Currently nearly 70 million people have diabetes in India, and these figures are predicted to increase to 124 million by 2040. The main reasons are the demographic increase and the rapid lifestyle changes occurrence in India.
Increasing Physical Activity: One of the strongest drivers of the diabetes epidemic is a marked increase in urban areas. Along with following a healthy meal pattern, promotion of physical activity in the community is a key step towards controlling the twin epidemic of diabetes and obesity. The ICMR-INDIAB study has shown only a dismal 10 percent of adults in India are involved in any type of leisure time physical activity! The diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program (D-CLIP) - a primary prevention study conducted in Chennai revealed that though 83 percent of non-exercisers were aware of the many benefits of exercise that did not translate to increase in their physical activity. Why is this happening?
The reasons can be many. Starting on an exercise program can take some time and once a person has begun, the adherence to exercise regimes is even more challenging. This is where doctors can play crucial role. Specific instructions should be given to patients rather than giving general advice. For example, rather than just saying, "You need to exercise", a doctor should be saying, "You would benefit very much by a brisk walk for 30 minutes everyday". Such instruction clearly outlines the type and amount of time to be spent on the exercise. Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre says, "We need to encourage lifestyle changes by providing simple tips like using the stairs instead of lifts or parking further from one's destination should be in addition to programmed exercise like setting aside a time each day for the purpose of exercise. Most important in India, we need to make our surroundings more suitable to encourage physical activity. Our built environment plays a crucial role in the promotion of exercise. Even roads, greenery, clean pavements and pathways, walking/cycling tracks, parks, safety on the road, playgrounds in schools and colleges, etc. can go a long way in promotion physical activity from people".
"Pleasant surroundings reduce stress and encourage outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and jogging, which help people stay fit and happy. In a 2005 population study done by MDRF in middle income neighbourhood in Chennai showed that increasing physical activity through community empowerment can help in the primary prevention of diabetes. The construction of a park in this colony gave rise to a 300 percent increase in the number of people who exercised in this community", he added.
Psychological Benefits of Exercise: Dr. R.M. Anjana, Joint Managing Director, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre says, "When you shop, cook or eat out, make healthy choices. Always read labels and select foods that are low in fat, salt, sugars. Avoid processed foods and meats. They will be rich in salt and oil. Use fresh foods. Avoid fried and fatty foods. Choose foods that are boiled steamed, grilled or baked. In our attempt to provide quality foods to consumers sincerely looking for a change to prevent/manage their diabetes, we have brought out high fibre white rice and rava which compared to other rices in the market is one of the only one to have the highest fibre content (almost 7 gm.) when most white rices have close to 0.5 to 1 gm. fibre. Retaining the colour of the rice (white) and yet increasing its nutritional content makes this a very healthy proposition for the consumers. Thus, they still can consume rice but will not tend to overeat as the fibre will fill their stomach".
"When you learn more about good nutrition habits, you will find more choices than you thought! If you slip up occasionally do not get discouraged just get back to your nutrition plan at your next meal", she added. Dr. Ranjit Unnikrishnan, Vice-Chairman, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre says, "Inability to manage our time properly leads to undue stress in our lives. Hence, time and stress management have become an integral component of lifestyle modification measures. The combination of diet, exercise, and behavioural modification is the most effective approach to healthier lives. Behavioural approaches that teach patients to rearrange their daily schedule and thus support healthy eating habits, time and stress management and exercise routines are important for long term adherence to lifestyle measures".
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