Diabetes is a chronic and serious health condition that, when left unmanaged, can lead to devastating complications. At the center of this illness is a major factor—diet. What we choose to eat daily has a profound impact on blood sugar regulation, and for those living with diabetes, the stakes are even higher. What’s more alarming is how this condition is affecting younger individuals at an increasing rate. While various medications, insulin injections, and dietary restrictions are commonly used to manage diabetes, there is still no known cure. Living with diabetes means ongoing vigilance, and when not managed properly, it can severely damage the nervous system, vital organs, and may even elevate the risk of developing cancer.

A heartbreaking story recently brought attention to this growing health concern. Ms. Luong, a 36-year-old teacher, lost her life due to complications related to diabetes. Her story serves as a tragic reminder of how silent this disease can be and how quickly it can escalate if left unchecked. Ms. Luong was a dedicated Chinese language teacher working at a primary school. In late 2020, she began experiencing symptoms like fatigue, persistent exhaustion, an upset stomach, and a noticeably fast heartbeat. Despite these warning signs, she chose not to visit the doctor. Like many educators during the pandemic, her time was consumed with helping students catch up after long periods of school closure. She prioritized her students over her own health.

Then, one day, a few months before her passing, she collapsed without warning in her classroom. Colleagues rushed her to the hospital, where doctors discovered that she had dangerously high blood sugar levels and was suffering from severe diabetes. Even with immediate treatment, her condition declined rapidly. She slipped into a coma and tragically passed away just eight hours later. Her family was stunned, especially her husband, who struggled to understand how someone who rarely ate sweets could be battling such a severe form of diabetes.

His confusion is not uncommon. Many people associate diabetes solely with sugar consumption, particularly desserts and sugary drinks. However, the medical team quickly found that Ms. Luong’s eating habits, while free from overt sweets, included a variety of foods that contributed to elevated glucose levels.

One of her favorites was eggplant. Known for being low in fat and cholesterol-free, eggplant is often seen as a healthy choice. It provides notable nutritional benefits, including protein, calcium, iron, fiber, carotene, and several essential vitamins. However, Ms. Luong often cooked it with a generous amount of oil and a blend of herbs, enhancing flavor but also drastically increasing fat content. Given that she weighed approximately 65 kilograms (143 pounds) and stood only 1.5 meters (about 4 feet 11 inches) tall, her weight was classified as overweight for her frame. This likely exacerbated her blood sugar issues and impaired her metabolism.

She also frequently prepared white cauliflower, another low-calorie vegetable praised for aiding in weight loss. Yet instead of steaming or lightly sautéing it, she cooked it using lard—hog fat. Medical professionals note that while cauliflower is beneficial on its own, cooking it in high-fat substances like lard allows it to absorb large amounts of oil, significantly increasing the fat content of the dish. This approach transformed a healthy vegetable into a high-risk meal for someone vulnerable to blood sugar spikes.

In addition to these specific foods, Ms. Luong’s diet included other common items that pose risks for people with or at risk of diabetes. For example, white bread is a staple in many households but is made from refined grains, not whole grains. Eating white bread regularly can lead to sudden increases in blood sugar. Its simple carbohydrate structure quickly converts to glucose once digested, raising blood sugar rapidly.

Another problematic food is French fries. They are high in both fats and carbohydrates, a dangerous combination for those with diabetes. Fats slow down digestion, while the starches in the potatoes rapidly convert to sugar. This leads to a fast and sustained elevation in blood glucose levels, making it difficult for the body to regain balance.

Canned tomato sauce is another seemingly harmless item that can be deceptive. Just one tablespoon can contain a teaspoon of added sugar. That sugar content adds up quickly, especially when used in cooking or as a condiment. Over time, this seemingly minor ingredient can contribute to higher blood sugar levels if not consumed in moderation.

Canned soups, a go-to convenience food, also carry hidden dangers. Many of them are packed with added sugars, corn syrup, and high sodium levels. While they may taste comforting and seem like a healthy choice, they often lack the nutritional benefits of homemade versions. Regular consumption can increase your risk of developing diabetes due to their hidden sweeteners and preservatives.

Finally, white rice—a dietary staple in many cultures—also contributes to high blood sugar. It’s rich in carbohydrates that the body quickly breaks down into glucose. After eating white rice, individuals can experience significant spikes in blood sugar. For people with diabetes, this effect is particularly harmful. Instead of eating large portions of white rice, it’s healthier to incorporate more vegetables or opt for whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.

Ms. Luong’s story is both tragic and eye-opening. It emphasizes the importance of not only avoiding sweets but also being mindful of how we prepare our meals and the hidden sources of sugar and fat in our daily diet. Diabetes is not just about candy or desserts—it’s about the overall composition of our diet and lifestyle.

Let this be a reminder that proper diet, regular checkups, and early intervention are crucial in managing diabetes and preventing its complications. Even those who don’t appear at risk may be living with dangerous blood sugar levels. Awareness and education are the first steps toward prevention.

Kindly share this article with your friends and family to raise awareness and encourage more conversations about health and nutrition. A simple conversation could help someone avoid a life-altering diagnosis.