Should you eat special foods only? Is the disease contagious? Should patients exercise?
8 WAYS TO
prevent diabetes
Cut excess weight.
Have three main meals with two snacks. Keep portions small.
Control your numbers. Lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol and boost HDL (goodΒ) cholesterol.
Swap butter for olive and vegetable oils, a source of good monounsaturated fats. Rotate oils for best benefits.
Swap white refined grains for whole grains Β rich in nutrients and fibre. They break down slowly to release glucose in the blood in a controllable way.
Reduce stress levels, which is a major cause. Plan some me time Β listen to music, meditate.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes, thrice a week. Any kind of brisk movement will do.
Stay happy. A positive attitude helps to keep the disease at bay.
Myths Debunked
mythΒ Diabetes is contagious.
truthΒ It may be an inherited trait but is not contagious.
mythΒ A high sugar consumption causes diabetes.
truth The excess sugar in our blood stream is different from the sugar we eat. However, a diet that is high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight, which increases your risks of developing Type 2 diabetes.
mythΒ People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.
truthΒ A healthy meal plan for diabetics is generally the same as a healthy diet for all: moderate in salt and sugar, low in fat, high in whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit.
myth Diabetics should avoid fruits and root vegetables.
truthΒ They should eat fruits and root veggies with other foods to slow the rise in blood sugar that can cause cell damage. Fruits have simple sugars that hit the blood-stream directly.
mythΒ Diabetics cannot exercise.
truthΒ Exercise is the key to prevent and treat the disease.
mythΒ Water can flush away excess sugar from the body.
truthΒ A healthy diet and regular exercise help Β not excess water.
