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Published by: Editorial Team | Updated : September 23, 2014 4:09 PM IST
It's estimated that India has more diabetics than any other country in the world, even China. Some studies even suggest that one out of every five Indian could be diabetic. And shockingly 85% of them never get their blood-glucose levels checked and hence don't know whether they have the disease or now. Diabetes is more dangerous than you think and can lead to a variety of complications which can affect your eyes, kidneys, nerves, etc. Diet control is very important for diabetics because unless they follow a proper diet their blood sugar levels goes up along with their insulin resistance. So we talked to expert dietician Shilpa Mittal on what diabetics should eat:
Dietary advice for diabetics
Dr Shilpa Mittal:
Over the last few years I have seen a tremendous increase in the number of diabetics. Whenever I suggest a diet to diabetics I have to keep in mind a variety of things are they taking insulin, their lifestyle, the amount of exercise they get and other such factors. What people, especially diabetics need to understand is that it's not just what we eat but what time we eat it. It's very important to space out meals. Instead of large meals, people should eat five small meals a day. Another very important thing is to consume enough carbohydrates. Carbs in fact are very important for diabetics because it gives them control over their blood sugar levels. Most diabetics should eat complex carbs like whole wheat breads and brown rice because along with providing enough energy they don't increase people's blood sugar levels. Another thing I've noticed is most diabetics tend to be overweight or obese. It's very important to have a dietary regime that allows weight loss. The need to get enough exercise because that helps keep their blood sugar levels in check.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
Quick tips for diabetics
Also read: Food items that can keep diabetes at bay
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