Doctors urge diabetics to make healthy Christmas and New Year resolutions

Stressing on the need to keep a check on their disease, Dr V Mohan of the Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, said, “A diabetic must follow a couple of restrictions in terms of their diet and follow that as their New Year’s resolutions. Besides, it is important that they include walking as part of their daily routine. As far as diet goes, one must follow it to whatever extent possible and cut down on rice and other carbohydrates. Taking more vegetables is important.”

He also stressed on the importance of keeping one’s HbA1c level below 7 per cent always. “A diabetic must also ensure they take a check up every three to four month, even if they feel good. People with Type 1 diabetes must work to keep their blood sugar in a normal range. High blood sugar over a long period of time can lead to devastating complications,” he added.

Stressing on the importance of forming healthy ambassadors who are up to fight and prevent diabetes, he said, “They must also fight its related complications besides spread this message of leading a better healthy lifestyle amidst food, fun and work.”

While the burden problems related to this disease is high around Christmas and New Year, he said, “We usually see a big increase after Deepavali and the mango season. Right after these occasions, diabetics come to us for check up with high sugar levels.”

Another factor seen as an enormous issue when it comes to diabetes is the presence of quacks giving advice online. “We came across an individual throwing around advice on WhatsApp and Facebook and there were many who blindly believed him as well. We were shocked when we came across some of his messages, which also included the random prescription of medicines. He was in fact not even a plus II graduate. Eventually action was taken against him,” says Dr Raghav K, an Endocrinologist.

Another incident of a man advising the public on the need to take three to four mangoes a day was also brought to light. “This man had become so popular that he was all over the internet. He would advise diabetics to take three to four mangoes to ensure their diabetes is cured within three to four months. There are so many frauds and this does so much harm to the people and we are planning to write a paper on this very topic as it is high time that this issue is dealt with at the earliest,” Dr Mohan added.

Resolutions that should be followed by a diabetic