Dr. Sanjoy Satpathy: DIABETES QUESTIONS

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Frequently asked questions by diabetic patients:

1. Can I take mango, lichi, grapes, apple and other fruits?

Ans: Yes, seasonal fruits are allowed provided the person has mental strength to say no! The problem with diabetics is that they have an unfulfilled desire to consume sweets and sweet fruits. Without informing the wife or husband as the case may be, they eat away the forbidden foods from fritz. All fruits contain some amount of carbohydrate which gets converted to glucose in the body and raise the blood glucose level. I allow half of a small size mango, or four litchis or one apple or small size banana in a day in place of a sweet dish. In fact, fruits are some of the healthiest carbohydrates a person can consume. They contain lots of antioxidants and vitamins, and the sugar they contain is paired with lots of fiber so is less likely to spike your blood sugar. Hold on seasonal fruits within limits. If you have other associated disease then consults your doctor.

2. Can I take rice?

Ans: Yes but amount is restricted as per your weight, physical activities, sugar level, and other items served with the meal. Ours is a tropical country hence rice is allowed during summer months. If your tummy’s girth is more than chest then be careful, you are a candidate for cardiologist. The glycaemia index of rice and chapatti are little different plus you can count how many roti you have consumed but not the amount of rice. Most of the cases it’s the sweets but not the rice which is the main culprits.

3. What about sweets:

Ans: Best is to say no to ice-cream and other sweets for your own benefit. Forget those words of friends—“once in awhile does not matter”. Yes once in six months is allowed. If you are living to eat then go ahead.

4. Can I take alcohol?

Ans: If you are above 65 years and no liabilities choice is yours. Maximum allowed is 90ml twice a week. Reduce your food if you had a beer or hard drinks. Remember alcohol interacts with diabetes medicines and cause hypoglycemia!

5. Can we get our son marriage to a diabetic family?

Ans: Difficult to answer. If your family is diabetic too then there are high chances of your grand children becoming diabetic in early age. Diabetic population must be reduced in the world by genetic counseling and diet restrictions.

6. Role of other family members for me? “Why we should suffer for him by not bringing sweets to home?”My wife says.

Ans: Big role. Family cooperation and support plays a big role for diabetic patients.

7. What is glycaemia Index?

Ans: Glucose has a glycaemia index (GI) of 100.Food with high GI is bad for diabetics. Food must contain fibers.All soft drinks have a high glycaemia index, potato chips, candy, all Indian sweets have high glycaemia index.