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Suggest Ways To Control Diabetes
Question: Hi,
I have a cataract possibly caused by a diabetic condition (I have not been diagnosed yet) or by excess sugar consumption. I had blood sugar fasting levels of 5.5 which was near limit of 7 for diabetes.
What is the best way to control diabetes in relation to controlling cataract growth? I know that I should avoid taking sugar but should I also avoid carbohydrates like rice noodles or rice? Should I take curry, milk products, coffee or meats?
Would exercise control the condition at all?
Thanks,
Regards.
I have a cataract possibly caused by a diabetic condition (I have not been diagnosed yet) or by excess sugar consumption. I had blood sugar fasting levels of 5.5 which was near limit of 7 for diabetes.
What is the best way to control diabetes in relation to controlling cataract growth? I know that I should avoid taking sugar but should I also avoid carbohydrates like rice noodles or rice? Should I take curry, milk products, coffee or meats?
Would exercise control the condition at all?
Thanks,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Minor changes in diet. Exercise. Need confirmation of diabetes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Good evening. Thanks for writing to HCM. I am Dr Praveen and i will be answering your query today. Noted the contents of your question.
To begin with, I would suggest you to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes with a glucose tolerance test and a Hba1c meaurement. That will give us the right idea on how to go about treating you. Yes, cataracts are commoner in patients with diabetes and even in prediabetic patients.
The best way to retard the progression of cataract in relation to glucose levels (diabetic or prediabetic range) is by absolute control which can be brought about by weight loss, diet and exercise. The need for medications will entirely be based on your hba1c and GTT test results. In today's world, all diabetics are given metformin tablets at diagnosis and its indicated for patients who are prediabetic with a strong 5 yr risk of diabetes (especially patients who are obese with a very strong family history).
Exercise sensitises the body to insulin. It works similar to the drug metformin in a way. So please exercise for 30-45 mt daily. Aerobics please. Weight training for twice a week also is recommended.
Diet constitutes an important part. Like you mentioned its better to quit using refined sugar and all purpose refined flour ( and products from it like white bread, biscuits, pastries etc). You can have red rice but keep your portion size low and take more veggies. Among veggies take starchy ones like potatoes etc in moderation. You may take fruits but take less of tropical ones like melons, pineapple and mangoes. Avoid fruit juices and carbonated drinks. Use low fat dairy products. You can take meat - say weekly once. Do not fry it. Avoid red meat and switch to fish, egg whites and chicken. That is healthier. Coffee can be consumed. Rice noodles are fine. But have it with a good portion of veggies/pulses.
Remember the diet in diabetes is one where the number of meals are increased and the portion size is decreased. Its not a bland and boring diet. Its a healthier way to eat in all aspects.
Hope this helps. Wishing you good health. Please feel free to keep me updated about your progress and do write in if you have any doubts on any issue.
Warm regards,
Dr Praveen
Minor changes in diet. Exercise. Need confirmation of diabetes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Good evening. Thanks for writing to HCM. I am Dr Praveen and i will be answering your query today. Noted the contents of your question.
To begin with, I would suggest you to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes with a glucose tolerance test and a Hba1c meaurement. That will give us the right idea on how to go about treating you. Yes, cataracts are commoner in patients with diabetes and even in prediabetic patients.
The best way to retard the progression of cataract in relation to glucose levels (diabetic or prediabetic range) is by absolute control which can be brought about by weight loss, diet and exercise. The need for medications will entirely be based on your hba1c and GTT test results. In today's world, all diabetics are given metformin tablets at diagnosis and its indicated for patients who are prediabetic with a strong 5 yr risk of diabetes (especially patients who are obese with a very strong family history).
Exercise sensitises the body to insulin. It works similar to the drug metformin in a way. So please exercise for 30-45 mt daily. Aerobics please. Weight training for twice a week also is recommended.
Diet constitutes an important part. Like you mentioned its better to quit using refined sugar and all purpose refined flour ( and products from it like white bread, biscuits, pastries etc). You can have red rice but keep your portion size low and take more veggies. Among veggies take starchy ones like potatoes etc in moderation. You may take fruits but take less of tropical ones like melons, pineapple and mangoes. Avoid fruit juices and carbonated drinks. Use low fat dairy products. You can take meat - say weekly once. Do not fry it. Avoid red meat and switch to fish, egg whites and chicken. That is healthier. Coffee can be consumed. Rice noodles are fine. But have it with a good portion of veggies/pulses.
Remember the diet in diabetes is one where the number of meals are increased and the portion size is decreased. Its not a bland and boring diet. Its a healthier way to eat in all aspects.
Hope this helps. Wishing you good health. Please feel free to keep me updated about your progress and do write in if you have any doubts on any issue.
Warm regards,
Dr Praveen
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX for the detailed helpful advice.
I will try to get the GTT and hba1c tests done as soon as possible.
In the meantime, will follow your diet and exercise advice because it won't do harm even if I have no diabetes. It does appear healthier.
For diet, can I still take stevia with coffee/tea because it is meant to be safe for diabetics? I am not sure but the diet seems related to lower cholesterol as well (no red meats, low fat milk and egg whites only). Also, would it be better to take gluten-free bread/pasta?
Thankyou and regards.
I will try to get the GTT and hba1c tests done as soon as possible.
In the meantime, will follow your diet and exercise advice because it won't do harm even if I have no diabetes. It does appear healthier.
For diet, can I still take stevia with coffee/tea because it is meant to be safe for diabetics? I am not sure but the diet seems related to lower cholesterol as well (no red meats, low fat milk and egg whites only). Also, would it be better to take gluten-free bread/pasta?
Thankyou and regards.
Brief Answer:
Yes. A low fat diet helps.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes. A low fat diet is beneficial also because diabetes is a condition of insulin resistance where the triad hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia is often seen or can arise. So prevention is better. Yes you may take stevia. Gluten free diet is not needed. Glad I could help you out. Please inform the reports when you have it. Take care of your health.
Warm regards
Dr Praveen
Yes. A low fat diet helps.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes. A low fat diet is beneficial also because diabetes is a condition of insulin resistance where the triad hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia is often seen or can arise. So prevention is better. Yes you may take stevia. Gluten free diet is not needed. Glad I could help you out. Please inform the reports when you have it. Take care of your health.
Warm regards
Dr Praveen
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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