With India set to become the Diabetes capital of the world, we need to take strong steps to ensure a good quality of life for a diabetic. The question is how do we go about it?

The word ‘diabetic diet’ creates a kind of phobia among patients. In reality, there is nothing called ‘diabetic diet’.

Diabetes too can have a normal diet with some slight modifications in terms of calories and carbs. A diabetic must have a regular balanced diet with three major meals and something small in between meals, such as mid-morning tea and evening snack. Regularity is a key factor as one of the commonest causes of uncontrolled diabetes is irregular eating habits.

The best way to control diabetes is by eating balanced meals and avoiding foods containing sugar, glucose, jaggery and honey. Foods can be divided into major groups, which are referred to as the food exchanges. They are cereals, pulses and meat products, milk and milk products, vegetables, fruits , fats and sugars. An ‘exchange’ between these various groups is the best way to avoid boredom and also maintain a healthy lifestyle. But don’t just let the diet plan be on paper. Ensure that you follow it!


The author is a senior dietician at M S Ramaiah Memorial Hospital