Nyambene Level 4 hospital nutritionist Grace Safari has urged Igembe residents to embrace diet change and lifestyle modification to combat prevalence and incidence of diabetes.
Speaking to KNA, Safari noted that the process of preventing diabetes has become a very important topic of discussion due to its long-term effects including financial constraint as one tries to manage the disease.
She explained the common types of diabetes saying type 1 is a chronic illness in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin due to the autoimmune destruction of beta cells while type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by the impairment of insulin secretion within the body and insulin resistance which could be reversed or prevented with achievable change of diet and lifestyle.
Safari emphasized that the contributing factors to developing diabetes especially type 2 include being physically inactive, overweight and genetic factors.
She maintained that type 2 diabetes could be managed and prevented by consumption of a healthy and balanced diet as well as avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
“Nutrition and physical activities are very important parts of a healthy lifestyle with or without diabetes,” she added.
Safari said that for one to manage blood glucose, there is a need to balance what you eat and drink with physical exercises.
“When you exercise, your muscle cells use insulin and glucose more efficiently for energy thus lowering diabetes risk,” said Safari.
Diet being among major factors associated with a variety of diseases including diabetes, the type and amount of food consumption is a fundamental determinant of human health, Safari said.
According to the nutritionist, a healthy eating plan which comprises fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, whole grains, less consumption of red meat and fat from foods high in unsaturated fatty acids are key elements in preventing or managing diabetes.
She further said that high blood glucose levels if not managed well with diet, lifestyle and medication could cause nerve damage, kidney problems, heart diseases and blood vessel problems.
Safari further urged members of the public to regularly check blood sugar levels and seek medical intervention if they feel more thirsty than usual, urinate often, feel tired, have blurred vision among other symptoms of diabetes.
By Kamanja Maeria
