Diabetes is fast gaining the status of a potential epidemic in India with more than 62 Millions of Diabetic Individuals currently diagnosed with this disease. According to wild et al.3 the prevalence of Diabetes is predicted to double globally from 171 million in the year 2000 to 366 Million with a maximum increase in India.
Diabetes statistics are alarming. More than 86 million Americans over the age of 20 have prediabetes, 29 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and another 8.1 million Americans are living with undiagnosed diabetes. Diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Complications and comorbid conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputations negatively impact quality of life and health care costs.
Here Are The Goals
Limit carbohydrate servings
Carbohydrates include sugars, starch, and fiber, and 1 serving is about 15 g. People with or without diabetes should eat a diet that includes carbohydrate, particularly from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk.
Lose weight
Weight loss reduces blood sugar and A1c levels2 and can be so effective that, after reaching weight-loss goals, some patients no longer need their diabetes medications. Calorie restriction is necessary for losing weight, but the very low-calorie diets (< 800 calories/day) are not effective for long-term weight loss.
Limit sodium
Hypertension increases the risk for heart attack and stroke as well as nephropathy in people with diabetes. Limiting sodium can help decrease blood pressure.4 The goal should be to reduce sodium intake to 2400 mg or salt to 6000 mg/day