What lifestyle modifications should I advise for patients with hyperglycaemia to help manage their blood sugar levels?

Advise patients to increase their consumption of foods high in dietary fibre, such as wholegrain bread and cereals, beans and lentils, vegetables and fruit. This can help reduce the risk of developing or managing hyperglycaemia ¹.

Encourage choosing foods that are lower in fat and saturated fat, such as replacing butter, ghee, or coconut oil with vegetable oils high in unsaturated fat, and using low-fat spreads. This supports blood sugar control and overall health ¹.

Recommend selecting skimmed or semi-skimmed milk and low-fat yoghurts instead of full-fat dairy products. This helps manage calorie and fat intake, which can influence blood glucose levels ¹.

Advise choosing lean meats and fish over fatty or processed meats, and cooking methods like grilling, baking, poaching, or steaming instead of frying or roasting. These methods reduce fat intake and support blood sugar management ¹.

Suggest avoiding foods high in fat such as mayonnaise, chips, crisps, pastries, and fried snacks, and instead opting for healthier snacks like fruit, unsalted nuts, or low-fat yoghurt. This can help control blood glucose levels and weight ¹.

Promote regular physical activity and exercise, which may lower blood glucose levels, improve cardiovascular risk, and assist with weight reduction when combined with a healthy diet ¹.