Diabetes Diet No-No: 6 Things That Happen When You Skip Meals

All hell breaks loose when there is a spike in blood sugar levels of people suffering from diabetes. It can be harrowing for them and also the people around them. Diabetics need to be extra careful about health and medical management. People suffering from diabetes need to pay extra attention to their meals too. Skipping meals may lead to major consequences. When care goes for a toss, it may lead to various complications calling for advanced treatment and management for diabetics. Some common complications of diabetes include -

• Nerve damage

• Kidney damage

• Eye damage

• Skin infections

• Heart diseases, and stroke

• Foot problems

Why should people with diabetes never skip meals?

For that matter, skipping meals can be harmful for anybody and everybody, and more so for people with diabetes because it can lead to various negative consequences. We will list down a few consequences for you here -

Low blood sugar levels

When you skip meals, your body does not get the energy it needs to function properly, and your blood sugar levels can drop too low. You need to take extra care especially if you take insulin or certain types of diabetes medications.

Increased appetite

Skipping meals can increase your appetite. It may lead to overeating when you take your meal later in the day. It can get more challenging to manage your blood sugar levels this way.

Weight gain

With overeating comes weight gain. Overeating or binge eating after skipping meals can result in weight gain, which can worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of other health complications.

Increased stress hormones

Skipping meals can cause a rise in hormones. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, rise and lead to an increase in blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance.

Fatigue and weakness

When your body does not get the required energy, you may feel tired and weak. There is lack of nutrients in the body when you skip meals and you lose out on the energy required to carry on with the daily functions.

Poor glycemic control

Consistency is key when managing diabetes, and skipping meals can disrupt your glycemic control, making it harder to manage your blood sugar levels over time.

Care and Precautions for People with Diabetes

To avoid these complications to health, people with diabetes should take precautions as described below −

Monitor blood sugar levels regularly

People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to avoid high or low blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels on a higher side can cause damage to organs and tissues. Low blood sugar levels can lead to dizziness, confusion, and fainting.

Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet is foremost. People with diabetes should eat a balanced diet that is low in sugar, salt, and saturated fats. A healthy diet can help manage blood sugar levels and avoid complications.

Exercise regularly

No exercise at all may make people with diabetes more prone to complications. Regular exercise can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, reduce stress, and improve heart health.

Take medications as prescribed

Here comes one of the important rules. People with diabetes should take their medications as prescribed by their doctor to manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

Check feet regularly

Wounds and injuries on people suffering diabetes take a longer time to heal. People with diabetes should check their feet regularly for any cuts, sores, or blisters, as diabetes can cause nerve damage that reduces sensation in the feet, making it harder to detect injuries.

Conclusion

People with diabetes should be careful to manage their blood sugar levels properly through a healthy lifestyle, regular monitoring, and timely medical interventions to prevent complications and live a healthy life.

It is important to eat a balanced and consistent diabetes-friendly diet to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent other health complications.