Thursday, August 28, 2008

Is Upma good for Diabetics


Upma is a traditional Indian dish prepared all over the country, Generally consumed as snack or for breakfast. Upma is prepared from Sooji ( semolina). Sooji itself is derived from wheat and high carbohydrate and calory content ( 75 gms of carbs per 100gms of semolina providing approx. 350 kcals of energy) single usual serving of upma is approx. 260 Kcals. But the biggest problems with foods made with semolina ( sooji) is their high glycemic index , such products are quickly absorbed into blood and result in quick and high peaks in blood glucose levels- this makes such foods undesirable for diabetics. Upma is often consumed with Nariyal chutney- which has high caloric value and is rich in saturated fats. Nariyal Chutney is therefore not recommended for diabetics.
One solution is making upma with soaked fenugreek seeds this decreases the absorption in blood and may prevent sudden blood glucose peaks. Here you can access this recipe for free.



Diabetestotalcontrol.com- Dedicated to Diabetes care of Indians in India and all over theWorld

Monday, August 25, 2008

Corn & Wheat flakes for Diabetics

Question. Are Corn and wheat flakes good for Diabetics

Answer: Highly processed ready to eat Corn or wheat flakes may not be the best option for Diabetics- they have high glycemic index so they get absorbed into the system readily and give high post meal blood sugar peaks, But if the same flakes are taken in a less processed form ( simlpy put- those flakes which need some cooking to be done and cannot be had straight from the box) are a good breakfast option for Diabetics - rich in fibres and of low glycemic index hence they slowly get absorbed in the blood and do not cause peaks of blood sugar.

Diabetestotalcontrol.com- Dedicated to Diabetes care of Indians in India and all over theWorld

Jaggery ( Gurh) and Diabetes


Question: Is Jaggery good for Diabetics?
Answer: Jaggery is unrefined sugar- In north India -it is made by boiling sugarcane juice, In parts of Southern and Eastern Indian states it is also made from dates. Its caloric content is only slightly less than sugar, ( 383 Kcal per 100 gms) so it is not recommended for Diabetics.
Diabetestotalcontrol.com- Dedicated to Diabetes care of Indians in India and all over theWorld

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Singhara - Water chestnut

Question: Is Water chestnut or Water caltrop ( Singhara) good for Diabetics?
Answer: The seeds of Fresh Water chestnut consist mainly of starch and has carbohydrate content almost similar to that of potatoes it should be taken in moderate quantity ( 23 grams carbs per 100 gms weight giving approximately 115 kcals per 100 gms)
Dry singhara's carb contents are almost triple that of fresh- so singhara flour and dry singhara should be avoided by diabetics.
Indian women often use Singhara flour for preparations during festivals and fastings, Singhara flour contains approximately same carbohydrate contents as wheat flour- so it is advised to consume it in similar quantities as wheat chappatis.

Diabetestotalcontrol.com- Dedicated to Diabetes care of Indians in dia and all over theWorld

Hello to Indian Diabetics and all those who are worried about them

This blog is an extension of my efforts to bring relief to all Indian diabetics and those who are involved on their care and treatment. Questions specifically related to management of Indian ( Asian) Diabetics would be addressed in the coming pages. Please do leave your comments and suggestions.

Control today for a healthy tomorrow