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Essentially defined, Diabetes Mellitus is a clinical
syndrome. This is characterized by what is known as hyper-glycaemia.
This is a result of a deficiency in the body to produce insulin that
breaks down the glucose consumed. There are basically tywo types of
diabetics.
They are:
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus – IDDM; also known as
Juvenile Diabetes
Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus – NIDDM |
In Type I diabetes – IDDM, the patient is dependent on insulin
injections. They have to inject a dose/s of insulin as prescribed by the
Diabetologist. Generally, people below the age of sixteen are infected
with this type of Diabetes as a result of family history of the same.
The incidence of the Type II – NIDDM, is amongst the older people. For
them it is generally stress induced and can be reversed.
NIDDM is estimated to affect approximately 20% of the population over
the age of 50 and can be treated by prescribed oral medicine and proper
regulated diet. However, even Type I diabetics have to follow a proper
regulated diet regime in order to prevent the complications that develop
in years to come. Diabetes is said to slowly affect every vital organ of
the body. However, this can be minimized and even curtailed if one eats
properly, exercises regularly, and keeps their nerves calm.
Thus, diabetic diet control is one of the bases to keep the body
healthy. However, it needs to be noted that there is no standard diet
program for all diabetics. There is a general outline that all could
follow. But, ideally, the patient should seek the guidance of a
dietician or nutritionist, who would chalk out a proper diet regime
depending on patient specifications such as:
Type of diabetes
Individual lifestyle
Body weight
Height
Age
Sex
Other diseases one is suffering from, or has suffered from
The physical activity one indulges in on a daily basis
Basically, the diabetic diet is of two types:
Measured Diet – the quantity of each meal needs to be measured
specifically to ensure no more or no less than what is prescribed is
eaten by the patient Unmeasured Diet – the quantity of
food eaten need not be measured, however the prescribed diet routine
needs to be followed and maintained
The basic nutritional needs of a diabetic includes:
Proteins: 25% of the total calories in take. This supplies the amino
acids required for tissue repair, it does not increase the glucose
levels during the absorption process and does not contain as many
calories as do fats.
Carbohydrates: 40% of the total calories in take. This needed to prevent
ketosis.
Fats: 30-35% of the total calories in take. However, saturated fat and
food rich in cholesterol have to be completely avoided.
Fiber Foods: These are essential as they:
Reduce the rate of glucose absorption
Reduce the lower blood sugar rise
Reduce urinary glucose excretion
Slower the process of stomach emptying
Delay the intestinal transit time.
The following are the general pointers for a diabetic diet routine:
Avoid potatoes; sweet potato and yam
Avoid sugar, glucose, jams, jaggery, honey, sweets
Avoid any of the fried foods.
Eat a lot of salads; ideally should be a part of the lunch and dinner
Eat a lot of leafy green vegetables.
Restrict the quantity of oil used in cooking
Avoid fruits such as mango, banana, chickoo and custard apple
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