For diabetics those who prefer milk tea, rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani has a few suggestions.
Can a balanced diet help manage diabetes and lower blood sugar levels?
Is it okay for diabetics to have tea and coffee in the morning?
What is the best way to lose a few kilos within a month?
rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani is a practising dietician and nutritionist with over 26 years of experience. She specialises in weight loss and diabetes management.
Anonymous: I am getting married in the first week of January.
This is my second chance at marriage.
I was 25 when I was a young bride. Now I am 34 and I have gained a lot of weight.
I am trying to lose weight from my face and belly area to be able to look good in my wedding sari. How can yoga help me?
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Yoga can be a great ally in your journey to tone your face and belly as it combines physical exercise, mindfulness and breathing techniques.
However, lifestyle and dietary changes are mandatory for weight loss.
Maintaining a healthy diet with low carbohydrate and low fat foods, adequate protein and a high fibre diet will aid in weight loss.
Include foods like whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, beans, low-fat dairy foods, lean meat, etc.
Control portion size and have regular meals daily.
Avoid fast foods, sugary drinks, high-fat foods, etc, and exercise regularly. Drink plenty of water and sleep well.
Anonymous: My age is 41 and I weigh 83 kg.
My hba1c is 6.6 and average glucose levels is 142; fasting 101 and post lunch 110.
Till now I have not used any medicine related to diabetes.
Please suggest if I am diabetic or not. What do you think I should do now?
Based on your HbA1c level of 6.6 per cent and average glucose levels, it appears that you might be in the prediabetes range.
It is important to manage your diet and exercise well.
Include a good mix of protein, healthy fats and fibre-rich carbs in your meals.
Limit consumption of sodas, juices and other sugary beverages.
Be mindful of portion sizes. Try to eat at regular intervals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
It's important to consult with your family physician for personalised advice.
Sumukh: Should there be a fixed lunch and dinner time for diabetics?
Should they avoid morning milk tea?
Having fixed meal times can help manage blood sugar levels for diabetics but it's important to find a schedule that works for your lifestyle.
As for morning milk tea, it's generally fine as long as it's unsweetened and doesn't spike your blood sugar.
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