Healthy Lifestyles

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism due to insulin deficiency or ineffectiveness. Diabetes Mellitus is not caused by excessive consumption of sugar. However, excessive intake of sugary food may lead to obesity which is a risk factor for Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes mellitus can also be genetic in nature.

Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

• Acute complications include coma due to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

• Long-term complications include retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases.

Management of Diabetes Mellitus

• Management includes diet, oral hypoglycemic agents, and insulin if necessary.

• Exercise enhances weight loss and helps to improve blood glucose control.

• Regular follow-up to monitor the condition and detect and treat complications promptly.

Diet

• Maintain a balanced diet.

• Regularity in timing and amount of food eaten helps to stablise the blood glucose level.

• Eat in moderation food which is rich in starch such as bread, cereal, rice, biscuit, and pasta, etc.

• Avoid excessive intake of high sugary foods:

  1. sugar and seasoning: white sugar, brown sugar, sweet and sour sauce, barbecue sauce, etc.

  2. dessert and drinks: pudding, jelly, soft drinks, juice drink, tea or coffee with sugar.

  3. cakes and buns: pastries, sweet buns, donuts, cakes, fruit tarts, cookies etc.

• Eat appropriate amount of food rich in fiber including fruits and vegetables:

  1. Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and anti-oxidants. They contain fructose and are sweet. However, they can still be taken in moderate amount such as 2 small fruits daily.

  2. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and chinese cabbage are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and anti-oxidants. They can be eaten in more generous amount such as 240gm or more daily.

  3. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, yam, peas, and beans are rich in starch. If they are used in dishes, it may be necessary to reduce the amount of rice taken in the same meal.

• Tofu and mushrooms are nutritious and can be eaten as main dishes or side dishes.

• Use vegetable oil such as canola oil and olive oil and avoid using animal fat such as lard and butter.

• Adopt low-fat cooking methods such as steaming, poaching, braising, baking, or micro-waving foods, or use a non-stick cooking pan.

• Remove fat from meat or skin from poultry prior to cooking to reduce fat intake.

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Diabetes Mellitus

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