Blood sugar diet, is it really effective? [Q&A]

Recently, blood sugar diet, also known as 'GluDiet,' has been gaining attention. To get straight to the point, the blood sugar diet is highly effective for weight loss and the prevention and alleviation of diabetes. This is because it helps prevent the phenomenon of rapid blood sugar spikes after meals and can improve insulin resistance. What other precautions should diabetes patients be aware of during the summer? Let's find out through a Q&A with Dr. Jin-taek Kim, a professor of endocrinology at Nowon Eulji Medical Center.

Q. What should I be careful about during a blood sugar diet?

Watermelon, melon, peach, and grape, which are seasonal summer fruits, are important foods for replenishing minerals and vitamins. However, consuming too much can raise blood sugar levels. In particular, among summer seasonal fruits, watermelon has the highest glycemic index. Eating fruits with a high glycemic index can cause blood sugar spikes, so special caution is necessary.

It is better to substitute with fruits such as apples, pears, and plums, which have relatively lower glycemic indices compared to watermelons. Additionally, it is recommended to set a predetermined amount and eat 1 to 2 slices of various fruits. Fruits with low glycemic indices cause blood sugar to rise slowly and provide a longer-lasting sense of fullness.

Q. Is it better to exercise more?

For diabetic patients, exercise is essential for proper weight management. However, during the summer, the hottest times of the day should be avoided. Especially, exercising when blood sugar levels are high can be detrimental. This is because the risk of heat-related illnesses increases, and sweating can lead to dehydration.

If you need regular exercise, do it in a place equipped with air conditioning. If it's difficult to go to gyms or swimming pools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walking in public places such as large supermarkets, department stores, or bookstores is recommended. However, about 30 to 60 minutes is appropriate, and you should be careful not to injure your feet during exercise.

Q. Should diabetic patients be cautious with beverages?

You should not resolve thirst caused by the heat with carbonated drinks or sweet beverages like juice. While increasing blood sugar levels due to beverage intake is problematic, the higher the blood sugar, the more urine is produced, creating a vicious cycle that worsens thirst. When you feel thirsty, it is better to drink cool water or tea.

However, during prolonged exercise, it is advisable to prepare sports drinks containing less than 5-10% sugar that can quickly restore dehydration or hypoglycemia. Dehydration in diabetic patients can also cause problems with kidney or heart function.

Q. If you have no appetite, is it okay to skip meals?

When the weather gets hotter, our bodies release heat through sweating to prevent our body temperature from rising too much, and our appetite also decreases. For diabetic patients who cannot always eat as much as they want and have to endure, a reduced appetite can somewhat help with blood sugar control.

However, if the severity is so extreme that it causes skipping meals, caution should be taken for hypoglycemia. Especially for diabetic patients on medication, regular meals at scheduled times are important. When you have no appetite, I recommend trying seasonal dishes such as cold soybean noodle soup or cold salads for a different dining experience.

Q. Is foot care more difficult during the summer?

Feet are always a special area of care for diabetic patients. This is because the most common complication of diabetes first appears in the feet, and if not properly managed, it can lead to the need for amputation. Especially, diabetic patients have impaired nerve sensation and blood circulation, making them less sensitive to temperature changes and pain. During the summer, when wearing sandals and exposing their feet, even small cuts can go unnoticed, often leading to severe infections.

Therefore, it is recommended to check your feet daily during the summer. Use a mirror to carefully examine hard-to-see areas such as the soles, toes, and heels, and observe if the skin is red, swollen, or feels warm. If you sweat excessively, applying powder can also be helpful.