NDEP-certified diabetes educator.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 05, 2024Hindi

Madam i am suffering from diabetes from last 20 years ,my fasting sugar is not in control as it comes as 175-180 however my postprandial sugar reading is ok with 135-145, but i am feeling weakness , i am a vegetarian, but for protein i take eggs 2 to 3 days in breakfast in a week, Can you help me to get fit my body as i have no. of issues of nerve pain in my legs, cramps ,How i can get good diet so i can get balanced diet as a diabetic patient.

Ans: As a vegetarian with diabetes, you can focus on nutrient-rich foods to stabilize blood sugars and improve your well-being. Include plenty of protein sources such as beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, yogurt, tofu, tempeh, and edamame. Opt for healthy fats like flax, hemp, and chia seeds. Choose whole grains such as oats, quinoa, bulgur, and sprouted bread. These provide fiber and slow down digestion, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes. Include spinach, kale, and other greens. Fruits with skin (such as apples and pears) are excellent choices. They provide antioxidants and fiber. Avoid foods and beverages with added sugars. Exercise regularly.

DISCLAIMER: The answer provided by rediffGURUS is for informational and general awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

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Question by Saraf - Oct 19, 2020Hindi

I am a 62-year-old man, weight 83 kgs, mostly sitting work, living in Noida.I am diabetic for over 25 years. I wake up in the morning between 5.30 am to 6 am and take warm water with lemon/alovera/giloy.I then walk for about 45 minutes.I take tea with two Marie biscuits and about 30-40 gms of namkeen.For breakfast, I have two chapattis/poha/sandwich/any item.Lunch is three chapattis of wheat/ragi+besan.Evening, I have small quantity of fruit -- apple or any seasonal fruit, but not banana.Dinner is at about 8 pm; I have two chapattis.I go to sleep between 10 pm and 10.30 pm.I take medicine with insulin but my sugar level fasting does remains 180-200.-- Saraf

Ans:

Your situation may seem difficult to you, but it isn't reversible.

Diabetes with excess weight is a condition which can be overcome with healthy habits.

Lack of endurance and insulin resistance is a sign of uncontrolled sugar levels.

To bring a change, you must include aerobic and strengthening exercises which will increase your lean mass and metabolism.

Include healthy foods in your diet like oats, dalia, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, which contain lots of fibre. This will help increase your metabolism and thereby reduce your blood sugar levels.

Protein-rich foods are necessary for sustenance, so include foods like dairy products, eggs (if permissible), lentils, nuts, soya, etc.

Reduce too much namkeen, which is not healthy and has lots of trans fats, salt and additional calories, which will spike the blood sugar levels.

A balanced diet that contains essential nutrients, and a modification of your habits, will result in a healthy lifestyle geared towards fitness.

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Dietician, Diabetes Expert - Answered on Mar 08, 2023