After seeing my family doctor, I was told that the medical tests I had taken before I left for NYSC showed that I have high glucose levels and I am.............PRE/BORDERLINE DIABETIC. I initially bursted out in tears because I actually thought that I was diabetic but by the time the doctor got me to calm down he explained that being prediabetic is different from having type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The main message he relayed to me is that prediabetes can be cured if I change my diet and my lifestyle. I have to be grateful because I was not suppose to take a glucose test but my family doctor, Dr. Lee, went ahead and took the initiative to run the test. If not for this test, I would have approximately 5 years before having full blown out diabetes.
So I have been pre-diabetic for at least a few months but I am addicted to Fanta. In Nigeria, I drink at least 3-6 bottles everyday which is quite scary for someone that is close to being diabetic. Dr. Lee said that just cutting the Fanta or reducing my intake to at least once a day would make a big impact in my glucose levels. I also have to lose weight despite the fact that I am a very slim figured. In addition, I have to watch the foods I eat, making sure I am taking food that is low on the glycemic index. I must be very careful of carbohydrates because carbohydrates can spike your blood sugar level.
My major challenge has been that a typical Nigerian diet is rich in carboyhydrates and this can be deadly for my condition. How do I still enjoy my staple products but still be healthy. I have been struggling with this problem and corper allowance is too small to support such a drastic change. I want to use this platform to help people facing a similar situation. I noticed that many Nigerians will not come out and say that this is there illness. There is a sense of shame and stigma attached to such an illness. I am pretty scared because I'm not married and I do not want this to be held against me by any potential suitors. Hence I have been "codingly" doing my research, reaching out to doctors and food bloggers.
I have not had much luck and people keep referring me to a dietitian but I can't afford one at the moment.What I have been able to find out is listed below:
- Ofada rice is a a much better option that white rice.
- Agege bread and white bread is a bigger "no"(try not to eat them).
- Wheat or whole bread is a better alternative but I have yet to come across whole grain bread in Nigeria.
- Drink real fruit juice from the actually fruit and not store bought juice.
- Pineapple, mango, and watermelon is a "no".
- Apples, oranges, berries, and pears are "yeses".
- Semo, pounded yam, amala, or yam all have high glycemic number and it's better to avoid or take these items in small portions.
- I am using oatmeal as my form of swallow.
- Unripe plantain is apparently great for diabetics so I will be attempting to using plantain to make swallow.
- Try to eat fish whenever possible
- Use sweeteners and liquid sweeteners
- Make sure your meals are 2/3 vegetables
- I'm supposed to be eating low fat yogurt and milk but all the yogurts I have come across are highly sugarish.
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