Diabetics urged to observe proper nutrition

An unhealthy lifestyle and poor eating habits are just some of the cause of diabetes

The disease affects an estimated 3.36 million Filipinos and is considered the 9th leading cause of death in the country, according to the Department of Health by 2025, some 8 million Filipinos would be afflicted with diabetes. What is more alarming is that the early onset is now becoming common, as early as pre-teens.

Health experts say about 8 million Filipinos are suffering from the so-called pre-diabetes disease, a condition where-in blood sugar levels are higher than the normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1, which usually occurs in young individuals, is autoimmune in nature and Type 2, usually seen in older and obese individuals and cause by genetics and lifestyle.

“There are many misconceptions about diet,” Dr. Susan Yu-Gan of Metropolitan Hospital said in the 174th medical forum,” Nutritional Therapy in Diabetes” sponsored by the Tan Yan Kee Foundation and the Association of Asia Brewery Medical Scholars.

“The diet for diabetics should be balanced and healthy. Sixty percent of the food must be rich in carbohydrates, 15% protein and 25% fat. Carbohydrates in the form of grains, cereals, wheat, and leafy vegetables. Fruits, although considered as complex, should be limited because of the high sugar content, even if the fruit is sour,” Yu-Gan added.

“It is not true that bread is better than rice. It is the amount that matters. For most people one half to one cup of rice is enough per meal. This is equivalent to 2 slices of bread. It is also not true that toasting the bread removes the carbohydrates. Toasting just removes the water not the sugar,” she explained.

“Protein should be limited in diabetes because too much protein will make the kidneys work harder. Generally, a palm size portion (fingers not included) of meat is enoughper meal. For people who already have kidney problems, the amount of protein should be reduced further.”

Fats should be limited in people with diabetes. Saturated fats should be avoided. Generally, all animal fats are saturated fat. When buying food items, you should always read the labels. If it contains trans-fat, then it is not good for your health.

“A coffee creamer claims to have no cholesterol, but it contains trans-fat. I am often asked if the 3 in 1 coffee are safe to drink because it’s sugar-free. Yes it’s sugar-free but the creamer contains trans-fat.

Too much salt is also bad as this triggers hypertension and increases the absorption of sugar.

Artificial sweeteners are allowed. Sweeteners are safe provided it’s not cooked or heated.

Source: Philippine Star

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