Three Common Misconceptions About Sugar Control Through Intermittent Fasting in Early Prediabetes.

Dr. He from the Medical Department of a Public Tertiary Hospital in Shenzhen, Guangdong, explains.

The main reason for unstable blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes or the onset of prediabetes is the decline in insulin sensitivity. The purpose of controlling sugary foods is to reduce the pressure on insulin and give it space and time to rest. You may already be paying close attention to controlling carbohydrate foods, but there are still three common misconceptions.

· First, fruits are classified as carbohydrate foods. Due to their fiber content, most have a low glycemic index, meaning they won't cause blood sugar to rise rapidly. Eating meals at regular times, such as before or after meals, can reduce the amount of staple food and also help regulate post-meal blood sugar. If used as a snack in the afternoon or evening, it is still a sugary food and requires portion control to avoid overburdening insulin.

· Second, many science communicators suggest intermittent fasting, where the time between dinner and the next morning's breakfast can be extended. The ideal interval is 14-16 hours. Dinner can be started as early as possible before 6 PM, and breakfast at 8 AM would achieve a 14-hour interval.

· Third, intermittent fasting recommends eating a small amount or skipping dinner. If you come home from work at 7-8 PM, you can have some fruit and a glass of milk, but avoid consuming other staple foods. Two to three times a week should not be a problem, and there's no need to worry about the so-called stomach acid secretion causing damage to the gastric mucosa. Because your main goal is to reduce the pressure on insulin, you need to prioritize.

The above 3 points are often overlooked by early-stage diabetes friends in dietary management. Thank you for watching, like, follow, collect, and share. See you next time!