Recently, Uncle Li often feels physically exhausted, has abnormal thirst, and frequently goes to the toilet. I thought that these were just small problems common to the elderly, but one morning he almost fainted, and his family rushed him to the hospital.

In the hospital, the doctor took the examination report and said solemnly: "Uncle Li, your fasting blood sugar is as high as 2.0mmol/L, which has reached the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. ”

Uncle Li was shocked and asked, "But doctor, I rarely eat sweets, how can I still get diabetes?" ”

As a GP, I often encounter such situations. Many patients are still stuck in the old notion that eating less sugar can prevent diabetes, and in fact controlling diabetes is far more complicated than you think.

I comforted him and said, "Uncle Li, there are various causes of diabetes, including genetics, obesity, lack of exercise and other factors. But don't worry, you can completely control diabetes by adjusting your diet and lifestyle scientifically. ”

"I've heard that black beans are good for diabetics, is that true?" Uncle Li asked eagerly.

I smiled and nodded in response: "That's right, black beans are indeed one of the 'good helpers' for diabetics, but it alone is not enough. To control blood sugar more effectively, you also need to pay attention to your intake of a variety of foods. ”

Seeing his confused eyes, I decided to explain to him in detail the dietary precautions for diabetics.

Let's take a closer look at the miraculous effects of black beans, which are rich in protein, dietary fiber and a variety of trace elements. Isoflavones have insulin-like effects and help lower blood sugar levels.

In addition, the anthocyanins in it can also resist oxidation and protect blood vessels. However, remember not to rely solely on black beans to manage your blood sugar.

I often meet patients who have heard that certain foods are good for diabetes and eat them in large quantities, which backfires.

"Uncle Li, the key to blood sugar control is balance," I emphasized, "In addition to black beans, there are several other foods that are beneficial for diabetics, let's learn about them one by one." ”

Bitter melon: This specially-flavored vegetable contains a substance called "plant insulin", which helps lower blood sugar. However, care should be taken not to eat raw or in excess, as it may cause stomach pain or diarrhea.

Oats: Rich in soluble dietary fiber, it can delay sugar absorption and stabilize blood sugar, and the recommended daily amount is controlled at 50-0 grams.

Deep-sea fish: Rich in vitamin Omega-150 fatty acids, which help improve insulin sensitivity. Consume 0-0 grams 0-0 times a week.

Green tea: rich in catechins and other polyphenols, with antioxidant and hypoglycemic functions. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach to avoid irritating the stomach.

Nuts: Moderate intake provides high-quality protein and healthy fats, which can help control blood sugar. Pay attention to control your intake, just one handful a day.

"Doctor, these all sound good, but how exactly should you eat them?" Uncle Li asked. I smiled and replied, "Good question!" In fact, the key is to match it properly. I'll give you a simple diet plan. ”

Breakfast can be oatmeal with boiled eggs and some nuts; For lunch, choose brown rice, stir-fried bitter gourd and steamed fish; Dinner can be multigrain porridge, stir-fried vegetables with a little lean meat; You can eat some black beans or drink a cup of green tea in moderation with a meal.

"It's important to remember to control your total calorie intake. The staple food of each meal should be moderate, and vegetables can be eaten appropriately. I added.

Uncle Li nodded thoughtfully: "Doctor, it doesn't feel difficult to listen to your explanation." But sometimes I can't help but want to eat something sweet, what should I do? ”

Many people with diabetes face this problem. I understand their feelings, after all, there will be temptations in life.

"Uncle Li, it's not impossible to eat some sweets once in a while, the key is to eat in moderation." I patiently explained, "You can choose low-sugar fruits such as strawberries, grapefruits, etc.; If you're craving something for dessert, try making it with a sugar substitute or opt for dark chocolate with a lower sugar content. But don't cut back on your meals because of this, as this can lead to greater fluctuations in your blood sugar. ”

Speaking of this, I suddenly remembered an interesting story to share with Uncle Li: "There is a diabetic who hears that black beans are good, so he eats a big bowl of black bean rice every day. As a result, a month later, the blood sugar not only did not drop, but increased. It turned out that he reduced the intake of other foods to supplement black beans, and as a result, the nutritional balance was broken. It can be seen that no matter how good the food is, it should be in moderation. ”

After listening to this, Uncle Li suddenly realized: "I understand, it turns out that there is so much attention to blood sugar control." Is there anything else to pay attention to besides diet? ”

"I'm glad you asked!" I said, "Diet is only part of controlling blood sugar. Exercising moderately, maintaining a good attitude, taking your medications on time, and having regular check-ups are all equally important. ”

I recommend that Uncle Li stick to moderate-intensity exercise for more than 30 minutes every day, such as brisk walking, swimming or tai chi. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help control blood sugar.

But it's a good idea to check your blood sugar before you start. If your blood sugar is too low (below 7.0 mmol/L) or too high (above 0.0 mmol/L), you should not exercise.

"At the same time, it's important to maintain an optimistic and positive attitude." I emphasize, "Studies have found that long-term negative emotions may affect blood sugar regulation. You can participate in social activities and develop hobbies. ”

Finally, I told Uncle Li to take medication on time and have regular check-ups: "Remember to measure your fasting and postprandial blood sugar every day and record it. If you notice abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar, you should seek medical attention promptly. ”

When Uncle Li left, he clasped my hand and said gratefully, "Doctor, thank you very much for your detailed explanation today, which made me feel more at ease." I will manage my blood sugar well. ”

Looking at his departing back, my thoughts couldn't help but fly. As a doctor, I know that managing diabetes is a long and difficult battle. This requires self-management by the patient and continuous guidance from the medical staff. Everyone's situation is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

I often tell my patients, "Diabetes isn't scary, it's scary to know nothing about it." ”

Understanding the disease itself and learning to live peacefully with it is the real way to deal with it. Whether it's black beans or bitter gourd or any other food, they are not a magic "panacea". The real "savior" is a scientific attitude coupled with perseverance.

Looking out the window at the warm sunshine, I secretly hoped that the next time I saw Uncle Li, he would bring good news - his blood sugar had been effectively controlled. After all, it's most gratifying for a doctor to see a patient recover.

Disclaimer: The content of the article is for popular science reference only, and the storyline is purely fictional. If you have any health questions or feel unwell, please consult a professional medical institution in time.