India accounts for a significant amount of the world diabetic population. In fact all of us probably have a diabetic in the family or among our friends. It is important to remember that diabetes is not a disease. Diabetes is a body condition in which there is either less production of insulin, or lack of proper response to the insulin hormone produced in the pancreas.
Insulin is important for us because it helps cells absorb glucose for converting into energy. Diabetes leads to accumulation of glucose in the blood, and is hence also referred to as ‘blood sugar’. Diabetics need to take special care to keep their blood sugar in control.
A. Avoid eating too much at a time; instead have small and frequent meals through the day.
B. Bananas, mangoes, grapes, chickoos and custard apples fall under the ‘no-no’ list.
C. Check your blood sugar levels at least once every two months.
D. Do not ever skip meals.
E. Exercise helps increase insulin production and control blood sugar levels and keeps the heart healthy.
F. Fats and oils should be limited to 3 teaspoons per day.
G. Go for an eye check up at least once every two years.
H. High saturated fatty acid nuts like cashew nuts, pistachios, coconut, etc. should be avoided.
I. Isoflavones from soya help to curb diabetes; have it in any form at least once a day.
J. Juices and aerated drinks are sugar-laden and should be restricted.
K. Knock out white rice from your meals and replace it with fibre-rich brown rice.
L. Lunch and dinner is incomplete without a bowl of salad.
M. Methi seeds (6 to 8) soaked overnight and had on an empty stomach in the morning are beneficial.
N. Notify your doctor immediately on noticing any injuries on your body.
O. Opt for whole grains like whole wheat, bajra, ragi, jowar, etc.
P. Pressure cooking, stir-frying, baking and shallow frying are healthier cooking options than deep-frying.
Q. Quit alcohol and smoking.
R. Refined foods like maida and its products like white bread and biscuits need to be restricted.
S. Sweets made with sugar substitute and low cal ingredients are safer options.
T. Take your medicines and / insulin injections as per the doctor’s advice.
U. Use low-fat dairy products instead of high fat counterparts.
V. Vegetables are of extreme importance - consume at least 3 to 4 servings every day.
W. Wash your feet with a mild soap and lukewarm water daily once you get home.
X. Excess weight is a ladder to other health complications; so try and maintain your weight at a healthy level.
Y. Yam, potato and sweet potato are carbohydrate-laden vegetables and best avoided.
Z. Zip up your diet with at least two fibre-rich fruits daily.
Enjoy our collection of healthy Diabetic recipes below to go with our 26 major points of Diabetes Care. Happy healthy and happy cooking.