Hyderabad, Dec. 23: A new study conducted by diabetologists in Hyderabad and Chennai has revealed that depression and diabetes are inter-related.
People who are diabetic are prone to depression due to factors related to their health.
Also, people who are prone to tension and depression tend to develop diabetes.
A daily brisk walk of 30-45 minutes is suggested by experts for diabetic patients.
According to a study conducted by the ICMR-INDIAB, there were around 6.24 crore people with diabetes in 2011 and 7.7 crore with pre-diabetes, making it one of the largest non-communicable epidemics. A major segment of them are now constituted by people of the age group 30-50, and also by a large segment of school children.
"A lot of psychosocial factors result in depression after diabetes. Once a person contracts diabetes, his mental state becomes very unstable. He gets depressed as he will not be able to consume sweets anymore. This follows how he has to become more careful. So, when a person is stressed, their sugar levels go up and the anti-insulin hormones go up," said Dr V Mohan, chairman and chief diabetologist at Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre.
This study was anchored by Dr. V Mohan and his assistant Dr Poongothai.
A 2001 study by the same organisation in six cities had put Hyderabad on top of the diabetes list. Dr Mohan says the trend is likely to continue in 2014 as well.
Next page: Jaggery not a substitute
Jaggery not a substitute
There are several myths surrounding diabetes, especially regarding diet and physical activity.
Experts say that many diabetics usually avoid physical activity, fearing it will weaken them. They also tend to cut down completely on healthy food.
Many resort to substituting sugar with honey or jaggery.
"Honey and jaggery have other forms of sugar like sucrose or fructose, which will eventually increase glucose levels. Though very nutritional in nature, they should not be consumed in excess by diabetics. People ask me if ghee can be included in the diet. They tell me that according to Ayurveda, ghee is considered good even for diabetics. These scripts were written more than two centuries ago, when lifestyle was healthier. Anything in moderation is good," said Dr V. Mohan, chairman and chief diabetologist at Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre.
Next page: Diet low on fat, carbs suggested
Diet low on fat, carbs suggested
An ideal diet plan for a diabetic person should be a low-carbohydrate, low-fat, hypocaloric and a fibre-rich one.
"About 50-60 percent of the food intake should be carbohydrate, 20 percent should be fat, 10-15 percent protein and less than 7 percent of saturated fat. The diet must be rich in grains, pulses, cereals and should consist of lots of leafy vegetables," said Dr M. Goverdhan, the chief physician at Care Hospitals, Nampally.
He also said that white rice should be replaced with brown rice or pounded rice and refined oil must make way for mustard or rice bran oil.
"People usually neglect fruits. But, only mango, custard apple and sapota must be avoided. Other fruits like apple, orange and papaya can be consumed even on a daily basis," he said.
He added that people who are fasting must consult their doctor before they fast.
"When a person fasts, the glucose level in the body gets disturbed. The level either spikes or drops and when one breaks the fast, they end up overeating," he said.
The doctor said that people do not have to panic if their doctors prescribes them insulin. "The sooner one starts their insulin dosage, the better."
