Blood sugar control

[Mairzydotes]

I have recently has a series of blood tests for diabetes, cholesterol etc. They have come back with 'slightly raised sugar, but no further action necessary'. I do not have a 'sweet tooth', don't eat many sweet things, though I do like fruit etc. How can I ensure my blood sugar remains at acceptable levels. I am 76 years old. Any advice welcome!

[lou 26]

my mum has just been diagnosed as diabetic, although shes only borderline, they were unsure whether or not to register her as diabetic but did so in the end

She's the same as you, she doesnt have a sweet tooth but Shes really watching what she eats as she doesnt want the problem to get any worse, therefore shes looking at the sugar content in anything she buys (some of the sugar content in things is a lot higher than we thought!) replace any sugar you do use with artificial sweetener. Weightwatchers yoghurts are the lowest in sugar (thats only what weve discovered though, others may know different)

and apparently its crucial that you look after your feet!

[realaleman]

The usual advice from the doctor is diet and exercise. A little bit of reasonable exercise, such as walking a mile or so should do the trick, but if you're 76 this might be a little bit difficult. I'm 58, and doing Brighton councils Healthwalks does the trick for me, and replaces the tablets I usually take on that day. Is your doctor not prescribing tablets?
Best of luck
Geoff.

[Jugglering]

Hi Mairzydotes...

Firstly, don't worry ! You don't have diabetes or they (them thar medico's) would have said so ! These slightly raised blood sugar levels simply mean that, slightly above the norm. As our bodies age, some parts just wear out a bit so your pancreas is not as efficient as it was when you were younger.... (the pancreas is the organ that releases insulin which converts the sugars obtained from food etc into energy....). Your GP obviously doesn't think you need to take any tablets or have injections (most unlikely you'll need them) - so you can control these elevated levels with your diet - eat plenty of slow acting carbohydrates (pasta, bread, potatoes, rice etc - wholemeal ones work even better !), lots of lovely vegetables and keep your fat intake down. Fruit is fine as well and much preferable to sweet puddings and cakes (just not too much !).

As you don't have a *sweet tooth* then you don't have to even worry about eating sweet foods, but if offered something sweet, try to ensure it's eaten at the end of carb filled meal - that way you won't get a *sugar rush*.

Why not have a peek at the Diabetes UK website - lots of really useful, practical advice there

[foodluva]

I agree with Jugglering. The diabetes UK website is very useful. Also, fruit contains a sugar called fructose so maybe you will need to find out which fruits have a lower sugar content. I'm sure the diabetes website can help here.

[Whoever]

I think the important thing if you already eating healthily is to try and watch your weight and get regular exercise as obese people certainly become more prone to developing diabetes in later life. Walking and swimming are probably two of the best exercises you can do, but if these are difficult, a regular daily regime could be to get a small mat and do some "walking on the spot" exercises when watching TV whenever the adverts come on, although even a brief walk every day out of doors in the fresh air will be beneficial.

[Ice.Maiden]

Eating slow release carbohydrates will help you, as Jugglering said. You can add porridge to the list, but be very careful with fruit. Grapes contain a lot of natural sugar - so much so, that a relative of mine who's borderline diabetic, is allowed no more than 5 of these at any one go! Kiwi fruits are allowed though, in moderation. Look at a diabetic website for the foods which are allowed, and if you follow advice from there, a dietician or your doctor/nurse, you should be fine. Best of luck.

[Mairzydotes]

Many thanks to everyone for your most helpful replies!
Strangely (1st reply) it was at a consultation with a neurologist about 'numb feet' that I was advised to have blood tests in case the problem was due to diabetes, though his initial diagnosis, (following that of the podiatrist who recommended I see a neurologist) is nerve damage due to hip surgery.
So I am most definitely..watching my feet!!
I'll take on board all your suggestions.
I admit I am very overweight, and (because of the discomfort in my feet) don't enjoy walking.. I used to love it.
A bit of chicken and egg, I think.
Off to check the Diabetes web-site for food lists.
Thanks again,
Mairzydotes