Over 425 million people have diabetes across the world, states the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). While World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14, IDF has dedicated the entire month to spread awareness. This year’s theme is family and diabetes.
“Today there is a significant increase in the number of individuals and parents who want to follow a diet suitable for them,” says Usha Gajapathi Raju, a dietician with experience of more than 20 years. Yet each year she has observed an sharp increase in the the incidence of diabetes across all age groups in the city.
Despite an increase in awareness, most people lack fitness thanks to the modern lifestyle and lack of attention towards what , how much and when they eat. Often it is habits like skipping breakfasts and eating meals at odd hours is leading to lifestyle diseases like diabetes.
Parents play a key role in ensuring their children have a balanced diet, says the nutritionist. K Rupa, a mother of a six-year-old who was diagnosed with diabetes, says, “Once I explained to my son why his sugar level needed to be controlled, he responded positively. ” Rupa allows him to have small quantities of sweets on the days he has done enough physical activities.
Explaining this Usha says, “In cases of young children, parents can monitor their diet. However when they enter their teens it becomes harder.” She feels schools can play big role in encouraging families to check sugar levels regularly. She asks, “If they can maintain data blood groups why not collect sugar levels annually?”
There isn’t a fixed diet for diabetics as the nutritional requirement varies from person to person. But a healthy diet is good for every one. “Foods that are good for a non-diabetic are also good for a diabetic person,” she says. Everyone should have millets and vegetables since they have fibre, nutrients and are low in carbohydrates, she advises.
But Usha is very well aware that monitoring sugar levels and taking medication may be something many people cannot afford to do. So she conducts free periodical check-ups in the city to enable those who cannot afford the cost of a regular medical check up. She is the co-founder of Diabetic Child Society which addresses medical needs of 300 diabetic children.
