NATIONAL DIABETES CENTRE
E-mail dasl@sltnet.lk
Fax 0094 11 2872952
Telephone 0094 11 2872951 / 2883318 (Office Hours)
Address 50, Sarana Mawatha,
Rajagiriya,

1. Why do I need to see a dietitian?

People with diabetes work to keep their blood sugar (glucose) as near to normal as possible. Keeping your blood glucose in your target range can help prevent or delay the start of diabetes complications such as nerve, eye, kidney, and blood vessel damage.

When you learned you had diabetes, you and your health care team worked out a diabetes care plan. The plan aims to balance the foods you eat with your exercise and, possibly, diabetes pills or insulin. You can do two types of checks to help keep track of how your plan is working. These are blood glucose checks and urine ketone checks.

Blood Glucose Monitoring Checks

Blood glucose monitoring is the main tool you have to check your diabetes control. This check tells you your blood glucose level at any one time. Keeping a log of your results is vital. When you bring this record to your health care provider, you have a good picture of your body's response to your diabetes care plan. Blood glucose checks let you see what works and what doesn't. This allows you and your doctor, dietician, or nurse educator to make needed changes.

Here is a table that lists blood glucose ranges for adults with diabetes:

Glycemic control

A1C: <7.0%

Preprandial plasma glucose: 90–130 mg/dl (5.0–7.2 mmol/l)

Postprandial plasma glucose: <180 mg/dl (<10.0 mmol/l)

Blood pressure: <130/80 mmHg

Lipids

LDL: <100 mg/dl (<2.6 mmol/l)

Triglycerides: <150 mg/dl (<1.7 mmol/l)

HDL: >40 mg/dl (>1.1 mmol/l)

Common Diabetes Myths

Myth 1: You can catch diabetes from someone else.

No. Diabetes is not contagious. It can’t be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Myth 2: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth 3: People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.

A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is the same as that for everyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and “dietetic” versions of sugar-containing foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels and are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.

Myth 4: If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as rice, bread and potatoes.

Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole grain rice, breads, cereals and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. The key is the correct portions. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy.

Delmon Hospital
No.58, Galle Rd., Wellawatte.
Tel : 503295

Apollo Hospital
Colombo 05 Sri Lanka
Tel : 554154 / 074 930000

Asiri Hospitals
181, Kirula Road,Narahenpita,
Colombo 05,Colombo
Tel: 500608 ~ 11, 593930,
593929, 508766, 508767,
074513939, 07451

Arogya Hospital (Pvt) Ltd.
Gampaha, Sri Lanka
Tel : 033 24592