Living with Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease, in which there is too much of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Diabetes cannot be cured, but can be effectively controlled. People with diabetes feel well and healthy when their blood glucose is controlled. Type 2 diabetic patients need diet control, tablets or insulin to keep their diabetes under control.

Basic dietary guidelines for Diabetes

To keep your blood glucose in control, throughout the day will need diet modifications, regular exercise and drugs. Doctor would give information on your diet and drugs.

The general guidelines on diet are; 

·  In a typical day’s meals and snacks, you should have 1,500 calories - 60% contribution from carbohydrate, 20% from protein and 20% from fat.  You may need extra calories for your physical work or fewer calories for weight reduction. If you are on a calorie restricted diet, make sure to take 50-60% of the calorie as complex carbohydrate (whole cereals) to prevent any feelings of weakness.

·      You should eat a variety of items of food every day. Do not skip meals. Avoid snacks. Do not over eat.

·     Increase the amount of dietary fibers in your diet with whole cereals, lentils, fruits and vegetables. Use less oil in cooking. Eat less or avoid fried foods, milk cream or food in coconut milk.

·    Avoid ready to eat food preparations, sweets and sugary drinks (canned beverages) that provide only calories (no vitamins or essential minerals).

·       Keep a regular check on your weight. Maintain this within the estimated limit.

·       Restrict protein consumption, if you are informed about any kidney problem.

·     Despite a good control of blood glucose, if your blood lipids (cholesterol etc.) are high, you will need lipid lowering drugs regularly. Sometimes your doctor may advice you lipid lowering drugs from the beginning of your diabetes treatment.

·         If you are on insulin treatment, match your meal time to the form of insulin and insulin injection schedules as explained by your doctor.

“By keeping good control of diabetes you can enjoy the life”