UNSWEET NOTHINGS
Diabetic patients often require more care when it comes to their diet and we’ve got the help they need
This article only takes 5 minutes of your time
We spoke to Puan Noor Anita Khairi, the founder of Farmasi Aiman in Seremban to shed a light on diabetic patients, the nutrients that they require while managing their disease and its absorption into their bodies.
What is the number of misconception about diabetic patients when it comes to their diets?
The number one misconception diabetic patients have about their health is the lack of awareness that the nutrients they have been consuming are not being absorbed by the cells. As a result, they become fatigued. They are not only tired but actually fatigued. The difference between tired and fatigued is that the latter cannot be treated with rest.
What are also important nutrients that diabetic patients should pay attention to?
Diabetic patients should know about suitable nutrients that their body craves for. There are a lot of food replacements suitable for diabetic patients who may not have a balanced diet. They need to supplement themselves with basic amino acids that the cells need for recovery.
"There are a lot of food replacements suitable for diabetic patients who may not have a balanced diet."
Where patients can obtain these nutrients? Do you suggest whole foods such as grain, fruits, and vegetables or would it be better in supplement form?
Those amino acids can be from powder, tablet supplement or virgin coconut oil. There are plenty of varieties of brands available to be purchased on pharmacy shelves. Do talk to your pharmacist on which form of supplement to choose.
Take note regarding hydration too. Some patients do not respond to medication or nutrients given just because their cells lack certain essential minerals. Minerals are very important for our nerve signals. These minerals are also available in the form of sachets, tetra packs and drops. Vitamin B is also important for maintenance of nerve health especially B1, B6 and B12 as they may help with neuropathy. According to Cleveland clinic, neuropathy is when there is damage to the nerves that usually leads to numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain where the nerves were damaged. Neuropathy usually starts in your extremities such as your hands and feet but other parts of the body can be affected too. If a diabetic patient finds out about their illness earlier, they can maintain their nerve health before further damage is done.
Ingesting vitamin B will take much longer time to heal rather than preventing the destruction. I suggest healthy diabetic patients to take fresh organic whole foods rather than food replacement unless they have been in a diabetic state for so long that there are not enough good cells to help with the recovery. The replacement meal is much more important for diabetic patients who are not managing their disease well. It is even more important when they have wounds to take care of.
"The replacement meal is much more important for diabetic patients who are not managing their disease well."
What complications can be if diabetic patient doesn't follow their diet suggestions?
If a diabetic patient doesn’t follow diet advice given by a medical professional, they might end up with so many other health conditions such as heart problems, gangrene, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and more.
What organs can be harmed if a diabetic patient doesn't control their diet?
Organs that can be harmed by high glucose level in the blood are the liver, kidneys and eyes. This is because high blood sugar level is bad for organs which are integral in the blood circulation system.
What foods or herbs should diabetic patient be aware of that might have interaction with their medications?
Diabetic patients may benefit from herbs such as misai kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus) which is good for maintaining good blood circulation; bitter gourd seed extract which is good for supplying enough amino acid to the cells or Ceylon cinnamon which is good to decrease inflammation and lower blood sugar. The patient may be asked to monitor their own blood glucose daily closely while taking those herbs. Keeping a diary and bringing it along when getting medications from the doctor or pharmacist may help them get the proper diabetic medication. The patient would also have the right advice when it comes to ingesting herbs in conjunction with medication especially if they’re managing their disease by themselves.
Can diabetic patients ask advice from community pharmacists such as yourself?
Yes, of course! Diabetic patients can easily seek information about maintaining their health from any community pharmacist nearby. This can extend to advice about diet and lifestyle, not just about medications and supplements.
What is your advise to diabetic patients and also their carers who might be helping them prepare the foods?
Caregivers of diabetic patients must be aware of the amount of sugar they put in their cooking or even drinks. I would suggest replacing white sugar with brown sugar or other sugars that are not bleached but still high in minerals like palm sugar which is high in antioxidants like gula kabung or gula anau (made from the Nira tree).
What foods or herbs should diabetic patient be aware of that might have interaction with their medications?
Diabetic patients may benefit from herbs such as misai kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus) which is good for maintaining good blood circulation; bitter gourd seed extract which is good for supplying enough amino acid to the cells or Ceylon cinnamon which is good to decrease inflammation and lower blood sugar. The patient may be asked to monitor their own blood glucose daily closely while taking those herbs. Keeping a diary and bringing it along when getting medications from the doctor or pharmacist may help them get the proper diabetic medication. The patient would also have the right advice when it comes to ingesting herbs in conjunction with medication especially if they’re managing their disease by themselves.
"Caregivers of diabetic patients must be aware of the amount of sugar they put in their cooking or even drinks."
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