SEPTEMBER 2014

well as the nation.
Nutrition has known to play an important
role in the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes,
managing existing diabetes (type1, type
2 and gestational diabetes) as well as in
preventing or reducing the progression
of diabetes-related complications. There
have been several nutritional approaches
suggested for prevention and management
of diabetes. Since consumption of red-meat
has been found to be strongly associated
with higher risk of developing diabetes,
a higher risk of developing diabetes, a
vegetarian diet with increased intake of
fruits and vegetable, decreased levels of
total, saturated and trans fats may help in
preventing diabetes as well as achieving
good glycemic control. Displacement
of saturated fat and increased intake of
fibre have been seen as general reasons
for increasing fruit and vegetable
consumption. Further, increased fibre
intake may improve glycemic control
diabetes. Vegetarianism is the practice of
abstaining from consumption of meat,
red meat, poultry and seafood. It may also
include abstention from by-products of
animal slaughter, such as animal-derived
rennet and gelatin. There are several type
of vegetarianism, which exclude or include
various foods.
Indian population is going through a phase
of dietary transition; leaving the traditional
diets, people have now started opting for
commercially available packaged foods
or quick home-made foods. These snacks
often regarded as ‘‘comfort foods’’ are
quickly prepared or are easily available
commercially and include fried foods
that are high in energy and fats (saturated
and trans fats) but low in nutrients. The
increase in the intake of energy dense foods
together with low levels of physical activity
level is leading to increased incidence of
obesity and other related lifestyle diseases
like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular
disease and the metabolic syndrome.
Sedentary habits, especially watching TV,
are associated with significantly higher
risks for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Given the current dietary patterns
of Indians and increasingprevalence
of lifestyle diseases like diabetes,
cardiovasculardiseases, etc., it is important
to generate awareness through awareness
programs to spreadhealthy messages
on good nutrition and good health for
theprevention of obesity and diabetes.
These shall not only promote good health,
but shall also help inthe prevention of noncommunicable
diseases such as diabetes,
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A balanced vegetarian diet with
emphasis on plat foods such as
fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
legumes and nuts, can easily meet
the nutritional recommendations
and may have a number of benefits
over a meat-based diet for the
prevention and management
of diabetes and its related
complications.
heartproblems, and other related diseases.
On the long run, suchprograms shall act
to reduce the burden on economic growth
ofthe nation.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most
common non-communicable diseases
(NCDs) globally. Over the past 30 years, the
status of diabetes has changed from being
known as a mild disorder of the elderly to
one of the major causes of morbidity and
mortality affecting the youth and middle
aged people. It is the fourth or fifth leading
cause of death in most high-income
countries and there is substantial evidence
that it is epidemic in many economically
developing and newly industrialized
countries.
Diabetes represents a group of chronic
metabolic disorder characterized by
abnormally high blood sugar levels
(hyperglycemia) caused by decreased
insulin secretion (a hormone secreted
by pancreas, which metabolizes glucose;
controls blood sugar levels), resistance to
insulin action, or a combination of both.
Prolonged untreated diabetes leads to
severe complications. The complications of
diabetes are:
»»
Damage to the kidneys (Diabetic
nephropathy)
»»
Damage to the nerves (Diabetic
neuropathy)
»»
Damage to the retina of the
eyes (Diabetic retinopathy)
»»
Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD;
Blockage/ hardening of the
arteries)
»»
Stroke (blockage in the blood
vessel of the brain)
A balanced vegetarian diet with emphasis
on plat foods such as fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, legumes and nuts, can easily
meet the nutritional recommendations
and may have a number of benefits over
a meat-based diet for the prevention and
management of diabetes and its related
complications.
»»(Dr. Anoop Misra is Chairman, Fortis-C-
DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes,
Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology &
Dr. Swati Bhardwaj is Head, Nutrition and
Fatty Acid Research, National Diabetes,
Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation )