Nutrition Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus

There is no cure for Diabetes Mellitus, but it can be controlled through nutrition therapy. Research showed that there is significant improvements in medical and clinical outcome after nutrition therapy initiation.

1. Weight loss of 5-10% of initial body weight over a 6 month period is recommended for all overweight or obese diabetic patients. This can be achieved by reducing calorie diet (20-25 kcal/kg body weight) and increasing physical activity (at least 150 min/week). 

2. Meal timings should be regular (avoid skipping meals) and synchronised with medication time actions.

3. Diet consist of appropriate calorie intake, 50-60% energy from carbohydrate, 15-20% energy from protein and 25-30% energy from fats are encouraged.

4. Total carbohydrate intake should be consistent and evenly distributed throughout the day which includes 3 main meals with 1 or 2 snacks in between. Food containing carbohydrate consists of cereal and flour-based products, starchy vegetables (potato, corn, pumpkin, water chestnut, yam and sweet potato), beans and legumes, fruits and dairy products.

5. A high fiber diet (20-30 g fiber a day or 5-7 servings a day) consisting of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain products (brown rice, whole meal bread, whole meal biscuit and oat) is encouraged. Fiber helps to control blood glucose and cholesterol, provide satiety and reduce constipation.

6. Individual with diabetes should limit intake of saturated fatty acids (animal fats, skin of poultry, fatty meats, full cream dairy products and coconut milk), trans fatty acids and cholesterol to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

7. Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to test pre- and 2 hour post-postprandial glucose in order to evaluate and achieve postprandial goals with a variety of foods.

8. Lanfar (M) Sdn Bhd recommends Stolle Skim Milk Powder and/ or Stolle Essential for diabetic patients. Both products contain 26 specific types of antibody to modulate their immunity as diabetic patients are prone to infections. Since diabetic can lead to cardiovascular complications, Stolle Skim Milk Powder and Stolle Essential have anti-atherosclerosis factor to reduce LDL cholesterol and maintain HDL cholesterol. Another good product is CurVits with its curcumin purity up to 99% which can help to fight inflammation and so called oxidative damage to body cells which commonly happen among diabetic patients. Contact us for the prescription today!