Blood sugar

[sdwjew]

I get headaches if I don't eat enough, how do I keep to a healthy diet and keep my blood sugar level?

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Please check out the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation's website for the free leaflets on "A Healthy Diet and Diabetes " and "Exercise and Diabetes ". Go to: drwf.org.uk/understanding-d...

I hope this helps. All leaflets are downloadable, readable and can be listened to for free.

[DartmoorDumpling]

I find it helps not to go too long between meals. Maybe have small meals more frequently or have a banana, or a handful of nuts, or small amount of dried fruit mixed with seeds between meals. Meals should be slow-release foods like porridge oats for breakfast, jacket potato or soup and wholemeal bread for lunch, and plenty of high fibre veg with your evening meal. Have a hot chocolate drink or a yogurt last thing at night. Use an online calorie counter to work out quantities to allow you to eat regularly without ruining your weight control. 1500 to 1700 calories a day will usually allow you to lose weight whilst eating enough to feel well and have plenty of energy.

[PhilFreeToAsk]

How do you know it is a blood sugar issue? Are you hypoglycaemic? Pre-diabetic?

I assume that you have linked headaches with low blood sugar but is it possible that you are dehydrated?

For low BS, you need to reduce carbs especially refined carbs, no sugar, no fruit smoothies, no fruit juices, no processed breakfast cereals. If you have wholemeal bread then you need to make sure you have good proteins and fats with it. Even wholemeal bread can be absorbed quicker than you think so the protein will slow it down and keep BS more stable.

If you are getting low BS episodes then you need to get it under control before introducing more carbs. So be careful with sweet fruits like ripe bananas or foods with hidden sugars. Diet drinks can also affect BS levels so it is best to avoid them.

[sdwjew in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

Thanks PhilFreeToAsk I may well get dehydrated, I need to cut down on alcohol.I do eat white bread because wholemeal upsets my digestion. I have very little suger, no smoothies or fruit juice ,breakfast is usually muesli.Why do diet drinks affect bs,I do drink quite a lot of them ? sdwjew

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to sdwjew]

Have a look at this link bbc.co.uk/programmes/articl... on why you should be careful. I was alerted when my brother-in-law who is diabetic had problems with aspartame affecting his blood sugar.

[sdwjew]

Thanks DartmooDumpling That was very helpful. I shall try your advice. sdwjewh

[BadHare]

Try low GI foods as snacks. I eat nuts & seeds which are high in protein & good fats.

I get headaches if I don't drink frequently, so drink water, weak green or white tea, & kefir regularly throughout the day.