Eat well to control diabetes, maintain a healthy and balanced diet: Doctors

By Admin

15 Nov, 2025

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, observed on Friday, leading endocrinologists and health experts came together to highlight one clear message: a healthy and balanced diet is as effective as medicine in managing diabetes. At an awareness meet, doctors emphasized that diabetes described as a “chronic metabolic disease” can be managed effectively through mindful eating, stress reduction, adequate sleep, and regular exercise.

Healthy Eating: The First Line of Defence

Doctors explained that a balanced diet plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes-related complications. A proper diet must include healthy carbohydrates, good fats, and high-quality protein consumed in the right amounts.

“A healthy diet is important in managing diabetes. A healthy diet will include healthy carbohydrates that have a lot of fibre from plants, healthy fats that have mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats and high biological value protein. They should not be too high nor too low,” said Jeffrey Mechanick, endocrinologist and professor of medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, US.

Choose the Right Carbohydrates

Experts pointed out that not all carbs impact the body the same way. Low-glycemic carbohydrates which do not spike blood sugar levels are more beneficial.

“The quality and quantity of carbohydrates consumed are also very important. Consuming low-glycemic carbohydrates like nuts and seeds that do not spike blood sugar levels is a good option,” said Agnes Siew Ling Tey, senior lead, clinical science and nutrition at Abbott.

Looking Beyond Glucose: A New Approach to Diabetes

Mechanick highlighted that diabetes management today focuses on a comprehensive view rather than looking solely at blood glucose.

“We can look at it in the old way or the new way. In the old way, we would focus mainly on glucose. The new way is to look at it more comprehensively not just sugar, but what are the complications of having high blood sugar, and even before diabetes develops, when someone may have insulin resistance,” he said.

Diabetes, he added, can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys, eyes, and nerves. He also noted that in India, people transition from pre-diabetes to Type 2 diabetes faster than in many other countries.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Type 2 diabetes is “often preventable”. Key risk factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, and genetics. Regular lifestyle modifications can delay or prevent the onset of the disease.

Beware of Misinformation

Mechanick also raised concerns about how non-scientific and unverified advice on social media influences people’s diets.

“The general populace is getting their information from non-scientists and non-doctors who are everywhere on social media. There is a need to plug these knowledge gaps. We have science-based information, but we do not have the awareness,” he said.

Early Screening Is Crucial

Shashank Joshi, endocrinologist and diabetologist at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, stressed that early detection is vital.

“A man who is 25 years or older and has a waist circumference of more than 90 cm should undergo screening. A woman who is 25 years or older and has a waist circumference of 80 cm or more should undergo regular screening,” he advised.

Beyond Diet: A Holistic Approach

Experts concluded that diabetes control requires more than good nutrition. Reducing stress, sleeping adequately, and engaging in regular physical activity are equally important.

As diabetes continues to rise globally, especially in countries like India, adopting a conscious lifestyle and following science-backed dietary guidance can significantly reduce the risk and impact of this chronic condition.