HARTENBOS NEWS - A useful information session on diabetes took place at the Hartenbos Versorgingsoord at the end of January.
Hartenbos registered dietician Leonè Harmse and Mosskem Pharmacy nurse, Sister Rita Venter, were the speakers.
Harmse said diabetics could eat most foods, including fruit, and even some desserts.
She advised people to obtain information from the right sources, such as a dietician or diabetes educator, to ensure it was scientifically correct.
"Social media is not an accurate source of information and it causes unnecessary confusion when it comes to food choices. Your choices should also take any other medical history into consideration."
Harmse advised people to eat regularly. "Do not skip meals. It is advisable to eat three to five meals per day, depending on your lifestyle, activity level and medication use.
"Eat a variety of foods. Avoiding a specific food group completely is not sustainable. Since diabetes is a lifelong disease, make sure you can sustain your choices for life."
Harmse advised people to watch their portions. She said carbohydrate, fruit and vegetable portions should be a fist size and protein, a hand palm size.
Starchy foods
"Choose low GI foods when you eat starchy foods," she said.
"Avoid drinking your sugar. Fruit juice, carbonated drinks and alcohol all impact your glucose readings negatively."
Diabetes sufferers should exercise regularly. Moderate intensity exercise is required most days of the week. Studies recommend 180 to 220 minutes per week.
"If you are concerned about your sugar readings, make an appointment with a dietician who can help you find your perfect meal pattern," Harmse said.
Sister Venter discussed the signs and symptoms of diabetes, the diagnosis and the treatment.
She handed out a leaflet which explained how glucose and insulin work in the body.
It noted that diabetics had too little insulin or the insulin did not work properly.
These factors caused glucose to remain in the blood. This meant that the body cells did get enough energy.
Foods diabetics may eat were on display.
'We bring you the latest Hartenbos, Garden Route news'
