Diabetes is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition with a wide range of complications, and diet plays a crucial role in its development and management.
This disease is increasingly affecting younger people, which is deeply concerning. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, treatments mainly focus on managing blood sugar levels through insulin injections, strict dietary control, and glucose-lowering medications.
When left uncontrolled, diabetes can cause severe damage to the nervous system and vital organs—and may even increase the risk of certain cancers.
The heartbreaking loss of a 36-year-old teacher due to diabetes-related complications underscores the urgent need for awareness and careful management of this growing health crisis.
The Tragic Story of Ms. Luong, a 36-Year-Old Teacher Taken by Diabetes
Ms. Luong, a devoted Chinese language teacher at a primary school, tragically passed away at just 36 years old due to complications from diabetes.
Her health began to decline in late 2020, with symptoms including persistent fatigue, stomach pain, and a racing heartbeat. Despite these warning signs, she avoided hospital visits, overwhelmed by the pressures of preparing her students for exams and adapting to COVID-19 disruptions. Just a few months ago, Ms. Luong suddenly collapsed in her classroom. Upon hospitalization, doctors discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously high, diagnosing her with severe diabetes. Despite intensive medical care, her condition worsened rapidly, leading to a coma and, sadly, her death after eight hours of treatment.
“She Rarely Ate Sweets”—So How Did This Happen?
Her husband was devastated and puzzled. How could his wife, who rarely indulged in sugary treats, develop such a serious condition?
Doctors investigated her daily habits and found that, although Ms. Luong avoided sweets, several of her favorite foods were quietly raising her blood sugar levels:
1. Eggplant Cooked with Oil and Seasonings
Eggplant is generally healthy—low in fat and cholesterol, and packed with nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, fiber, and vitamins. However, Ms. Luong often prepared it with generous amounts of oil and herbs. Combined with her high-fat diet and a body weight considered overweight for her 1.5-meter height (about 65 kg), this contributed to elevated blood sugar and slowed metabolism.
2. White Cauliflower Stir-Fried in Lard
White cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable often praised for aiding weight loss. But Ms. Luong frequently stir-fried it in hog fat, a practice that leads the vegetable to absorb large amounts of oil—negatively impacting blood sugar control and overall health.
Other Hidden Blood Sugar Triggers in Everyday Foods
- White Bread: Made from refined grains, white bread can cause blood sugar spikes and increase diabetes risk when eaten frequently or in large amounts.
- French Fries: High in fat and carbohydrates, fried foods like fries can sharply raise and prolong elevated blood sugar levels.
- Canned Tomato Sauce: Surprisingly sugary, just one tablespoon can contain around a teaspoon of sugar, contributing to hidden sugar intake.
- Canned Soups: Many commercial soups include additives such as corn syrup, sugar, and salt, which may subtly raise diabetes risk with regular consumption. Homemade soups remain the healthier choice.
- White Rice: High in carbohydrates, white rice is quickly converted to sugar in the body. Diabetics are advised to favor vegetables and whole grains instead.
This heartbreaking case highlights how everyday foods, often seen as harmless or even healthy, can contribute significantly to diabetes risk—especially when combined with other lifestyle factors. It’s a powerful reminder to pay close attention to diet, even beyond just avoiding sweets.