Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Is It Possible To Lower Sugar Levels By Diet ?
I had a blood test for my sugar levels. In 2009 they were 5.5 and 3 weeks ago they were at 6.4. I ve been living a diabetic style diet since the readings and wonder if the levels can be lowered by diet. I m 74 kgs. and been going to the gym 3 times a week over the past 4 years under guidance from various trainers. I also bike ride 30 kms.each Saturday. I m retired, male and 68 years old. Tomorrow I am having a glucose tolerance test . That will be an interesting result. Is it possible to lower sugar levels by diet? Cheers AAAAA
Tue, 2 Apr 2013
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
Diabetes is a multi organ disease with involvement of almost all organs of body due to its complications.
Blood sugar both fasting and postprandial must be in controlled range.
Diabetes is due to progressive loss or destruction of beta cells in endocrinal part of pancreas.
When diabetes has been diagnosed, less than 20% beta cells remains in pancreas and progressive destruction of beta cells is still continuing.
With the help of diet modification, control of blood sugar can be maintained very well but absolute with diet control and life style modification alone is not possible.
A diabetic patient may have to take insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents for control of sugar.
You have to take medication along with dietary changes for optimal control of sugar.
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
Thanks for posting your query.
Diabetes is a multi organ disease with involvement of almost all organs of body due to its complications.
Blood sugar both fasting and postprandial must be in controlled range.
Diabetes is due to progressive loss or destruction of beta cells in endocrinal part of pancreas.
When diabetes has been diagnosed, less than 20% beta cells remains in pancreas and progressive destruction of beta cells is still continuing.
With the help of diet modification, control of blood sugar can be maintained very well but absolute with diet control and life style modification alone is not possible.
A diabetic patient may have to take insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents for control of sugar.
You have to take medication along with dietary changes for optimal control of sugar.
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
What you eat and how much you eat,definitely has an impact on your blood glucose levels.
The food that you eat always play a part in helping to lower blood sugar levels.
Low-glycemic foods that are digested more slowly by the body are a better option. High-glycemic foods enter the bloodstream easily and rapidly, causing the pancreas to work harder to produce insulin.
Low-glycemic foods that can help lower blood sugar levels include high fiber fruits, oatmeal, peanuts, beans, peas, and granola. High-glycemic foods include potatoes, rice, and white bread.
Fast foods should always be avoided. The fat and sugar content in most fast foods is extremely high. Always look for a healthier option.
Along with diet other way to lower your blood sugar levels is to stay fit and healthy.
Regular exercise not only helps lower blood sugar levels, but also helps fight infections. Staying active and taking regular exercise can also help with blood pressure problems. Exercise also helps control the body's weight and regulate cholesterol levels.
Thanks
What you eat and how much you eat,definitely has an impact on your blood glucose levels.
The food that you eat always play a part in helping to lower blood sugar levels.
Low-glycemic foods that are digested more slowly by the body are a better option. High-glycemic foods enter the bloodstream easily and rapidly, causing the pancreas to work harder to produce insulin.
Low-glycemic foods that can help lower blood sugar levels include high fiber fruits, oatmeal, peanuts, beans, peas, and granola. High-glycemic foods include potatoes, rice, and white bread.
Fast foods should always be avoided. The fat and sugar content in most fast foods is extremely high. Always look for a healthier option.
Along with diet other way to lower your blood sugar levels is to stay fit and healthy.
Regular exercise not only helps lower blood sugar levels, but also helps fight infections. Staying active and taking regular exercise can also help with blood pressure problems. Exercise also helps control the body's weight and regulate cholesterol levels.
Thanks
I find this answer helpful
3 Doctors agree with this answer
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Yes - diet WILL lower / and it is the basic pillar of treatment alone or along with exercise, even when one is on tablets and/or insulin.
There will be a lot of information, you need to know - the amount of carbohydrate (%), the nature (simple or complex), bio-availability, glycemic index and so on. A good dietician is a must to explain the nuances...
Go for GTT / also have HbA1c estimated at the same time...
Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Yes - diet WILL lower / and it is the basic pillar of treatment alone or along with exercise, even when one is on tablets and/or insulin.
There will be a lot of information, you need to know - the amount of carbohydrate (%), the nature (simple or complex), bio-availability, glycemic index and so on. A good dietician is a must to explain the nuances...
Go for GTT / also have HbA1c estimated at the same time...
Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Diabetes
Loading Online Doctors....