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Search Results for: diabetes

April 5, 2025 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Through a Low-Carbohydrate Lifestyle

Type 2 diabetes is often seen as a lifelong condition, but research and real-world experience show that it can be managed—and even reversed—with the right dietary approach. One of the most effective strategies is adopting a low-carbohydrate lifestyle, which not only helps regulate blood sugar levels but also improves insulin sensitivity.

Unlike traditional high-carb diets that lead to frequent glucose spikes, a low-carb approach stabilises energy levels, reduces cravings, and supports long-term health. If you’re looking for a sustainable way to take control of your diabetes, reducing your carbohydrate intake might be the key.

Why Reduce Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates break down into glucose in the bloodstream. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to move glucose into cells for energy. This results in persistently high blood sugar levels, which can eventually lead to complications such as nerve damage, kidney issues, and cardiovascular disease.

By reducing carbohydrate intake to 60–130g per day, you prevent large spikes in blood glucose after meals, easing the pressure on your pancreas. Over time, this can allow your pancreatic beta cells to recover and improve insulin sensitivity, helping your body regulate blood sugar more effectively.

The Ideal Process:

  1. Carb-controlled meals → lower glucose load
  2. Less strain on pancreas → beta cells recover
  3. Improved insulin sensitivity → glucose absorbed into cells
  4. Stable, healthy blood sugar levels

Which Carbohydrates to Avoid?

Starchy foods are typically high in carbohydrates and should be limited:

  • Bread (white, whole grain, multigrain)
  • Pasta
  • Rice (white, brown, basmati)
  • Potatoes (including sweet potatoes)
  • Grains (wheat, oats, barley, corn, quinoa)

The general rule: vegetables that grow underground (e.g., potatoes, carrots) contain more carbs than those that grow above ground.

Best Low-Carb Vegetables (per 100g)

Leafy Greens
Lettuce (2g), Spinach (1g), Arugula (1.6g), Kale (3g), Swiss Chard (1.8g)

Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli (4g), Cauliflower (3g), Brussels Sprouts (5.1g), Cabbage (3g)

Other Non-Starchy Vegetables
Asparagus (2g), Courgette (3g), Aubergine (3g), Tomatoes (3g),
Mushrooms (3.3g), Bell Peppers (4.6g), Onions (8g), Garlic (33.1g),
Radishes (3.4g), Cucumbers (3g), Celery (3g), Green Beans (4g), Artichokes (10.5g)

Focus on nutrient-dense, high-fibre, low-carb vegetables to meet your nutritional needs while keeping carbohydrate intake low.

What Are Net Carbs?

You may come across the term “net carbs,” which refers to the total carbs minus fibre and sugar alcohols—the carbs that actually raise blood sugar.

Net Carbs = Total Carbs – Fibre – Sugar Alcohols

While this can offer a more accurate reflection of how food impacts blood glucose, we recommend focusing on total carbohydrate intake for now, as calculating net carbs can be confusing in the early stages.

Protein: An Essential Nutrient

Protein supports muscle maintenance, satiety, and metabolism. On a low-carb diet, protein should be moderate, not excessive.

Target: 1.5–2.0g per kg of body weight per day

Portion Guide:

  • Women: ~85g cooked meat/tofu, 1 cup Greek yoghurt/cottage cheese, 2 whole eggs
  • Men: ~115g cooked meat/tofu, 1 cup Greek yoghurt/cottage cheese, 2 whole eggs

Low-Carb Dairy Options

Milk (per 240 ml / 1cup):

  • Whole or Semi-Skimmed: 12g carbs
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk: 1g carbs

Cheese (30g / 1oz):

  • Cheddar: 0.4g, Brie: 0.1g, Feta: 0.8g, Cream Cheese: 0.8g

Yoghurt (170g / 6oz):

  • Full-Fat Greek: 5g, Low-Fat Greek: 7g

Cream (30ml/ 1fl oz):

  • Double Cream: 0.6g, Single Cream: 0.7g

Butter (14g / 1 tbsp):

  • Salted/Unsalted: 0.1g

Avoid flavoured yoghurts and sweetened milk which can have hidden sugars.

Alcohol on a Low-Carb Diet

You can enjoy alcohol occasionally by choosing low-carb options:

Wines (per 5oz glass):

  • Dry White (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio): 2–4g carbs
  • Dry Red (e.g., Merlot): 2–4g carbs

Beers (per 12oz):

  • Bud Light: 4.6g, Michelob Ultra: 2.6g, Beck’s Premier Light: 3.9g, Brewdog Pale Ale: 7 g

Spirits (per 1oz):

  • Gin, Vodka, Rum, Tequila, Whisky: 0g (when consumed neat)
  • Add low-carb mixers like soda water, diet tonic, diet ginger ale

Low-Carb Cocktails:

  • Vodka Soda with lime, Gin & Diet Tonic, Whisky Ginger with diet ginger ale, Rum & Diet Coke

❗ Note: Avoid beer and cider unless opting for very light versions. Also, steer clear of sugary mixers, juices, and syrups which can add a substantial carb load to your drink.

Don’t Forget to Keep a Food Diary

Tracking what you eat helps in:

  1. Increasing awareness and mindfulness
  2. Identifying hidden sugars and carbs
  3. Tracking progress over time
  4. Identifying behavioural patterns
  5. Ensuring accountability and better food choices

You can use your phone, an app, or even a journal to keep track. Share it with your nutritionist or coach to get tailored guidance.

A low-carbohydrate lifestyle, when well-planned, can help reverse type 2 diabetes by addressing the root causes—excessive glucose and insulin resistance.

By:
✔ Lowering carbs to 60–130g per day
✔ Prioritising non-starchy vegetables and whole foods
✔ Including moderate protein and healthy fats
✔ Avoiding sugary, starchy, and processed foods
✔ Tracking food intake and blood sugar

…you can achieve stable glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and potentially reduce or eliminate medication.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency and sustainability. And remember: you’re not alone on this journey.

💬 Have you tried a low-carb approach to manage your diabetes or weight? Share your experience in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

March 27, 2025 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Real Difference?

Have you ever wondered if there’s a real difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? Maybe you’ve heard the terms tossed around but never really got the full picture. You’re not alone! Diabetes is often misunderstood, but knowing the difference between the two types could be a game-changer—for yourself or someone you care about.

So, let’s break it down in a simple, no-jargon way—because understanding your health shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle.

What Exactly Is Diabetes?

Imagine this: your body runs on glucose (sugar) for energy, like a car runs on fuel. To get that fuel into your cells, your body uses a key—insulin—produced by your pancreas. But when that key either doesn’t exist or doesn’t work properly, glucose stays in your bloodstream, causing blood sugar to rise. That’s diabetes in a nutshell.

Let’s Meet Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune & Unexpected

Think of Type 1 as your immune system going rogue—mistaking your healthy insulin-producing cells for enemies and attacking them. As a result, your body stops making insulin altogether.

Who Gets It?

It often shows up in children or young adults, but it can surprise anyone at any age. It’s not caused by lifestyle, and you can’t prevent it.

Signs to Look For:

⚡ Constant thirst
⚡ Frequent urination
⚡ Sudden weight loss
⚡ Fatigue
⚡ Blurred vision

Treatment?

Insulin for life—via injections or a pump. And with proper care, people with Type 1 diabetes can live full, vibrant lives.

Type 2 Diabetes: The Lifestyle-Linked One

Now, Type 2 is more like your cells ignoring the key. Your body still makes insulin, but your cells don’t respond properly—a condition called insulin resistance.

Who’s at Risk?

Mostly adults over 40, but it’s becoming common in younger people due to poor diet, lack of exercise, and weight gain.

What You Might Notice:

⚠️ Tiredness
⚠️ Slow-healing cuts
⚠️ Tingling in hands/feet
⚠️ Frequent infections
⚠️ Subtle weight gain

Treatment?

  • Lifestyle changes: diet + exercise
  • Medication (e.g., Metformin)
  • Insulin (in later stages for some)

Here’s the good news: Type 2 is often preventable and reversible with the right lifestyle tweaks.

Quick Comparison: Type 1 vs Type 2

Feature

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Cause

Autoimmune destruction

Insulin resistance

Onset Age

Usually younger people

Usually 40+, but now younger

Insulin Production

None

Reduced/ineffective

Treatment

Insulin only

Lifestyle, meds ± insulin

Preventable?

No

Often, yes

Onset Speed

Sudden

Gradual

Can You Prevent or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

Absolutely.
Here’s how you can stay ahead:

  • Eat balanced, whole foods
  • Stay active—150 minutes a week does wonders
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Sleep well, stress less
  • Get regular health check-ups

Remember: small steps today can lead to big wins tomorrow.

Understanding the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes helps you make better choices and support others on their health journey. Whether you’re managing the condition or simply staying informed, awareness is your superpower.

💬 Have tips or a personal experience with diabetes? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

February 25, 2025 By Pradnya Shinde Leave a Comment

The Hidden Link Between Diabetes and Mental Health – And How to Break the Cycle

A concerned woman holding a glucose meter with a high blood sugar reading, symbolising the connection between diabetes and mental health.Is the fear of diabetes complications weighing you down, leaving you anxious and uncertain about your health?

Living with diabetes can feel like a full-time job. The constant blood sugar checks, meal planning, and insulin management can be overwhelming. However, what often goes unnoticed is how much diabetes affects mental health. Did you know that people with diabetes are 50% more likely to experience depression than those without it? And the connection works both ways—depression can also increase the risk of developing diabetes.

So, what’s the link? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

How Diabetes Affects Your Brain

High blood sugar doesn’t just impact your body—it affects your brain too. The hippocampus, which controls memory and emotions, is particularly vulnerable. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can shrink brain cells, making it harder to focus, think clearly, or remember things.

But that’s not all. It can also trigger mood swings, anxiety, and even lead to depression or dementia. If you’ve been feeling foggy, forgetful, or just “off,” your blood sugar levels might be playing a bigger role than you realise.

Can Depression Lead to Diabetes?

It’s not just diabetes affecting mental health—mental health can impact diabetes too. Depression makes it harder to stay active, eat well, or take care of yourself. This, in turn, can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

To make things even trickier, some antidepressants can cause weight gain, making it harder to manage blood sugar. It’s a vicious cycle—similar to the classic “chicken or egg” dilemma.

The Role of Stress in All of This

Stress is the common thread linking diabetes and depression. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone. While short bursts of cortisol are helpful, chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels and make your body less responsive to insulin.

This is why managing stress is just as important as managing your diet or exercise routine. The good news? There are proven ways to break the diabetes-stress cycle.

How to Take Control of Your Health (Both Physical & Mental)

The key is a mind-body approach—where you care for your mental well-being just as much as your physical health. Here are two effective strategies:

  1. Move More

Exercise is one of the best natural antidepressants out there. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals that boost your mood and lower stress. Plus, exercise improves insulin sensitivity, helping your body use glucose more effectively.

Even 15-30 minutes of movement a day—like walking, dancing, or yoga—can make a huge difference in both diabetes management and mental well-being.

  1. Try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of therapy that helps you reframe negative thoughts. Studies show that when combined with exercise, CBT is more effective than medication alone for improving mental health—and it has long-term benefits.

Here’s a simple CBT trick:

  • If you find yourself thinking, “I’ll never stick to this diet,” try shifting it to, “I might struggle, but I can take it one step at a time.”
  • Small shifts in mindset can reduce stress and help you stay on track.

CBT usually involves 6 to 18 sessions with a therapist, where you’ll set goals, learn healthy coping skills, and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. Over time, this can transform how you approach both diabetes and your overall well-being.

Dealing With Emotional Eating

Ever find yourself reaching for food when you’re stressed, bored, or feeling low? You’re not alone. Emotional eating is common—but recognising triggers is the first step in managing it.

Here’s how to keep it under control:

  • Keep healthy snacks nearby – like nuts, yoghurt, or fruit.
  • Stay hydrated – sometimes thirst feels like hunger.
  • Practise mindful eating – focus on your food, chew slowly, and avoid distractions.
  • Find other stress relievers – try deep breathing, a short walk, or listening to music.

Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre can also help stabilise mood and reduce cravings.

Breaking the Cycle

Living with diabetes can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. By incorporating simple strategies like exercise, CBT, and mindful eating, you can take charge of both your mental and physical health.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress. Small changes, done consistently, can have a huge impact over time.

By addressing both physical and mental health, you can break the diabetes-stress cycle and regain control of your well-being. Whether it’s through movement, therapy, stress management, or better eating habits, the goal is progress—not perfection.

If you’re struggling, reach out for support—you deserve to feel your best.

What has helped you manage stress or mental health while living with diabetes? Share your experience in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

January 31, 2025 By Ami Shah 2 Comments

Common Food Myths About Diabetes

myths about diabetesThe prevalence of diabetes is alarmingly spreading worldwide. Data from WHO shows that its global prevalence was about 8% in 2011 and is estimated to rise to 10% by 2030. Some of my patients are of the impression that they cannot lead a normal life once they’ve been diagnosed with Diabetes. I always tell them to treat diabetes normally. The main focus should be on food, followed by activity and then medication. If instructions are followed well, your diabetes will be under control. However, my experience has been that when it comes to food, most have many misconceptions which are very important to clear. I would like to share few of these common myths about Diabetes with you as well.

Common Food Myths About Diabetes

1. Avoid Rice
This is the commonest myth which everyone has, including people planning to eat rice. White rice is not bad. It is a simple sugar which easily shoots the sugar. However, if you have a good source of proteins like sprouts/curd/buttermilk along with the meal, it helps in the slow release of sugar.
Healthy Alternative: You can opt for brown rice which is packed with antioxidants and fiber.

2. Avoid Potatoes
Many people avoid potato thinking it raises blood sugar. However, potatoes being starchy, need to be eaten in moderation. Though high on carbohydrates, it is also rich in Vitamin B6 which helps in nerve functioning at cellular level. Also, the cooking medium plays an important role. A boiled potato is far better than a deep fried potato.
Healthy Alternative: If the potato is clubbed with some other veggie, that’s absolutely alright as the portion of potato would be low. A boiled or barbequed or grilled potato is a good option as well.

3. Avoid Sugar
Everyone says, I avoid sugary stuff, still my sugars are not under control. However, if you see the other part of their diet, it’s loaded with fats meaning deep fried stuff, chips, wafers, etc. This is because of the insulin resistance which is predominantly seen in Type 2 Diabetic people. The fat gets deposited at the abdominal region which resists insulin from reaching the cells. This leads to high sugar levels in the blood. Hence, along with sugar, unhealthy fats need to be kept at bay as well. Remember, not all fats are bad.
Healthy Alternative: If you plan to make vada/samosa at home, you can even roast them which requires less oil that equals less harm. If it is eaten out, moderation needs to be followed.

4. Avoid All The Fruits (especially mangoes/banana/grapes/chikoo)
Many people say that fruits are sweet, hence need to be avoided. However, the truth is that fruits are natural sugars and provide instant energy. Moreover, they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and trace minerals. The timing of when you eat the fruits is equally important. It is best to consume them on an empty stomach for better absorption of nutrients or else, they can also be eaten during mid-morning or mid evening before 6 pm. It is always better to opt for a whole fruit instead of fruit juice.
Healthy Alternative: Combine fruits with a handful of nuts for the dose of fiber which is present in nuts. You can also have chilled fruit yogurt (chopped fruits in yogurt).

These are a few common myths about diabetes! It is the lack of awareness that can mislead patients. Lastly, remember that sugar by itself is a sweet poison which has it’s own disadvantages. The healthy alternative to sugar is jaggery, honey and stevia (natural sweetener). As a message to all diabetics, I’d like to remind you that you can lead a normal life by following a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

We hope these common myths about Diabetes help you make better choices. Do let us know your thoughts below. For more on Diabetes, check out Healthy Reads.

For further guidance and motivation by certified experts, join the GOQii Diabetes Care program. It’s India’s only diabetes program that is driven by Smart Science and Personal Coaching to improve Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP), reduce HbA1c levels and let you win gold! You can subscribe here: https://store.goqii.com/diabetescare.

#BeTheForce

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