Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is an increasing cause of blindness in persons with diabetes. Senior Ophthalmologist Dr Charu Gupta answers your questions, clears misconceptions and separates the facts from the myths. What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetes can cause changes to the blood vessels of the retina, leading to blindness. This is called diabetic retinopathy. I have good eyesight. I don’t have to worry about diabetic retinopathy. Unfortunately that is not true. Many patients with severe…

A nutritious navratan khichdi that is filling and provides excellent quality protein. It can be adapted to pongal as well. Its tasty and easy to make! Excellent quality protein, loads of vegetables. Great for persons with diabetes too. Ingredients (Serves 6 people) 225g rice  50g soya nuggets (If you skip this for a more traditional option it will reduce the protein content) 55g arhar (toor) dal 55g chana dal 55g moong dal 55g masoor dal 100g potatoes 100g carrot 100g cabbage 50g…

This preparation is a low-calorie modification of the typical roast. The initial tossing in oil reduces the chicken from drying out while in the oven. The apple sauce without sugar is highly recommended for those who wish to keep their sugar spikes under control after the meal. Ingredients  Whole dressed chicken – 1 ½ kg 4 apples 6-8 small onions 6 potatoes 4-5 carrots 20 French beans 1 capsicum 1 tsp ginger juice 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional) 2 tbsp Worcester sauce 1 stick cinnamon 10 to12…

This is a vegetable omelette with a difference. You can rustle up this omelette at the drop of a hat on a summer’s day when you don’t feel like having an egg. Ingredients (Makes 6 portions) ½ cup (60g) rice flour ¼ cup whole wheat flour 1 tbsp refined flour 2 tbsp besan ½ cup buttermilk or as required 1 onion (large), minced   1 tomato, chopped  3 green chillies, chopped Few curry leaves, chopped  Salt to taste ½ tsp mustard seeds Pinch of cooking soda (optional) 1 tbsp oil…

Elevated levels of blood sugar in diabetes increase the risk of elevated ‘bad’ cholesterol, triglycerides and other cardiovascular problems. Attempts to reduce these risk factors through medication and diet also reduce the level of ‘good’ cholesterol. Exercise and the presence of moderate amounts of monounsaturated fats in the diet help to increase ‘good’ cholesterol in our body. Avocado, also called “butter fruit” in some parts of India, is rich in monounsaturated fats and anti-oxidant Vitamin…

Diabetes management is not a one time fix. It requires sustainable lifestyle changes. Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator explains the dos and don’ts for eating well and keeping your blood sugar under control. Whether you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes or are a longstanding diabetes patient, your heart skips a beat while you’re waiting to see your blood glucose reading. You are keen to do all that it takes to bring down the blood sugar quickly – whether it is by omitting…

What is Glycaemic Index and why you need to be aware of it when planning meals - By Ujjwala Baxi, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. What is Glycaemic Index? Mr. Ram and Mr. Raghu are brothers with diabetes. The breakfast menu is mostly the same for both. The only difference is that Mr. Ram likes to have his butter on white bread whereas Mr. Raghu prefers it on multigrain bread. They both leave for work. Within a couple of hours, Mr. Ram feels hungry while Mr. Raghu is…

What is it Diabetic retinopathy refers to all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes. There is a high incidence of blindness with diabetes. According to Diabetes Care Journal, American Diabetes Association, there are approximately 93 million people with diabetic retinopathy, 17 million with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 21 million with diabetic macular edema, and 28 million with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.…

A daughter and caregiver describes the toll diabetes took on her mother’s life and its impact on their family. By Padmini Chandrasekaran An accident or an afterthought, I was born in 1954 when my mother was 38 years old. I weighed almost 4kg and the exertions of a normal delivery must have exhausted my mother. Or so my parents thought, as after her delivery, my mother continued to be listless, tired and slightly irritable. She felt the urge to pass urine frequently…

Mumbai-based Dr M.B. Bhide, 54, managed his diabetes by changing the way he lives. He is as busy as ever and diabetes is not getting in his way. Here are his tips. What kind of diabetes are you suffering from? Type 2 diabetes When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed a year back. What symptoms did you have? I was frequently hungry and craved food. Did you put on a lot of weight? Not really. I weighed 72kg, which was a little more than ideal.  Is there diabetes in the family? Yes …