Africa-Press – Tanzania. IN order to avoid diabetes, nutritionists have called for consumption of balanced diet and engagement in physical exercises. Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), Senior Nutritional Officer, Ms Jackline Kavishe said increase in body fat affects the immune system and increases the risk of developing NCDs, especially diabetes.
“People should learn how to adjust food intake, exercise, depending on the results of their blood sugar tests, also, exercise can help to manage weight and may improve your insulin sensitivity,” the nutritionist said.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use the sugars and starches (carbohydrates) it takes in as food to make energy. The body either makes no insulin or too little insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes to change those sugars and starches into energy. As a result, extra sugar builds up in the blood.
She mentioned among the symptoms of diabetes to include increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, fatigue, frequent infections, sores/cuts/bruises that do not heal.
Nutritionists explained that both sugary and starchy carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels, but people can choose to include these foods in the right portions as part of a balanced meal plan. Ms Kavishe elaborated that the public should build a habit of decreasing unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, which can make a person with diabetes feel worse.
The nutritionist has advised that foods and drinks that could increase diabetes risk include fried foods and foods high in saturated fat and trans fat, foods high in salt, also called sodium, sweets, such as baked goods, candy, and beverages with added sugars, such as juice, regular soda, and regular sports or energy drinks.
She pointed out that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthful proteins can have significant benefits for people with diabetes. According to the nutritionist, diabetes can cause problems during pregnancy for women and their developing babies. Poor control of diabetes during pregnancy increases the chances of birth defects and other problems for the pregnancy.
Furthermore, it can also cause serious complications for the woman. Proper health care before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects and other health problems.
