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American Academy of Pediatrics

American Assoc for the Advancement of Science

American Diabetes Association

American Endocrine Society

American Medical Association

American Pediatric Society

Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society

Clinical Immunology Society

New York Academy of Science

 

 
diabetes care Diet and Exercise
 
You or your child have been diagnosed with obesity, insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) or type-2 diabetes (T2DM). Accordingly, a program of diet and exercise has been recommended for you. Here are some simple rules to follow to carry this out.

Note that these life style changes need to be gradually introduced such that you will adhere to them for the rest of your life, in order to obtain and then retain your good health. Fad dieting can induce weight losses but over time, relapses are the rule and more weight gains than before are unfortunately common. Good life style practices with respect to exercise and diet outlined herein however need to become part of who you are!

Exercise:
In all of the above conditions, regular exercise is required to keep your body in the best shape to minimize complications. For those of you with type-2 diabetes, a fall in blood glucose levels will soon become evident after you begin your exercise program. Further, you will see lower blood glucose levels up to 3 days after the exercise. You should be involved in exercise daily for at least 40 minutes at a stretch as possible. Not only will your body thank you, you will gain a sense of well being and your energy level will increase.

The type of exercise does not matter much, but rather the duration. Any team sport is ideal, however exercise in a gym, dancing, swimming or just walking will do. For those with a busy life style, you can choose to walk whenever you have the opportunity to do so, in which case 20,000 steps in a week is the goal if you are an adolescent or adult. This can be measured with a pedometer in your pocket or on your belt.

Diet: In the above medical conditions, dieting is essential to weight loss and for the T2DM (type-2 diabetes mellitus) patient to control blood glucose levels. The household members that you live with should ideally adhere to your healthy diet also, to help you avoid temptations and reinforce good eating practices for all concerned. School lunch programs should not be at odds with our instructions but unfortunately, most are.

The other dietary principles involved are as follows:

1. Do not miss meals. Research in mice has demonstrated that the same daily food intake eaten at one time creates more bodily fat than does the same food spread over several meals. It also increases appetite making your diet difficult to adhere to.

2. Reduce carbohydrates that come from simple sugars and starches. Dr Atkins, among others, was correct in that persons with the above conditions can crave carbs and yet be ready to eat again soon after a high carb meal. The goal is to examine your routine daily food intake and seek out where the culpable carbs are.
  • In general, the first approach is to restrict completely, sugar (sucrose) containing foods such as sugar containing carbonated drinks, cakes, ice cream, catsup etc, plus those high in simple carbs such as rice, fruit juice, potato chips, certain fruits (such as mango, pineapple, grapes, watermelon), French fries and pizza.

  • Foods that are free (not counted in your initial diet), include all vegetables that are not rice or potatoes, fish, chicken, lean meats, fruits such as berries, grapefruit, high protein low fat cheeses like mozzarella , low fat milk etc. Sugar substitutes can be taken freely too, however high intakes of many carbonated diet drinks can give you a lot of caffeine.

  • Foods that can be taken in moderation (small amounts 1-2 times weekly) include pastas, regular breads (low carb bread is more acceptable-6gms slice rather than the usual 15gms per slice), and potatoes. Note that many vegetable based carbs are complex (carrots, peas, berries, beans, lentils) and do not need to be restricted.

  • Many of the above persons may also have an intolerance to fats. If you are one such person, then animal fats need to be eaten sparingly too.

  • You will have noticed that the stores are replete with diet products such as snack bars. You need to read their carbohydrate content and be sure that they do not contain hydrogenated oils or trans fats, since these are a health hazard to all of us, especially you. If a high BP has been detected, you should restrict excess salt also.
Please ensure that you obtain a more detailed diet when you visit your doctor. This diet will suffice for the initiation of your therapy. For those of you that are judged to be making slow progress, a visit to a nutritionist will be arranged. A measured specific diet may be necessary to get your weight down.
 

AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International Award: David Rumbough Scientific Award

International Canadian Diabetes Association/Connaught Novo Nordisk Award

Mary Jane Kugel Award for Diabetes Research, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation

Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society

 
   
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