Tirupati: Diet, fitness keep sugar levels under check

Tirupati: The concept of reversal of diabetes has been assuming much significance in recent times. Till now, it has been advocated by doctors that diabetes is a lifelong disease and patients can take care of keeping it in control only. But several studies indicate that diabetes can be reversed with lifestyle modifications. IMA Standing Committee on Control of Diabetes New Delhi, convener Dr P Krishna Prasanthi explained the new concepts of diabetes on the eve of World Diabetes Day being observed every year on November 14.

Speaking to The Hans India, she said till now it was considered as Type – I diabetes for children, Type – II for adults and pregnant women while Type – III being considered as Alzheimer's Dementia which is almost equal to diabetes. Type –IIIC is known as pancreatic diabetes and these cases are more in India. She said the fatty liver is also considered as cardiovascular risk.

She added lifestyle modification is the most important aspect in the treatment of diabetes through which even diabetes reversal can also be possible.

She said one must walk for an hour daily to reverse total metabolism. This is a new concept and exercise diet should be lifelong process, Dr Prasanthi asserted.

"South Indians mostly eat carbohydrate diet which has to be reduced to 50-60 per cent along with 25-40 per cent fibre intake and 15 per cent protein. Intake of fats should be less than 30 percent and it must be a combination of mono and polyunsaturated fats. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is key for lifestyle modification.

Dr Prasanthi added that Sarcopenic obesity is specific to Indian condition which is more in women whose muscle get reduced particularly when they attain menopause. To develop that muscle exercise is the only option and the sugar levels will also come down. "The intake of salt has to be reduced and reheating of oil is to be avoided. People are going for salt having low sodium. But such salt will have high potassium detrimental to heart and kidney," she underlined.

She said any mother gives childbirth for more than 3.5 kg foetus indicate that she has touched high diabetes during her pregnancy. It was officially proven that foetuses born to diabetic mothers are prone to get diabetes, she revealed.