Diabetics exposed to vital tips at interactive health session

Aug 25, 2011 News

The mantra of health care professionals is healthy living. Patients are always advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, the non-consumption of alcohol, and no smoking.
Those in attendance at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Diabetic Clinic and its vicinity were yesterday exposed to an interactive session on healthy living. They were given exercise tips and samples of food that should be consumed for a long healthy life.

Diabetics sampling a low Glycemic Index diet comprising wholegrain bread, corn beef, and pure fruit juice, among other essential items.

This initiative was a collaborative effort of the GPHC and Nurse Elizabeth Bobb, RN, RM, a former staffer of the hospital.
According to Bobb, having diabetes does not mean that an individual should not have a healthy life. She added that a person could essentially be off tablets if they observe a healthy lifestyle, which includes a low Glycemic Index diet.
A Glycemic Index is a measure of the effects of Carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that breakdown quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high Glycemic Index; carbohydrates that breakdown more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low Glycemic Index.
As part of this low Glycemic Index diet, diabetics should reduce the intake of saturated fats, cut back on pine and watermelons, and certain carbohydrates. Bobb emphasised that the body needs glucose found in carbohydrates and starch for energy. Glucose is produced in the liver.
There are six main elements that determine Glycemic Index: carbohydrates, protein foods, starch, fiber content, and sugar content. Bobb explained that diabetics should have a low carbohydrate diet, consume a lot of proteins, use whole wheat products, ensure daily intake of fiber, and sugar intake either in the form of glucose, fructose, lactose, and sucrose.
The necessity for diabetics to exercise was highlighted as overweight persons need to breakdown their body fat, since it slows the speed of food being converted to glucose in the liver. In addition, patients were advised to drink a cup of lemon or lime juice (lukewarm) every morning to reduce the fat.