If you get diabetes…

Bal Sandhu, a registered community dietician, specialising in diabetes and working for the NHS in Berkshire, offers this advice.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the body produces very little insulin – the hormone needed to convert our food into energy that can be used by our muscles. There are two main types of Diabetes, insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent, which are often referred as Type 1 in which insulin is needed in injection form and Type 2 which can be often be controlled by diet alone or with the aid of tablets.

Research has shown that Asians and Afro Caribbean people are at higher risk of developing diabetes Type 2.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

• Tiredness
• Thirst
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Passing large amounts of urine

What do I do if I suspect I have diabetes?

Speak to your doctor who will test your blood sugars and if necessary send you for a glucose tolerance test. This entails a fasting blood test, then a sweet drink, then a blood sample taken 1.5 hours later. This measures your body’s response to sweet foods and sugars.

What are the health risks associated with Diabetes?

• Renal problems – kidney failure
• Eyesight
• Poor blood circulation
• Heart disease

What is the treatment for diabetes?

If you are diagnosed with diabetes it is essential to make some lifestyle and dietary changes to avoid developing related complications.

Diet. Do not use diabetic products as they are higher in fats – instead  a balanced diet low in added sugars and low in fat is advised .

Exercise.  Thirty minutes daily walking is recommended for general well-being.

Medications. Discuss with your GP or practice nurse an individual plan. The treatment that works for one person may not be suitable for another so it is vital to seek medical assistance.

What is the best diet for people with diabetes?

Diabetes is best managed by a balanced healthy diet. This means eating a variety of different foods. There is no need to buy special diet foods or diabetic foods. A balanced diet is a diet low in fat and sugar with a sensible amount of high fibre foods.

The most important dietary points to consider with diabetes are:

Maintain a regular eating pattern through the day – you must eat at regular times. It is not helpful for your diabetes management if you have long gaps between meal times or if you have large meals once a day

With drinks choose low sugar alternatives, such as ‘diet’ or ‘no added sugar drinks’. Do not take added sugar in drinks such as teas and coffee.

Include a high fibre starch food at each meal, such as wholemeal cereal, granary bread or chapatis made with wholemeal flour.

Aim to have three fruits as snacks through the day and have plenty of salad or vegetables with meals.

Sweet foods such as Indian sweets can be eaten in small amounts. These foods are less detrimental to diabetes control if taken with meals.

Thirty minutes daily walking is recommended for general well-being. If you are unable to walk consistently for 30 minutes then aim to do two sessions of 10 minutes in a day.