The Deputy Medical Director, General Hospital, Ijede, Dr. Olumuyiwa Balogun-Oluwa has called on the general public to cultivate the habit of eating healthy meals that are nutritious and low in calories to regulate high blood sugar levels.

Speaking recently at an event organised to mark the Y2020 World Diabetes Day, Dr. Balogun-Oluwa explained that the type of food we consume, the quantity and time interval of our diet goes a long way in controlling the amount of sugar stored in the body, stressing that diet serves as a frontline control for the management of diabetes.

According to him, “Having high blood sugar means that insulin produced in the body is deficient to cope with the amount of sugar coming in from the diet of the individual or resistant to it, as such excess sugar is accumulated in the body”.

“The DMD said the most common types of diabetes are TYPE 1 diabetes, which is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin; TYPE 2 is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar while prediabetes is when the blood sugar is high, but not high enough to be TYPE 2 diabetes”, he added.

Oluwa hinted that diabetes makes the blood thick, invariably making the flow of blood through the blood vessels difficult, affirming that the slow movement of the blood,  therefore, makes it difficult for an individual to have adequate oxygenation of the various organs thus leading to health complications.

In his words: “A reduction in the intake of carbohydrates will naturally reduce its by-product; consumption of industrial sugar stays longer in the body, if not checked could lead to insulin deficiency, which can lead to diabetes. It is good to take lots of leafy greens because they are extremely nutritious and low in calories. Beans, garlic, avocados, fatty fish, yoghurt and nuts are also, among others, foods that can all help to regulate blood sugar levels.

He averred that studies have shown that eating fatty fish may reduce blood sugar; research also suggests that eating certain dairy products like yoghurt may improve blood sugar management and also be associated with lower levels of blood glucose and insulin resistance, while taking lots of water and daily exercise for at least 30 minutes will help regulate blood sugar.

“When diabetes is not well managed, it increases your risk for several severe diseases. Eating foods that help keep blood sugar insulin and inflammation manageable can dramatically reduce your risk for complications. Healthy blood sugar management is, following an overall nutritious, balanced diet”, Balogun-Oluwa stated.