Friday, May 16, 2014

Diabetes in Summers


Diabetes in Summers

Summer is a special season for all of us in India- We hate it at the same time we love it, The juicy fruits like Mangoes, Watermelon, Melons, Peaches, Apricots etc  are loved by all and specially enjoyed by the kids during their Summer Holidays.  But summers also bring the intolerable heat, Hot winds and a host of infections like Typhiod, Gastroenteritis, Viral fevers, Diarrhea etc.
Diabetics need to be very careful during these months as was elaborated by. Even though fruits are often recommended by all  Diabetes doctors in Delhi, one needs to be very choosy and careful while selecting fruits, Banana, Cheekoo ( or Sapota), Grapes, Mangoes and Litchis should be avoided. Some fruits like Mangoes may be had in very small quantities e.g. 1 slice but not more. In India people eat mangoes in Kgs- this can be very harmful for Diabetics, infact many people discover that they have Diabetes only during the Mango season.
Watermelon and Melon are also abundant during summers and they are sweet too! But these  can be eaten by the Diabetics, infact they are recommended for Diabetics- they are filling as they are mainly full of water, have some fibres and plenty of vitamins and minerals. In moderate quantities like one bowl a day these may  be good for Diabetics.
Lot of green vegetables are available during summers which can be had as salads e.g. Cucumber, Tomatoes, Kakdi. Eating green uncooked vegetables is very good for Diabetics, these vegetables have lots of fibres and water together with vitamins and minerals, all these are very good for Diabetics.These vegetables decrease the Glycemic index of whatever food has been taken, which leads to their slower absorption and release of glucose and consequently slower rise in Blood Glucose levels. Some salads like Cucumbers and Kakdi are abundantly available during summers and are loved by most Indians. Diabetes Specialists advise their patients to have plenty of salads before taking any meals and in place of snacks.