Tips for a Good Glycemic Control
- Avoid over consumption of carbohydrate-rich food in order to prevent a surge in blood sugar.
- Remember to count carbohydrates from all food sources.
- Distribute carbohydrate food throughout the day. Take 3 main meals and allow snacks in between meals. Do not skip meals.
- When the blood sugar is high, try to split the meals and do not combine different types of carbohydrate food at one meal in order to prevent a surge of blood sugar.
- Include fiber into the daily meal intake as fiber can help in providing satiety and slow down the blood sugar absorption, hence improving glycemic control.
- Take 1 serving of fruit at one time. Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2010 recommended at least 2 servings of fruit per day. Try distributing them throughout the day in order to prevent fluctuation of blood sugar level.
- Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits every day. Different fruits and vegetables provide various nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are important for general health.
- Read the food label especially on durian products. Carbohydrate content might be high at certain products. Know your limits and control your intake.
- Check your blood sugar level regularly with a blood glucose meter. Jot down the blood sugar level record in a book and show to your doctor during your follow up.
- Prepare a food record with self-monitoring of blood sugar results. Show it to your dietitian so that dietitian can plan an individualized meal plan that suits your lifestyle and eating pattern.
This article is written by Ms Poh Kai Ling, Clnical Dietitian from Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya.
(DCMY20_0042)