Diabetes Patient Do and Don't: What should a diabetic patient do and what should he not do during Diwali?

Diabetes Patient in Diwali: Diwali is incomplete without sweets. Whether at home or outside, there are many opportunities to indulge in sweets. But for diabetic patients, this can be a problem. So, let's explain what a diabetic patient should and should not do.

Diabetes Patient Do's and Don'ts: In India, festivals and sweets have become synonymous. Any celebration seems incomplete without sweets, especially Diwali. But while sweets symbolize happiness, they can also be a source of trouble for people suffering from diabetes.

India is known as the Diabetes Capital of the World. The number of people with diabetes has risen sharply over the past three decades. Despite this, our passion for sweets remains undiminished. Often, when someone says, "I'm diabetic," people still respond, "Hey, just have a piece!"

Diwali a test of patience for diabetics

Diwali is a time when diabetes patients need the utmost restraint. Rahul, a resident of Greater Noida, says, "Whenever I go to someone's house during Diwali, they force me to eat sweets, and that's the hardest part, convincing them that I really can't eat sweets. Everyone tries to persuade me just for a piece. Now, I avoid social gatherings during this time."

Even one laddu can increase sugar.

Speaking to India Today, Dr. Pradviraj Sanamandra, an endocrinologist at Arete Hospitals, explains that Diwali brings joy, but for people with diabetes, even a small laddu can rapidly raise blood sugar levels. Traditional sweets are high in sugar, ghee, and milk, which can quickly make the body feel tired, thirsty, or dizzy.

Sweets can raise blood sugar levels for several days.

Dr. Siri M. Kamath of Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, says, "Such fluctuations in blood sugar are harmful. They put pressure on the kidneys, eyes, and nerves. For people already on insulin or medication, even one sweet a day can disrupt their sugar levels for several days."

What not to do for diabetes patients during Diwali

• Don't fall for just one piece: Even what others call "a little sweetness" can raise blood sugar levels.
• Don't blindly trust sugar-free sweets: Many "sugar-free" sweets are actually made with dates, jaggery, or artificial sweeteners, which can also raise sugar levels.
• Skipping meals is a mistake: Skipping main meals to eat sweets can be very harmful. This can cause sugar levels to become uncontrolled.
• Avoid too much caffeine or cold drinks: These dehydrate the body and cause fluctuations in glucose levels.
• Avoid stress: Stress also increases blood sugar levels. Therefore, celebrate Diwali with peace and positivity.

What should a diabetic patient do during Diwali?

• Check your blood sugar regularly: Diet and routine change during Diwali. So, check your blood sugar levels once or twice a day.
• Eat a balanced diet: Include vegetables, salads, yogurt, and whole grains in your diet to keep your sugar levels stable.
• Prefer homemade sweets: Market-made sweets are high in sugar and ghee. Healthy sweets made at home with less sugar or jaggery are a better option.
• Drink plenty of water: Don't forget to drink water during the hustle and bustle of the festive season. Adequate hydration helps keep blood sugar under control.
• Eat small amounts, not too often: It is better to eat small amounts several times a day rather than eating too much at one time.
• Satisfy sweet cravings with fruits: If you feel like eating sweets, then eat low-glycemic fruits like apple, guava, papaya.

PC: Asianetnews