Healthy Lifestyle

Sweet dilemma - to eat or not to eat?

What is Diet?

Diet is a cornerstone of diabetic treatment. Dietary modification for a diabetic can only be achieved with the full participation of patient. Planing for diabetic meals should be individualized, particularly in multi-ethnic population. Doctors refer patients to dietitians for dietary counselling, assessment of current eating habits and development of appropriate meal plans.

The following are only general recommendations. If you or your loved one is diabetic, see your doctor for specific dietary advice.

Diabetic diet guidelines

Diabetic need to ensure that amount of food they eat each day matches the amount of insulin they have in their bodies. At the same time, the food they consume should provide enough energy for the performance of their daily activities. For this, they need to:

• Plan their meals with their doctor or dietitian.
• Eat at regular times each day.
• Eat the right amounts for their energy needs.
• Aim to keep their weight within the healthy range.

Eating properly helps in the treatment of diabetes. It is important for diabetic to have the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals in their diets. The American Diabetes Association has set nutrition guidelines for people with diabetes. Their daily energy consumption should be comprised of 50-60% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 10-20% proteins.

What kind of carbohydrates should I consume?

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. There are two main groups: starches and simple sugars. Both are broken down to form glucose, which is used to provide energy. Starches are complex carbohydrates, which are absorbed slowly and do not raise blood sugar levels quickly, especially when taken as foods containing fibre. Diabetics should include foods like rice, wheat, noodles, bread, chapattis and beans in their diet. Simple sugars like glucose and sucrose should be avoided because they cause weight gain and are associated with poor control of glucose. Avoid carbonated drinks that contain simple sugars - there are about 6 teaspoons of sugar for every can of soft drink.

Can cutting down fat reverse diabetes?

Research suggests some benefit of a low fat intake in reversing the risk of developing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, which is important for processing sugar. A high-fat diet keeps the insulin level in the blood inappropriately elevated. Thus, diabetics should avoid eating saturated fats like animal fats, coconut and palm oil, all of which raise blood cholesterol levels. Fish or poultry should replace red meat. Skin and visible fat from meat and poultry should be removed before and after cooking. Cream, cheese, egg yolks, salad dressings and organ meats should be avoided.

How does fibre help control diabetes?

High-fibre diets improve the control of blood sugar by reducing the need for insulin or other medications. In addition, they help prevent diabetic complications such as high blood cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Fibre delays the emptying of stomach and slows down the absorption of glucose in the intestine. Thus, a diabetic should increase his/her intake of high-fibre foods such as dried beans, lentils, unpolished cereals, fruits and vegetables like bitter gourd, cabbage, and leafy vegetables.

Is sugar still a taboo?

Previously it was thought that sugar caused a quick, large spike in a person’s blood sugar level. New research suggests that this is not the case. Thus, table sugar is no longer prohibited though diabetics should stick to artificial sweeteners whenever possible. These substances sweeten the palate without raising blood sugar levels.