Type 2 diabetes is a big issue in the UAE and we know many people turn to Keto Goodies to manage their sugar intake and find low sugar and low carb alternatives
Read on to find out how a few lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, can make a huge difference
As the focus turns to World Diabetes Day, we’re super excited to team up with health experts, Ms. Yasmine Haddad and Dr. Yasmin Kottait, from Dubai’s myPediaclinic to find out how we can avoid and manage diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a big issue in the UAE and we know many people turn to Keto Goodies to manage their sugar intake and find low sugar and low carb alternatives
Read on to find out how a few lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, can make a huge difference
ALARMING STATS:
- IN THE UAE, AROUND 1 MILLION PEOPLE SUFFER FROM DIABETES
- ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY 2019, ADULT OBESITY IN THE UAE STOOD AT 27.8 PER CENT
- 14% OF UAE CHILDREN (5-17 YEARS OF AGE) ARE OVERWEIGHT
- THE UAE IS RANKED 15TH WORLDWIDE, WITH 17.3%OF THE UAE POPULATION BETWEEN THE AGES OF 20 AND 79 LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Rapid economic growth, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits are all risk factors, leading to a high number of people with diabetes in the UAE.
Since the most important risk factor for developing insulin resistance is obesity, lifestyle changes such as modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight), and physical activity (30 minutes a day) help in both prevention and management of diabetes.
Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota also has a role in reducing insulin resistance since it plays a part in digestion of certain foods, production of some vitamins, and improving immunity. You should reduce or avoid processed foods and sugar and instead include some probiotic rich foods into your diet. Here’s a few foods packed full of probiotics:
- Pickled fruits and vegetables (in moderation)
- Bio-live yogurt
- Raw garlic and onions
- Raw asparagus
- Miso seasoning
- Tofu
- Kefir
- Sour dough bread
- Certain types of cheese, such as cottage cheese
It’s also a good idea to consume foods that can naturally slow down sugar absorption, increase insulin sensitivity and keep you full for longer, such as:
- Cinnamon
- Vinegar
- Chamomile herbal infusions
- Berries – shown to improve sugar uptake and might have an anti-diabetic role
- Healthy fats – avocado, nuts, seeds
- Lean proteins – lean beef steak, grilled fish or chicken breast
These foods can help to keep your blood sugar levels controlled and also keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Yasmine Haddad, Child and Adult Nutritionist and Clinical Dietician at myPediaclinic:“Over the past 6 months, I have encountered a lot of children and teenagers suffering from insulin resistance, obesity and higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, due to increased screen time and unhealthy snacking during the period of Covid-19.
This is why it is very important to create health and nutrition awareness among parents and children and encourage them to practice healthy eating habits at home, as well as regular physical activity. It is important to choose your meals and snacks wisely and make sure they are nutritious in order to keep your blood sugar and hormones balanced.”
Dr Yasmin Kottait, Specialist Pediatric Dentist at myPediaclinic:
“From my experience in myPediaclinic, I can definitely see an increase in dental decay levels due to unhealthy eating habits. The problem increased after the lockdown and the pandemic. This simply increased frequent sugar snacking.
In fact, 9 out of 10 children are suffering from dental decay according to the latest statistics in the UAE. Since bacteria feed on sugar, people with diabetes may be more at risk of developing tooth decay due to high blood and saliva glucose levels, while children with diabetes are more prone to decay and gum disease.
myPediaclinic is a clinic specialising in children’s healthcare in Dubai Healthcare City. To learn more on how to look after your health and to seek an expert opinion, you can speak to Yasmine or Yasmin – just click on their names for more info.