Question

You have been tagged to plan a family reunion - that includes breakfast, a picnic style lunch, and a BBQ - sound's fun, right? However, a number of your older relatives are diabetic and are on fairly stringent diets that preclude added and hidden sugars. So, what will your menu plan be?

Answer 1

Diet as a whole plays a very significant role for all individuals to maintain health and protect human body from diseases. Moreover, diet for a older diabetic people is very important as the nutritive value of the diet is essential for controlling the blood sugars and avoid acute complications like hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia in older adults.

A diabetic diet is a healthy meal plan relates to small and frequent meals, with a good mix of carbohydrates, protein and fats is essential. The diet needs to be low on glycemic index and should have a good distribution of carbohydrates throughout the day.

Some tips for a diabetic’s diet:

1) Staying hydrated is important for a diabetic : Polyuria (frequent urination) is one of the symptom of diabetes, so there are chances that patient develops dehydration so drinking water is essential

2) Small frequent meals: Three times meal pattern shall be changed to six time meal pattern, a gap of 2 to 3 hours between each meals

3) Well distributed carbohydrates throughout the day: This helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels throughout the day thus to avoid episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia

4) Diet supporting maintenance of ideal body weight: Avoiding deeply fried foods

5) Medium glycemic index (a good mix of all the nutrients). like oat bran,brown rice, spaghetti, whea

Which foods are must haves, if any?

1. Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, pulses, vegetables and greens)
2. Essential fatty acids like flaxseed , almonds, fish
3. Adequate proteins throughout the day (good quality protein is the key)
4. Adequate fluid intake.

Which are the forbidden foods, if any?

1. Exclusive intake of simple carbohydrates like honey, jaggery ,sugar, jams
2. Trans fats (hydrogenated fat present in bakery products and repeated use of fried oil)
3. Excess calories, fatty foods, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine.

Any dos and don’ts with regards to drinks, dairy products etc.?

- It is essential to know the food that you eat, especially the preserved and processed foods.

- Avoid ready to drink preparation as there may be additional hidden salt, sugar used to add to the shelf life. Avoid artificially sweetened drinks, ice-cream, chocolates and sweets.