DIABETES MELLITUS AND YOUR DIET

       

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   Diabetes is no doubt a killer disease, one that has decimated a cross section of the Nigerian society.

   As we speak millions of people are being held in its debilitating grip. Diabetes can be stopped rightits tracks by us eating the right foods. To help those who are already ill and to stop  others from falling victim to it, this week we bring you DIABETES MELLITUS AND YOUR DIET. Enjoy this.

     MANAGING DIABETES MELLITUS

If you have never heard of diabetes mellitus before then you must have heard of the general name diabetes. So don’t get yourself confused. Today we will be talking about the nutritional/dietary management of diabetes. According to world health organization, Nigeria has the highest number of people living with diabetes in Africa. Research by the diabetes association of Nigeria shows that about 6 million Nigerians are estimated to be living with diabetes. Hmm!  I know many of us do not know about this but it is the truth and this disease is sniffing out lives out of our people, I remember years back when I lost a very beautiful aunty to this terrible disease and I know many of you have too. Good to know that there is a way to manage this disease and live longer even forever and I hope this would be of great help.  

WHAT IS DIABETES MELLITUS?

Diabetes is a defect in the body’s ability to convert glucose to energy. Diabetes is a lifelong disease. People affected with diabetes cannot adequately use the energy from food they eat. Being able to use energy from food is as important as having air to breath.

Effects of advanced Diabetes

TYPES OF DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes: it is insulin dependent, known as juvenile diabetes and is normally seen in patient less than 25years and children.

Type 2 diabetes: this is the diabetes found in adult from 40years and above. It is associated with one’s eaten habit, hypertension and infection.

Gestational diabetes: this diabetes are commonly found in pregnant women.

CAUSES OF DIABETES

·         Diabetes can be hereditary.

·         Obesity or excess weight can also result to diabetes.

·         Ineffective use of insulin.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES MELLITUS

·         Increase thirst (polydipsia).

·         Increase urination (polyuria).

·         Increase hunger (polyphagia).

·         Weight loss.

·         Fatigue.

MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY

Medical nutrition therapy for diabetes  should be individualize, taking unusual eating habit into consideration consistency within an eating pattern will result to better glycemic control than abiding by the habitual eating style.

Dietary measure include three regular meals or more in between meals, having a regulated carbohydrate: protein: fat ratio to minimize insulin action and minimize swing in blood glucose. If one does not eat often enough the injected insulin can cause severe high blood glucose since it act on very little glucose available.

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DIETARY ADVICE
 Oil should be unsaturated ( e.g olive oil).

     Milk should be skimmed.
     Ensure liberal intake of vegetables.

     Lean meat should be used in all cases.

     Eat enough dietary fibre.

     Snacks should be taken in between meals (fruits).