Trulicity is a medicine for patients (including children of 10 years of age and above) with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Besides, the medicine is also used to lower the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks and strokes in heart patients. There are no specific foods or drinks to avoid while taking Trulicity. However, to minimize side effects, it is recommended to reduce the amount of alcohol, highly processed foods, foods high in saturated fats, refined grains, and sugary foods.
Keep reading on Trulicity to learn more about the ideal diet to enable the drug to perform its best in your body.
What Can You Not Take With Trulicity?
While on Trulicity, it’s important to prioritize a healthy diet that keeps your blood sugar levels in control. Here are some types of foods and drinks that you should avoid with Trulicity.
1. Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates, such as white rice, potatoes, and white bread, can adversely impact your insulin levels. They spike your blood sugar levels, making the job of Trulicity to manage your body’s glycemic index more challenging.
2. Sugary Snacks
Food items high in sugar, such as cakes and candies, are highly processed. Like refined carbohydrates, they dramatically and quickly increase your blood sugar levels. It makes it more difficult for the medicine to control your diabetes.
3. Sugary Drinks
Drinks such as store-bought fruit juice, soda pop, sweet tea, and many soft drinks are laden with sugar. They make the job of getting your body’s blood sugar under control very difficult, if not impossible. Not only that, but these high-sugar drinks also have other unpleasant side effects, such as nausea and cavities.
4. Processed Foods
Processed foods include packaged snacks, fast foods, frozen meals, and canned foods. The reason to avoid them is that they have high amounts of unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium. All of it interferes with your body’s and the Trulicity’s ability to maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
5. Greasy Foods
Greasy or fried foods spur inflammation. Foods like French fried, fried chicken, and onion rings are high in harmful saturated fats and sodium. They take longer to digest and increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
6. Foods High in Fats
Foods high in fat include things like butter, palm oil, whole-fat cheeses, and red meat. They cause you to gain weight and are not good for your heart. Thus, they work against the effects of Trulicity.
7. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sugar alcohols, and neotame are bad for people with diabetes. Some of them, like aspartame, have even been linked to cancer. However, it’s safe to take artificial sweeteners in small amounts.
8. Foods High in Sodium
Too much sodium can raise blood pressure. It, in turn, can damage arteries over time. Diabetics are more likely to have high blood pressure so they should avoid foods with high sodium when taking Trulicity. A few examples of such foods include pizza, pickled foods, soups, and pancakes.
9. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol reduces your blood sugar levels because your liver metabolizes alcohol instead of maintaining your blood sugar levels. This can cause hypoglycemia. Trulicity also lowers your blood sugar levels, and consuming alcohol with this medicine can cause fainting, dizziness, or drowsiness.
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How Does Trulicity Work?
Trulicity imitates the action of GLP-1, a hormone naturally present in our bodies that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Trulicity has 90% of the same amino acid sequence as that of GLP-1. So, it can bind to and activate GLP-1 receptors. These receptors trigger the secretion of insulin and lower glucagon secretion when the level of blood sugar is high. It also slows down the rate at which your stomach empties.
Note that Trulicity isn’t a type of insulin. It is only suitable for those whose beta cells (the cells in the pancreas that produce, store, and release insulin) have some level of function left. Trulicity is administered through a subcutaneous injection into your stomach, upper arm, or thighs once a week. It is only prescribed for treating type 1 diabetes.
How to Enhance the Effectiveness of Trulicity?
The best way to increase the efficacy of Trulicity is to eat a balanced diet so your blood sugar levels are under control. If you are confused about choosing the right foods, getting the help of a dietitian can help. Generally, the following foods are recommended to be consumed while taking Trulicity.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and nutrients. They slow down the blood sugar levels. Thus, they complement the function of Trulicity to properly govern blood glucose.
Green vegetables, mushrooms, eggplants, and other non-starchy vegetables are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. At the same time, they are also low in calories. The high nutrient content in these vegetables enhances your body’s functioning. Similarly, fruits are great sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But since they also contain natural sugar, it is recommended to have one serving of fruits daily and more servings of non-starchy vegetables.
Whole Grains
Whole Grain foods are better for managing blood glucose levels because of a moderate glycaemic index (GI) and high fiber content. Fiber also takes more time to digest. So it slows down the digestion of the carbohydrate and gives you better blood sugar control throughout the day. This increases the effectiveness of Trulicity.
Whole-grain foods like millet, quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice have undergone minimal processing. So, they contain important nutrients that are not present in refined grains.
However, it is important to note that since whole grains are also carbohydrate foods, and every type of carbohydrate affects blood glucose levels, you must be mindful of how much you consume.
Foods High in Protein
Studies have shown that a protein-rich diet can contribute to weight loss. Protein takes longer to digest compared to other macronutrients like carbohydrates and fats. This increases satiety or a feeling of fullness among diabetics and non-diabetic individuals. Thus, eating protein on Trulicity improves its effects as you no longer feel cravings for sweet or salty snacks.
While trying to control diabetes, incorporate foods like tofu, fish, beans, lentils, eggs, and poultry into your diet. Ensure to choose a variety of protein sources to fulfil your nutrient requirements. It’s best to include lean animal or plant-based protein with a source of whole grain having fiber at every meal and snack.
Summing Up
Trulicity can be effective for diabetics. However, much of its efficacy lies in how you modify your current eating and lifestyle habits. As a type 2 diabetic, your aim should be to nourish your body with minimally processed foods high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. At the same time, try to incorporate some amount of physical activity into your routine to control your blood sugar levels and enhance your overall well-being.
