Ancient India’s blessing to the present day society. What Ayurveda has some solution if you are a diabetic. In an interview to Health 24×7, Kolkata based Ayurveda Practioner Dr Ushasi Ghosh Chaudhury has pointed out some areas, if followed can control your Diabetes and live a healthy life.
Does having diabetes mean that I am at higher risk for other medical problems?
Yes, diabetes is an increasing serious chronic disease. Globally, in middle income countries, 422 millions adults with diabetes and 1.5 millions death in 2012; 43% of death before the age of 70 years due to diabetes & its complications. Most of the cases are found undiagnosed, untreated, uncontrolled high blood sugar level with complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, leg amputation, vision loss & nerve damage. If in pregnancy with diabetes then a risk of fetal death & childhood complications.
As it seems that if struck with diabetes, one looses a part of his or her body permanently. Therefore should I start seeing other doctors regularly, such as an eye doctor?
Yes, off-course consultation with your doctors is very necessary and obviously, retinopathy which leads to vision loss is the fatal most complication in diabetic patient. He or she may visits regularly to Ophthalmologists. Consulting helps to give a new way to the patient & binds a good relation with your doctors. As we know, Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and chronic disease of pancreas either impaired insulin production or when body cannot effectively uses insulin it produces. In later leads to macro-vascular & micro-vascular complications. Diabetes can’t cure but it can be prevent.
How often should I test my blood sugar, and what should I do if it is too high or too low?
Diabetic mellitus type1 patients who takes insulin, often suffers by severe hypoglycaemia or severe low blood sugar level in emergency departments at hospitals & sometimes by prolong use of oral hypoglycaemic drugs(sulfonyleureas) seen in type2 diabetic mellitus patients.
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So, a diabetic patient must go for blood sugar test in 2-3 months intervals which depends on controlling blood sugar level individuals. Mostly fasting(FBS) & post-prandial(PPBS) blood glucose tolerance test done in low risk patients and in high risk patients blood sugar level access via glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test. For those who are in insulin medication easily can self measure of blood sugar level at home by glucocheck machine. Not only that blood lipids, serum urea, creatinine, renal function test, measure blood pressure & check condition of feet, pulses and neurology.
In normal individuals adults glucose tolerance test(G.T.T) – FBS <7.0mmol/L & PPBS <7.8mmol/L and HbA1c is <42mmol/mol. But those are impaired in G.T.T range is like FBS <7.0mmol/L & PPBS 7.8-11.0mmol/L and HbA1c is 42-46mmol/mol. For diabetes mellitus patients this range will increase FBS >7.0mmol/L & PPBS >11.1mmol/L and HbA1c will be >48mmol/mol.
So, when you find yourself sudden unawareness like tremor, sweating, palpitation etc. An amount 100-150ml of carbohydrates contains food to eat or drink helps to rise blood sugar like orange, apple juice or 4 biscuits or starch etc. In emergency condition if arises always consult to your doctor.
Does diabetes mean I have to stop eating the foods I like best?
Stress, disturb sleep, less physical activities, over eating of fatty fried foods or altered food habits, smoking, alcohol are provocating fators for diabetes. So high fibre, high carbohydrate but easily digested low sugar content & also low fat diet is recommended.
Eat fruits & vegetables are enrich with vitamins & antioxidants. Stop smoking & alcohol. When it comes to eat your favourite foods then off-course but in adequate amount. Though to maintain your health daily physical exercise is must with diabetes.
How can exercise make a difference in my diabetes?
Yoga & meditation are the best ways to control blood sugar, reduce stress, promotes a good sleep & other diseases. If you are lean weight try to maintain that weight.
If I’m overweight, how many pounds do I have to lose to make a difference in my health?
For overweight person with diabetes should avoid over eating of fatty foods instead of eat wheat, barley, green grams, chickpeas, honey, low fat yoghurt, fish & regular exercises can help to lose weight. Generally body mass index is important to individuals.
Are my children at increased risk for the disease, as it is said to be hereditary ?
Yes, Juveniel diabetes or type1 diabetes there is more auto immune destruction of insulin producing beta cells in the pancrease. Mostly present with diabetic ketoacidosis & coma. More than 50 genes are associated with type1 diabetes mellitus. 30-70% in identical twins are suspected to develop type 1 diabetes. 7% of children whose father have type1 diabetes are more suspect to develop. But a mother with type1 diabetes do not confer a similar risk.
What is the importance of diet in diabetes?
A combination of diet like protein 1g/kg ideal body weight approx. Total fat <35% of total energy intake; avoid fried foods, high fat snacks e.g. crips,cakes,chocolate,pastry etc. Try fish oils once or twice in a week or olive oils, avocado oils, rice bran oils. Total carbohydrate 40-60% of total intake energy. Salt <6g/day. High fibre soluble & easily digestable multigrains oats, ragi, wheat, old rice etc. As above mentioned.
Do I need to take my medications even on days that I feel fine?
If you are in medication daily yes you need to be regular. Control blood pressure & lipids to reduce risk of cardiovascular attacks & other complications. Regular screening of kidney, eyes & feet. Daily physical activities by yoga, meditation, jogging, walk, aerobics etc. Consult your doctor if any emergency occurs.
Do’s and Don’ts?
Do’s –
- Awareness
- Screening & regular check up
- Follow diet chart
- Fruits like guava, Apple, orange, pear or Sweet lime can be taken in your diet for 2 servings of fruit a day as snacks
- Daily physical exercise
- Foot care
Don’ts –
- Quit smoking
- Stop alcohol consumption
- Skip your meals
- Eat too much