Diabetes is a dangerous health condition that can result in a variety of complications. One of the leading contributors to its development is diet. Alarmingly, more and more young people are being diagnosed with the disease.

Currently, there is no definitive cure for diabetes—most treatments focus on managing the condition through dietary control, blood sugar monitoring, insulin injections, and medications that lower glucose levels.

If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to severe damage to internal organs and the nervous system, and may even increase the risk of developing cancer.

One heartbreaking example is the case of a 36-year-old teacher who lost her life to diabetes-related complications.

The Heartbreaking Story of Ms. Luong, a 36-Year-Old Educator

Ms. Luong, a Chinese language teacher at a primary school in China, tragically died at just 36 due to complications from diabetes. In late 2020, she began to experience troubling symptoms such as constant fatigue, exhaustion, a rapid heartbeat, and abdominal discomfort. However, due to a demanding work schedule—trying to make up for time lost during COVID-19 closures and preparing her students for important exams—she postponed seeking medical help.

Several months later, Ms. Luong suddenly collapsed in front of her students. When she was taken to the hospital, her blood sugar levels were dangerously high, and she was diagnosed with advanced diabetes.

Despite efforts to save her, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she slipped into a coma. After eight hours of emergency care, she sadly passed away.

“She Didn’t Even Eat Sweets”—So How Did She Get Diabetes?

Her husband was devastated and confused. In tears, he asked the doctors how his wife—who rarely ate sugary treats—could have developed such a serious condition.

After analyzing her daily diet and habits, doctors found that while Ms. Luong didn’t consume sugary snacks, four of her favorite foods were quietly contributing to high blood sugar levels:

1. Eggplant (Cooked in Oil and Spices)
Eggplant is generally a nutritious choice—100 grams provide protein, calcium, iron, fiber, phosphorus, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin PP, and B2, all with no fat or cholesterol.

However, Ms. Luong often prepared it by braising it in large amounts of oil and seasoning. Despite being only 1.5 meters tall, she weighed nearly 65 kilograms—considered overweight for her height. Combined with a diet high in fat, this contributed to poor metabolism and elevated blood sugar.

2. White Cauliflower (Fried in Pork Fat)
Another common dish in her meals was white cauliflower, a vegetable known for its low calorie content and weight-loss benefits. But Ms. Luong frequently cooked it in lard. Doctors pointed out that cauliflower absorbs a lot of oil, and regular consumption of it when cooked this way can gradually harm the body’s metabolism.

3. Foods That Quietly Increase Blood Sugar

White Bread
Made from refined rather than whole grains, white bread can cause rapid blood sugar spikes when eaten regularly or in large quantities, raising the risk of diabetes.

French Fries
High in both carbohydrates and fat, French fries are a double threat. They quickly raise blood sugar and keep it elevated for longer periods because fats take more time to digest.

Canned Tomato Sauce
Though it’s a common kitchen staple, just one tablespoon of canned tomato sauce can contain up to a teaspoon of sugar. Consuming it regularly can lead to unnoticed blood sugar increases.

Canned Soups
While soups made fresh at home are generally healthy, many store-bought canned versions contain hidden ingredients such as salt, sugar, and corn syrup. Regular consumption can gradually increase your risk of diabetes.

4. White Rice
Rich in starch, white rice is converted into sugar after digestion, leading to quick blood sugar spikes. For people with diabetes, it’s important to limit rice intake and instead add more vegetables and whole grains to the diet.

Final Thoughts

While Ms. Luong’s story is deeply tragic, it serves as an important reminder that even diets that appear healthy on the surface can have hidden risks. Paying close attention to how food is prepared, portion sizes, and overall balance is key to preventing or managing diabetes—especially for those at risk.