NUTRITION FOR DIABETES

A healthy and balanced diet is essential for those who have Diabetes. This should comprise all major food groups. A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight, supports energy levels, and protects the heart and kidneys.

- BY KSHALINI NONIS

We had a chat with Dr. Thamara Wijayaratne Senior Medical Officer at the National Diabetes Centre, Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka.

Q CAN YOU TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT DIABETES AND THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF IT?

Diabetes is a condition in which the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is high. The body produces insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, which breaks down the sugar consumed in food. A reduction in the production and/or utilisation of insulin causes diabetes. If left untreated or uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to serious problems, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, among others. Some of these may be life threatening.

Q THE THREE MAIN TYPES OF DIABETES?

Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood or young adulthood, where the body stops producing insulin due to destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic cells by the body's immune system.

Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults, and is more common in people who are overweight or obese. It happens when the pancreas either produces inadequate amounts of insulin, or the body is unable to use the available insulin properly (insulin resistance).

Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes, which develops during pregnancy.

While it often disappears after childbirth, it does increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in future.

Q WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE THAT ONE IS A DIABETIC?

Sometimes, diabetes develops quietly, but there are certain signs to watch for. Feeling unusually thirsty, needing to urinate frequently, increased hunger, and losing weight without trying are common hints.