PETALING JAYA: Even small changes in diet and lifestyle can prevent or reduce the complications of diabetes, says Sunway Medical Centre lead dietitian Rozanna M. Rosly.
She said this would be more cost-effective, ensure fewer sick days at work and improve one’s quality of life.
“Pre-diabetes increases the risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes.
“In addition, patients with pre-diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (such as heart disease and stroke).
“Progression to diabetes in patients with pre-diabetes can be delayed.
“A combination of diet and physical activity reduces or delays the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in pre-diabetics,” she said.
Rozanna also said eating plans such as Mediterranean, low-calorie and low-fat diets with an “emphasis on high dietary fibre, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and minimal refined and processed foods” are beneficial for those who are pre-diabetic.
“Limiting (one’s) consumption of saturated fats such as red meat, meat fat or skin and processed meat has been shown to reduce such risks.”
On the whole, medical nutrition therapy and weight loss are important in preventing diabetes, said Rozanna.
“A proper diet plan is crucial at all stages of managing pre-diabetes and diabetes,” the dietitian added.
