Health management for diabetic patients in early spring: choosing seasonal ingredients wisely and responding to climate change scientifically

Health management for diabetic patients in early spring: choosing seasonal ingredients wisely and responding to climate change scientifically

In early spring, everything comes back to life, the temperature gradually warms up, and fresh fruits and vegetables are available. For diabetic patients, this season is a good opportunity to adjust their diet and optimize their sugar control strategy, but it also hides the risk of blood sugar fluctuations due to changeable weather and improper food selection. How can we stabilize blood sugar while enjoying the delicious spring food?

1. Early spring diet management: "Diabetics' optimal selection rules" for seasonal ingredients

1. Low-sugar vegetables: the mainstay of sugar control on the spring table

Spring green leafy vegetables are rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, which can not only increase satiety but also delay the absorption of carbohydrates.

Recommended choices: spinach, shepherd's purse, rapeseed, celery, lettuce, chrysanthemum, etc., which have low GI values ​​and are rich in nutrients.

Cooking tips: Use less oil and salt when making cold dishes or stir-frying, and avoid frying or thickening (for example, change scrambled eggs with spinach to garlic spinach, or cold spinach).

2. Fruit selection: pay attention to timing, type and quantity

Low-sugar fruits such as strawberries, cherries, and green apples are available in the spring, but you need to pay attention to the timing, amount, and time of consumption.

Sugar control standard: You can eat fruit if your blood sugar reaches the standard, but you cannot eat fruit if your blood sugar does not reach the standard. If your fasting blood sugar is below 7 mmol/l and your postprandial blood sugar is close to 10, you can

Recommended daily amount: no more than 200 grams, consumed in two divided doses (such as snacks at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.).

Beware of "hidden sugar": avoid processed products such as candied fruits and preserved fruits, and carefully choose high-glycemic fruits such as pineapples and mangoes.

3. Eating wild vegetables: a natural blood sugar-lowering drug that requires caution

Wild vegetables such as dandelion, purslane, and shepherd's purse are often advertised as having "blood sugar lowering effects", but they need to be treated scientifically:

Irreplaceable drugs: The active ingredients in wild vegetables (such as polysaccharides and flavonoids) may help regulate blood sugar, but they cannot replace hypoglycemic drugs or insulin.

Principles of consumption: Try eating a small amount for the first time and observe the gastrointestinal and blood sugar reactions; avoid eating raw, blanch them in water to remove oxalic acid and potential toxins; when picking, be careful to ensure that the wild vegetables in the area are not sprayed with pesticides.

2. Sugar control strategies under changeable weather: cold, moisture and infection prevention

1. Dealing with the "late spring cold": reducing stress-induced blood sugar increases

The large temperature difference between morning and evening can easily cause a cold, leading to increased adrenaline secretion, promoting the decomposition of liver glycogen, and increasing blood sugar.

Protective measures: "Onion dressing method": the inner layer is breathable, the middle layer is warm, and the outer layer is windproof, which can be easily added or removed at any time.

2. Humid environment: Beware of fungal infection

Spring is rainy and humid, and fungi are easily bred on the feet and in skin folds.

Foot care: Check the soles of your feet for damage every day, wear sweat-absorbing cotton socks, and dry the moisture between your toes after washing your feet;

Skin cleaning: After bathing, thoroughly dry the armpits, groin and other parts. Do not scratch when it itches, and seek medical attention immediately.

3. Prevent respiratory infections

During the peak season of influenza, diabetic patients have weak immunity and need to strengthen protection:

Get a flu shot and wear a mask when going out;

Keep the room ventilated and avoid staying in crowded places for a long time.

3. Spring exercise: Keeping a balance between “sugar rise” and “sugar consumption”

1. Golden Age of Outdoor Sports

The spring sunshine is mild and suitable for aerobic exercise, but please note:

Time selection: Start exercising 1 hour after a meal to avoid hypoglycemia induced by fasting exercise;

Recommended activities: brisk walking, cycling, and Tai Chi, 5 times a week, 30-40 minutes each time.

2. Special reminder for spring outings

Carry a blood glucose meter, candy, and an emergency card (with your diabetes history and emergency contact information) with you;

Avoid long climbs or strenuous exercise, and take a break every 30 minutes to replenish water.

IV. Medication and monitoring: fine-tuning seasonal changes

1. Key points for insulin storage

Rising temperatures may affect the activity of insulin: unopened insulin must be refrigerated (2-8°C), and opened insulin should be kept away from direct sunlight and stored below 25°C; use an insulated bag when carrying it outside, and do not place it in a high-temperature environment such as a car trunk.

2. Adjustment of blood glucose monitoring frequency

As the weather turns warmer, metabolism speeds up and some patients may experience fluctuations in blood sugar after meals. It is recommended to monitor blood sugar throughout the day at least twice a week (including fasting, 2 hours after three meals, and before bedtime); increase the number of monitoring times after trying new ingredients (such as wild vegetables).

5. Psychological adjustment: Say goodbye to "spring fatigue" and stabilize your mood and blood sugar

Emotional fluctuations can easily lead to high blood sugar levels. You can use soothing activities such as gardening, painting, and Ba Duan Jin to relieve stress; go to bed early and get up early to avoid "spring sleepiness."

Early spring is a critical period for diabetic patients to reshape their healthy habits. By choosing seasonal ingredients, exercising scientifically, and monitoring carefully, you can not only enjoy the vitality of spring, but also lay the foundation for blood sugar stability throughout the year. Controlling blood sugar is like spring plowing. Only by careful cultivation can you reap the fruits of health!