HomeAnswersEndocrinologythyroid pillsWhat are the nonpharmacological methods to manage diabetes?

Based on my reports, suggest if I need treatment for diabetes and thyroid medicine dose alteration.

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Published At June 18, 2021
Reviewed AtJune 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 60-year-old male. I have been taking thyroid medicine for 2.5 years. Please check my recent test reports and suggest if I need to stop the medicine, change or carry on. I also need suggestions for diabetes. I have never taken any diabetes treatment. Again, please check my reports and suggest or prescribe any medicine, if required. I am currently taking Thyroxine sodium 75 mg, Omez 20 mg for acidity for 20 years, Urimax 0.4 mg for slow and frequent urination problems for two months.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the query.

You have mild diabetes as your HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is over 6.5 percent. It is 6.6 percent for you (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Right now, you need to follow lifestyle modifications only. Your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is in the normal reference range, so you can continue your medications like before and recheck after three months. As far as life goes, diabetes is concerned. You need to check your eyes for retinopathy and kidneys for urine albumin creatinine ratio. Check your feet. Lifestyle modifications are the best diabetes treatment.

1. Take a low carbohydrate diet and no added sugar.

2. Avoid sugary juices, bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes.

3. If you cannot stop, at least take as little as possible. Include more vegetables, salads, and fibers.

4. You can take fruits only as a sweet dish. Do not take mango, grapes, and banana. Apple not more than one piece. Strawberries and other berries are fine, along with peach, apricot, and small amounts of plums.

Intermittent fasting will also help you control your diabetes. You can fast for 16 hours. Have dinner at 7 PM and do not eat anything after that. Next, you can take breakfast at 11 AM. During fasting, drink water and green tea without sugar. You can extend fasting to 24 hours then 36 hours as your body adapts. You can fast two times a week or how much you feel comfortable as it will control your sugar levels. Drink more water, sleep well, exercise, or at least walk 30 to 40 minutes daily. The more you practice these things, the better will be your control. Check your sugar levels frequently. Your fasting sugar level target should be less than 100 mg/dL, two hours after eating should be less than 140 mg/dL, and HbA1c should be less than 6 percent.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed
Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed

Diabetology

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