Every summer, I think back to the days when, as children, we would climb mango trees or play all day. We were so carefree, and our evening snacks included pakoras and samosas, on which we used to gorge! But as an adult, I am mindful about eating right and leading a healthy lifestyle. I have seen my parents, both living with diabetes, juggle their routines with medications and glucose monitoring and heard to their whispered worries about “spikes!”
However, I have never seen my dad, who’s a doctor himself, miss a day of his medical practice. This taught me early on that diabetes can be managed well.
From regular monitoring to mindful nutrition, there are many ways you can manage diabetes well. Now in my late 30s, I’ve made it my mission to make healthier lifestyle choices for both my parents to rewrite our family’s health story.
5 Proactive Health Choices for People Living With Diabetes
I have realized with time that diabetes is a condition that can be managed with nutrition, exercise, monitoring and medication. Let me share what has been working for us.
#1 The Power of Monitoring
While my dad checks his blood sugar levels every day, my mom was quite hesitant with the constant pricking initially.
“I feel fine,” she would insist, to avoid blood sugar monitoring. As a caregiver, it became my duty to keep her busy like a child and, in the meantime, check her blood sugar levels.
#2 Walking – Our Daily Dose of Zen
My dad used to say, “Walking is my meditation. A 20-minute walk after dinner isn’t actually just for digestion; it helps with blood sugar levels too.”
I usually accompanied him, so we started small, like laps around the backyard while enjoying the breeze.
#3 Food is Fuel” Became their Mantra
Practicing healthy eating happened quite late in our lives! I don’t really know what it is with Bengalis and their love for food!
With time, I realized it’s not only about restriction but about balance.
Right Swaps: Healthy Foods to Manage Diabetes
Our nutritionist recommended quinoa, millets, and roasted chickpeas, which were not just some healthier choices but tasty too! If you have been following my Instagram stories, you know about my clean eating series!
Here the nutritionist helped us with other healthy foods to manage diabetes that you can also try out if you or anyone in your family is living with diabetes.
- Rice – My mom likes rice with broccoli instead of white rice.
- Roti – Our nutritionist suggested mixing oats, besan, ragi, bajra, and jowar flours with 1 part whole wheat flour. She mentioned that millet-based flours have a lower glycemic index than whole wheat flour. 6
- Snack – My dad prefers air-fried makhana and seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
- Tea & Coffee – I make a variety of black tea, jasmine tea or coffee with cinnamon with regular milk and sugar for my parents.
- Curd – My mom finds low-fat dahi or Greek yogurt easy to digest.
- Desserts – Both my parents love the desserts I make with dates or ripe bananas!
#4 Stress Less, Sleep More
A good night’s sleep is a must! My secret weapon? A few drops of lavender oil on the pillow and warm milk for my parents before they go to bed.
#5 The Doctor-Recommended Diabetes Specific Nutrition
A few months back, our doctor suggested Ensure Diabetes Care for my parents to manage common diabetes symptoms of fatigue1 in my mother and hunger pangs2 in my dad!
If you are someone living with diabetes, you know how annoying hunger pangs can be!
Ensure Diabetes Care is clinically proven to manage blood sugar levels in 4 weeks.3 Its Triple Care System4 of high fibre, high-quality protein, and 36 nutrients helped my parents to manage common diabetes symptoms like fatigue and hunger pangs.
Ensure Diabetes Care is the #1 selling diabetes nutrition drink in the world.5
The Bigger Picture: Small Steps, Big Wins
Living with diabetes in the family is a call to action. These lifestyle modifications aren’t about perfection but about their health progress. Always consult your doctor before trying Ensure Diabetes Care.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views, solely of the blogger. Always consult a nutritionist/doctor before making any changes to your diet. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Abbott Healthcare Private Limited (Nutrition Division).
Abbott ID – IN-ENS-APR-2025-1746003289
References:
- Due to reduction in fasting, post-prandial blood glucose, glycemic variability and HbA1c levels. Mohan V et al. J. Assoc. Phys. Ind. 2019; 67(12) 25-30, Chee et al BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2017;5(1), Quirk et al. Translational Metabolic Syndrome Research, Volume 3, 2020, Pages 17-20. (Nutrients like Protein, B Complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium and Energy)
- Due to fibre, slow release carbohydrate system there is reduction in fasting, post-prandial blood glucose, glycemic variability and HbA1c levels help to reduce hunger pangs. Akhlaghi M. The role of dietary fibers in regulating appetite, an overview of mechanisms and weight consequences. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(10):3139- 3150.
- There was significant reduction in HbA1c & FBS in the intervention group compared to control at 1st month & at the end of the study when used along with lifestyle intervention in overweight and obese adults with T2DM. Mohan V et al. J. Assoc. Phys. Ind. 2019; 67(12) 25-30
- Akhlaghi M. The role of dietary fibers in regulating appetite, an overview of mechanisms and weight. consequences. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(10):3139-3150.
- Source: Euromonitor International Limited; total global retail sales in 2024 for diabetic diet enhancer drinks. Euromonitor and Abbott calculation based in part on custom research conducted between September and October 2024 and Euromonitor Passport Consumer Health 2025 based on 2024 data.
- Dietary Guideline for Indian 2024. https://www.nin.res.in/
dietaryguidelines/pdfjs/ locale/DGI07052024P.pdf. Accessed on 28th April 2025.
