Diwali in India is full of lights and laughter. And celebration to us is marked with sweets heavily-oiled foods, and more sweets from friends and family. This time of the years calls the temptations of our taste buds, something we are hardly able to resist. While some people are running to sweet shops to stock up mithai’s and other snacks, those worried about their sugar levels, are heading to their doctor’s clinics for check-ups.
Indulgence in these festive foods can have an adverse impact on a country like India, where about 75 million people already suffer from diabetes. The increase in diabetic patients is expected to grow two-fold in the coming decades. However, during Diwali – people with diabetes tend to suddenly let down their guard and indulge in sweetness. This has an adverse impact on the blood-glucose levels of people with diabetes as glucose levels during this period start to spike. In fact, even people who don’t have diabetes also witness extremely high glucose levels during this period.
Ironically, this year Diwali is being celebrated on November 14 which coincides with World Diabetes Day – a day aimed to create awareness on a chronic condition with no cure. Being a chronic lifestyle-related condition, diabetes is greatly influenced by an individual’s dietary consumption and physical activities throughout the day. However, high consumption of sugar, carbohydrates, and fats even for a couple of days during Diwali can easily lead to uncontrolled diabetes.
A study by BeatO shows that festivals adversely impact people’s blood-glucose levels, especially during Diwali. People with levels above 250 mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre) saw an almost 15% rise while those having blood-glucose levels above 300 mg/dL had an 18% increase. Typically, this trend continued until three days after Diwali as per BeatO insights based on data of the last three years’ festive season, beginning on Durga Puja and ending with Diwali.
Uncontrolled diabetes also poses risks to other complications which include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and neuropathy. A conscientious decision to better manage a lifestyle with balanced food and exercise can be key to controlling diabetes.
Dr. Mudit, Head – Medical Affairs, BeatO said “People with diabetes must maintain lifelong dietary restrictions, especially during festive periods when the risk from bingeing on sweets and oily foods remains higher. Exercising self-restraint and keeping the focus on home management of diabetes works best in these situations. With self-management tools at home such as BeatO, 70% of people can maintain normal sugar levels even during festive seasons. Therefore, taking precautions, periodic monitoring, and managing one’s lifestyle habits are crucial at such times. With such aids, people are better placed to maintain normal blood glucose levels even in the festive season. Diwali can then be enjoyed without any health risks.”
Dr. Mudit also suggests controlling the portion size of foods consumed, healthy alternatives for food and drinks, along with adherence to healthy lifestyle routines. The lack of discipline can trigger uncontrolled diabetes. It is also important to avoid carbonated drinks and consume alternatives like coconut water, lime water, or buttermilk. One can restrict their consumption of high-calorie foods like rice, sugar, and fats and prefer high fiber vegetables and salads instead.
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