Information on Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that prevents the body to utilize glucose completely or partially. It is characterized by raising glucose concentration in the blood and alterations in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. This can be due to failure in the formation of insulin or liberation or action. Since insulin is produced by the β cells of the islets of Langerhans, any receding in the number of functioning cells will decrease the amount of insulin that can be synthesized.

Many diabetics can produce sufficient insulin but some stimulus to the islets tissue is needed in order that secretion can take place. In the early stages of the disease the Insulin Like Activity (ILA) of the blood is often increased, but most of this insulin appears to be bound to protein and is not available for transport across the cell membrane and action of the cell.

The hormones of the anterior pituitary, adrenal cortex, thyroid and α cells of the islets of Langerhans are glucogenic, that is, they increase the supply of glucose. Possibly they could increase the demand, decrease the secretion or antagonize and inhibit the action of insulin. The body releases hormones that raise blood glucose levels to provide a quick source of energy for coping with stress. In the stress conditions diabetes mellitus may precipitate with genetic predisposition.

Diabetes Insipidus is a condition that shares some of the symptoms of diabetes mellitus, large urine output, great thirst and sometimes a large appetite. But in diabetes insipidus these are symptoms of a specific injury, not a collection of metabolic disorders. The impaired pituitary gland produces less anti-diuretic hormone, a substance that normally helps the kidneys retain water.

Diet for Diabetics in India

Diabetes is now very common in India. It has alarmed the whole nation and every Indian should take measures to prevent diabetes. If there is a history of diabetes in the family, it is advisable to have an annual checkup, follow healthy diet plan and exercises. It is to be noted that people who are obese have greater risk of becoming diabetic. So in order to prevent diabetes, one should take care of his diet. When reducing calories, do not cut out basic foods. Plan a low-calorie balanced diet. For those already diabetic, below is a list of food items that one should include or avoid in his diet.

Breads, cereals

Include:  Whole wheat bread, chana flour roti, wheat flour roti, idlis, cornflakes in skimmed milk, or fresh juice, boiled rice, wheat puffs, khichdi, and oats.
Avoid: Hot bread, cake, pastries, sweet rolls, parathas, purees, bhathuras, kulchas, biryani pulao.

Vegetables

Include: Steamed vegetables, raw, fresh and green vegetables.
Avoid: Rich oily curries, fried vegetables, kofta currie with khoya or dried fruits.

Fats

Include: Butter, cream (1-2 table spoons occasionally)
Avoid: Pudding, icecreams, cookies, sweets like burfi, rus malai, rubri and other milk, khoya and sugar preparations, canned fruits, cream biscuits.

Meat, fish, cheese, eggs, chicken

Include: Lean meat, chicken, shell fish, fresh fish, or grilled egg (occasionally), fresh cottage cheese.
Avoid: Non-vegetarian curries rich in fat, fried meat or chicken or fish, butter gravies, roghan josh, keema, korma.

Soup

Include: Clear broth, vegetable soups made of fatless milk and vegetables.
Avoid: Creamed and thickened soups

Potato, fat substitute

Include: None
Avoid: All

Miscellaneous

Include: Condiments, salt, spices, herbs, flavorings, tea, coffee, etc., with very little sugar or artificial sweetener.
Avoid: All alcoholic beverages, oil achars, sauces, ketchups.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

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