MANAGING DIABETES: With modern blood-sugar monitoring devices, keeping a check on your diabetes is easier than ever.

By Anand Holla


From teaming up with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) to deliver educational workshops in the run-up to Ramadan to teaming up with Al Meera to screen a whopping 2,500 people for diabetes during the onset of the holy month, Action on Diabetes (AoD) has been active in its community health care pursuits throughout Ramadan and Eid.
AoD is a partnership between the Supreme Council of Health, HMC, Primary Health Care Corporation, QDA – member of Qatar Foundation, Maersk Oil Qatar and the world leader in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk. It aims to prevent diabetes and improve care and quality of life for patients in Qatar.
“The unique partnership setup helps the Qatari authorities raise awareness of diabetes, help those at risk to avoid it, and give people already living with diabetes advice on managing their health better,” the AoD says. Its message alongside its logo on the website is simple and effective: Eat Right. Move More. Don’t Smoke. Get Checked.
Given how severe a health challenge diabetes is in Qatar, the success of the AoD campaign and its growing awareness can only be good news. With the holy month of Ramadan and the many Eid feasts long over, what do experts involved with the AoD have to say about reconsolidating the regular diet? Community posed a few questions to Dr Amel A Mustafa from QDA:

Looking back at the holy month gone by, how important is Ramadan in resetting the system? What food habits formed during Ramadan can we adopt into our daily life?
Fasting is known to have many health benefits, giving the digestive system a rest and providing an excellent opportunity to make changes for a healthier lifestyle and weight loss. Positive lifestyle changes support healthy weight-loss during Ramadan can be continued afterwards such as reducing the total caloric intake by watching portion sizes when choosing a variety of nutritious foods that provide all the nutrients a body needs.

What kind of steps can be taken to return to the normal diet schedule in a healthier manner?
It is always better to divide meals during the day into three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between, only if needed) rather than one big meal. Increase the intake of fibre-rich food such as vegetables (salads or cooked vegetables). Reduce the amount of fat and oil added during cooking and use healthy cooking method such as broiling, grilling and steaming more often.

What kind of diet patterns must be avoided so as to keep the blood sugar levels regulated?
Calorie-dense foods and snacks should be avoided, including pastries, chocolate, ice cream, biscuits and soft drinks or other beverages that will increase the blood sugar level. Be aware of the caloric value of juices and replace them by wholesome fruits. Nuts and dried fruits are nutritious snacks however care should be taken in limiting the intake to small amounts per day because of their high caloric value.

Weather-wise, we are experiencing extreme heat and humidity. How can one optimise nutrition while maintaining healthy blood sugar levels?
In hot weather, it’s important to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. Drinking enough water helps replenish the fluids lost by sweating. Avoid drinking too much tea or coffee as caffeine makes you pass more urine, taking with it valuable minerals that your body would need during the day. Avoid drinking juices instead of water as juices have a strong effect on blood glucose level.

Can you please cite three or five main precautions that can be taken by those who are at risk of getting diabetes?
Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention, especially if you are at an increased risk of diabetes; like for instance, if you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes. Controlling weight is important as being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Being physically active is another important aspect that will reduce the risk of diabetes as well as improve the overall health. The recommended physical activity is at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise – 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Eating healthy has an impact on reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.


Related Story