The fad to look lean is driving many people towards the risk of developing diabetes, which could ultimately result into more health ailments. People who adopt unregulated or non-recommended practices to cut weight, especially among young women, is causing more harm than good to them. The inconvenient truth is one out of every three Indians is a known or prone diabetic, and this number is rising at an alarming rate with each passing year.

On the eve of World Diabetes Day, Medicover Hospitals organized an awareness session to help people understand the risks associated with diabetes, and how it could turn disastrous in the longer period. Eating right and staying healthy are important to maintain right body weight, and unnecessary drastic steps will only lead to increase the risk of people turning into diabetics that could eventually lead to damaging other vital organs like kidneys.

Commenting on diabetes and kidney ailments, Dr. Rahul Agarwal, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Medicover Hospitals said, “It is important to eat the required amount of macro and micro nutrients in a limited period during the day, giving the body time to digest and process them properly “This will keep blood sugar levels more stable and body will stay nourished properly.”

“While meat is commonly believed to be good protein, it might not be the best diet for diabetics. Instead, people who are already suffering due to high blood sugar levels or those bordering must prefer plant-based foods. A well-balanced vegetarian food too supplies all necessary micronutrients to a human body and helps maintain healthy metabolism and reduces risk of diabetes,” added Dr. Rahul Agarwal.

Avoid oil, white starch, carbs, and junk food and include more leafy vegetables and fruits in daily food intake. Exercising daily reduces the risk of heart stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and will have a positive effect on people who suffer from type-2 diabetes. While there is no need to eliminate salt from diet, reducing its take significantly will do a world of good, and will also help improve metabolism.

Most people believe ailments like diabetes and cardiovascular disease are inherited from earlier generations. However, that is not entirely true! Following healthy diet and leading a physically active lifestyle will help an individual overcome the risk of diabetes, even if his/her parents/grandparents suffered from related ailments. It is important people develop an understanding on what helps them keep stay healthy and lead a non-compromised life.