Diabetes Diet

A British diet aid seems to be working wonders in diet control and diabetes management.

A British diet aid seems to be working wonders in diet control and diabetes management. A colourful dinner plate which measures the portion of food to be taken by overweight diabetics, it has helped people reduce the amount of drugs they take. Experts in India come up with alternatives to regulate your diet till you can lay your hand on it.

What is the diet plate?
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has reported that overweight people with diabetes have as much success dropping pounds using a colorful dinner plate as they do on many weight-loss drugs. The Canadian researchers also said that diabetics who stick to using the tool to control their diet can sometimes even reduce their insulin intake over time. The diet plate helps patients8212;much like the thalis that is common on trains and restaurants8212;measure out portions of carbohydrates, proteins, sauces and fruits and vegetables.

How important is maintaining body weight for diabetics?
Very important, say experts. Excess weight is a risk factor in developing diabetes. In diabetic management, losing weight is a primary goal. 8220;Getting to the ideal weight leads to normalisations of sugar levels,8221; says Ishi Khosla, a Delhi-based dietician. However, according to her, more than the support tools, it8217;s the mindset that counts. 8220;Increased awareness about healthy diet works better. One should shop correctly, cook correctly and than eat correct,8221; she adds.

What is the ideal body weight?
An estimate of ideal body weight can be calculated using this formula:
For women: Start with 45 kgs if you are 5 feet tall. Add 2 kgs for every inch over 5 feet. If you are under 5 feet, subtract 2.26 kgs for each inch under 5 feet.
For men: Start with 48 kgs for a height of 5 foot. Add 3 kgs for every inch above 5 foot.
Or calculate your Body Mass Index, which is weight in kgs/ height in meter sq.
BMI of 23 is considered ideal for both Indian men and women. 8220;Internationally, the standard is 25 but since Indians are genetically pre-disposed to diabetes, the figure is less for us,8217;8217; says khosla .

What is the ideal diabetic diet?
Patients with Type 1 diabetes should have a diet that has approximately 35 calories per kg of body weight per day. Patients with Type 2 diabetes generally are put on a 1500-1800 calorie diet per day. However, there can be variations depending on the person8217;s age, sex, activity level, current weight and body style. Dr Khosla gives you a chart:
Generally, carbohydrates should make up about 50 per cent of your daily calories.
15 to 20 per cent protein.
Less than 30 per cent calories should come from fats.

Or
68211;8 servings of vegetables8212;3 to 4 cups.
2 to three servings of low-fat dairy products.
Two or three servings of pulses.

Or
One or two servings of non-vegetarian food, ie, two pieces of lean meat/ chicken/ fish and an egg
Whole grain cereals and sugar
Handful of nuts and seeds
Plenty of fluids and regular exercise