DIABETES is a LIFESTYLE DISEASE
It is known so because lifestyle has a major role to play in Diabetes.
The three important factors that needs to be taken care of in a diabetic are:
Drugs: Insulin or OHA (Oral hypoglycemic agents) that are prescribed by the Diabetologist.
Diet: Diet plays an important role as food that is eaten decides the blood glucose levels in the body and in turn the insulin secretion. All food items that are consumed, contains sugars. The factor that decides the sugar in a particular food item is called Glycemic Index (The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating).
Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rise in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health.
The basic recommendation for a diabetic diet is
Split meals (May be 4 to 6 meals a day): Small quantities at small intervals.
Avoid direct sugars and fried food.
Include fresh vegetables and salads in every meal.
Eat in MODERATION. Do not overeat.
Monitor sugars at regular intervals as advised by the physician.
Exercise or Workouts: Exercise is must to keep the sugars under control. The best exercise recommended for a diabetic is walking. An hour’s walk is good enough to burn excess sugars or calories. Also this will take care of lipids and blood circulation which a known complication in a diabetic.
Note: Please DO NOT walk when there is a foot ulcer or infection. Consult the Diabetic foot surgeon for advise.