Celebrate a diabetic - Friendly Diwali

Sheela Paul &Rohini
-    Dietitians

Festivals are associated with happiness and merry making, food and drink. These festivals, however, are not very friendly to people with diabetes, who are often forced to make dietary changes. During festivals, people with diabetes are exposed to calorie –rich and unhealthy food, yet not allowed to eat them by family members who take on the role of‘diabetes police’.  However, people with diabetes can also celebrate festivals with the rest of the family without harming themselves.

Indian cuisine is rich in healthy, low-calorie, diabetes- friendly recipes and food preparations. A bit of creativity, originality and effort on the part of the family  can produce many diabetes friendly dishes.

Advancements in treatment options keep diabetics well and allow them to live a healthy life without complications.

Diet, exercise, medication and monitoringare the four pillars for maintaining glucose and insulin levels in the blood at all times.

About the Diet: 

 

A diabetic diet is not about abstaining  from food you love, but about making simple modifications. Choose foods like whole grains, pulses and nuts, vegetables, fruits and fat-free/low-fat milk products.

Eating at regular intervals helps to control blood glucose levels. Diabetics should have six small meals rather than 2 – 3 large meals a day. Limit fried foods, sugars, sweets, desserts, candies and refined foods.

Physical activity



Regular exercise is important for everyone, especially for people with diabetes. Around 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week is necessary to control blood sugar levels. It also burns excess calories and fat.However, exercise doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym or running for miles. It can even be activities like dancing, skipping, cycling, playing badminton and swimming. It is important to choose an activity that you enjoy and do it regularly.

Medication

People with type-2 diabetes are either on oral hypoglycemic drugs oron  insulin. Oral medications  are effective as long asthere are some  active insulin producing beta cells. Recent studies have shown that early and appropriate use of insulin not only prevents short-term complications but also reduces long-term effects of poorly controlled diabetes and slows down the natural progression of the disease. Diabetics should take medications as directed and should not drop or change drugs without consulting their doctor.

Monitoring

Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor suggests. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels helps doctors to analyse the effect of food, exercise and insulin or medicine on you. Along with self-monitoring of blood glucose level, get an HbA1C test done every three months without fail.

The HbA1C level shows how well the blood sugar has been controlled during the previous 2 – 3 months. Also, get blood pressure, lipid profile, urine microalbuminuria and serum creatinine checked regularly to prevent further complications.

Lifestyle modifications

There are various day-to -day situations that can alter your daily routine and hence the best way to cope with diabetes is to take an active part in the treatment plan.

Acute illness: Illnesses like viral colds or flu, infections, dental problems, injuries, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea can disrupt your blood glucose control. In case of illness, glucose monitoring should be increased along with treating the illness. Also keep a check on the fluid intake during this period.It is better to visit your doctor if your blood sugar is too high or low. Emotional stress also affects blood glucose levels. Hence, it is better to stay at home when ill and take adequate rest.

Party time and festivals: People with diabetes can enjoy foods served at parties and festivals but in moderation. Don’t stop your medicines and monitoring on any occasion and practise portion control. Follow a regular exercise routine. Eating more during festivals can be compensated by moderate exercise.

Avoid smoking and alcohol. If you want to drink, then don’t drink on an empty stomach.Have a drink along with your meal. It is better to avoid fasting. But if you want to, it is essential to consult doctor your before you fast.

In a nutshell

• Follow your schedule of eating, activity, and medicine regime.

• Try to maintain optimum weight, activity, blood sugar level.

• Prevent hyper and hypoglycemia. Always carry a carbohydrate snacks to handle a low blood sugar level at anytime.

• Take food on time.

Understanding diabetes and keeping the balance between all four pillars remains the key to good health for people with diabetes. It is a disorder but you can manage it and live a happy life.

It is natural for people with diabetes to experience anxiety and fear because they have to constantly maintain their blood sugar levels. Therefore, a few changes in lifestyle and food habits along with proper medication and monitoring can help a diabetic lead a normal and healthy life.