Lifestyle And Diet For Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus, a highly prevalent metabolic condition, has been challenging the Brisbane population for ages.
What causes diabetes?
We receive our energy to function, maintain and operate various processes by the conversion of the sugar present in our food to glucose. The hormone responsible for sugar metabolism, insulin, is produced by the pancreas. Diabetes typically occurs when insulin is either not synthesised in sufficient amount, or the body becomes resistant to insulin, or both.
While Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition and needs to be treated with injectable insulin for a lifetime, Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive disease emerging as a result of poor lifestyle like being overweight or obese, sedentary habits, or a faulty diet especially common among the working population in Brisbane.
National Health Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics states that 85% diabetes cases reported in 2014-15 reported with diabetes type-2 and only 13.5% Type-1.
Fortunately, Type-2 diabetes is controllable (although not curable) with the help of certain medications readily available in Brisbane, simple lifestyle and diet modifications. All one needs to practice is – strong willpower. Following are a few practical tips to combat the challenges faced by the diabetic individuals:
What lifestyle modifications do you need to execute?
- Drink plenty of fluids – You must been told about this on multiple occasions. Keeping your body tissues hydrated helps dilute the blood concentration of glucose and prevents the grave complications of diabetes.
- Exercise regularly – Depending on how long-standing your diabetes is and what complications and comorbidities you’ve developed, it’s imperative to design an exercise schedule for yourself. In case you’re suffering from a cardiovascular ailment, it’s best to consult your cardiologist to know how much of it will be tolerated by your body. Also, it is crucial to wear the right footwear as chronic diabetics could develop neurological complexities and injuries that won’t heal quickly.
- Don’t skip regular check-ups – Have you been postponing the doctor visits? It’s advisable that you regularly visit your diabetologist in Brisbane so that any early signs of cardiovascular, neurological, ophthalmic or nephrological disease are identified and prevented. Keeping your blood sugar level checked is vital to assist your doctor to adjust your medication.
- Adequate Sleep – Research suggests that 6-8 hours of sleep is sufficient, while any less or more makes you more vulnerable to developing cardiovascular disease and stroke.
What to eat and avoid if you have diabetes?
The aim of designing a diet for diabetics is to maintain a blood glucose level as close to the target range of 4 to 6 mmol/L (fasting), to limit its short-term and long-term complications. Although there is no specific diet for diabetics, there are certain guidelines to help manage blood sugar level through the day.
- Eat regular meals. Don’t skip breakfast.
- Avoid consuming a diet rich in fats, especially saturated fats.
- Seek help from an Accredited Practising Dietitian practising in Brisbane in association with their diabetes team for individualised advice.
- Limit high energy foods like chocolates, cakes, sugary preparations juices, and take away meals.
- Choose low-fat alternatives like low-fat milk, yogurt, custard etc.
- Avoid fried foods, opt for grilled fish or BBQ chicken instead.
It’s possible to avert the complications of diabetes with judiciously incorporating a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Ponder over the Tips To Enhance Your Cardiovascular Health and preventing kidney diseases for a better quality of life.
