Diabetes is a chronic ailment that occurs when the pancreas cannot make good use of the insulin it produces. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose, also called blood sugar, gets too high. Blood sugar is the main source of energy and is obtained from the food we eat. The hormone insulin is formed by pancreas and helps glucose from food to be absorbed by body cells and be used for energy.
Statistics state that globally diabetes takes 3.4 million (approx.) lives annually. In the year 2000, the total number of diabetics in India stood at 31.7 million and is expected to rise by more than 100% in the year 2030. ( as per WHO data). Here are some interesting facts about diabetes-
Different Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas stop producing insulin. Unfortunately there is no permanent cure for this type of diabetes.
T1 Diabetes affects mostly children and adults. The only way to manage this type of diabetes is with the use of insulin- either through injection or via an insulin pump.
- Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. You can develop this disease at any age, but can be mostly found in middle aged and older persons.
- Gestational Diabetes:
This type develops in women when pregnant. This type of diabetes generally goes away post delivery of the baby. The only risk is that if you have gestational diabetes, you are at a higher chance of developing Type 2 diabetes at some stage in life. Quite often diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy is in reality Type 2 diabetes.
When you have diabetes your blood sugar level may be consistently high. With time this can majorly damage your body and cause other ailments.
As per NICE, the blood sugar level range needs to be as follows:
For non diabetic persons
Before meals: 4-5.9 mmol/L
After meals: under 7.8 mmol/L
For Type 2 diabetics
Before meals: 4-7 mmol/L
After meals: under 8.5 mmol/L
For Type 1 diabetics
Upon waking: 5-7 mmol/L
Before meals: 4-7 mmol/L
After meals: 5-9 mmol/L
What is the preferred diabetic diet you need to follow?
If you are a diabetic your doctor will recommend you to a dietician. Below mentioned is the preferred diabetic diet you should follow.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber. Oats take longer to digest than processed carbohydrates, which prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Olive Oil: This comes under the category of good fat and helps achieve better insulin sensitivity through the day. It also helps manage belly fat which can contribute to an increased chance of Type 2 diabetes.
- Healthy carbs: During digestion, sugar and starch breaks down into blood glucose. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products all contain good and healthy carbohydrates.
Make sure to religiously have a 3 time meal pattern, and also keep something to quickly munch on.
With your meal in place the only thing you need more is a glucometer. A glucometer is a handy device that lets you monitor your blood glucose levels. You can keep a track of your sugar levels and also quickly take action when it fluctuates from your normal sugar level.
