A WORD OF CHEER FOR THE DIABETICS

They are strict conformists to their eating patterns, rather better than the non-diabetics. They are cautious and punctual also. They take their doctor’s advice in right earnest and comply with the same. When a patient is admitted to some hospital, he is kept on closely measured diet but despite this, the blood/urine sugar levels do fluctuate, despite regular monitoring and medical care though his physical activity remains constantly the same. If in such a controlled and monitored situation, a patient can have the said fluctuations in blood and urine sugar levels then who is to blame-the patient or his doctor? It is certain that doctor and his attendants should shoulder the responsibility. Further dilemma is that ignoring the same anticipated supposed amount of physical activity coupled with normal workload of the dietician and the doctor prescribe the same diet when, infact, the situation has dramatically taken a turn about. So, dietary restrictions and prescription thereof to a diabetic patient does not seem to hold the ground, in view of the above quote instance.

Departure form normal food pattern is no crime nor should it be condemned. It is not physically possible for a diabetic or his family members to strictly stick or remain glued to a set pattern of precise measurement of food intake or complex food exchanges and meticulous calorie counting . Whenever there is any fluctuation noticed in sugar levels, the doctor, at once, concludes that the patient has deviated from his counsel. But, it is generally not the case.

“Certain dietary pattern, the complexity and confusion of the diets are not the only self-defeating factors. Quite often the diets call for types of foods or preparation so different from the family routine that they become disruptive. The inclusion of expensive diets can become a financial burden. And, most important, too often doctors and dieticians fail to a diet to fit the bodily requirements and life style of the patient.” And continuing his observation Dr. Goodman goes on to add that “Men who require 2500 or even 3500 calories per day, for example, are given diets containing only 1800 calories. Such errors made for thin men as well as for heavy, women as well as (for) children. Why?” Dr. Goodman’s ideas conform to what has been written and stressed upon heretofore.

In view of the above, calorie-based diet is no criterion for control diebates nor is it a fool-proof method. Its basic motive and concept are really laudable, but its prudent applicability has often been abused and distorted.

While prescribing a calorie-based diet, the following considerations must be kept in mind. Some of the points, mentioned hereunder, may look to be a rehash/recapitulation of what has already been said (and more so when opinions differ on this aspect)