Diabetes Management And Horlicks Diabetes Plus

The last decade has seen an astronomical upsurge in the prevalence of diabetes in India. A predominantly sedentary lifestyle coupled with physical inactivity, a diet high in fats and carbs, and increasing dependence on processed food has led to increased instances of obesity – one of the leading underlying causes of diabetes¹.

Diabetes And Its Symptoms ²:

Diabetes is a long-term metabolic disease in which the body cannot regulate the glucose level in the blood. Blood glucose is derived from food and used as the main source of energy in the body. This is facilitated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows the glucose from food sources to be utilised for energy by various cells in the body.

Sometimes the body is unable to make enough (or any) insulin, or to correctly utilise the insulin that is generated, resulting in a greater blood glucose concentration that does not reach the cells for conversion into energy.

Frequent urination, fuzzy eyesight, excessive thirst, strong hunger pangs, exhaustion, and abnormal weight loss are all symptoms. High blood sugar levels for an extended period can result in eye loss, stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, reduced blood supply to the legs, and nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy.

Type 1 V/S Type 2 Diabetes:

In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas cannot produce any insulin at all. The causes of type 1 diabetes are unknown, but it is believed that genetics may play a role. It cannot be prevented or cured and if a person is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, they are likely to require insulin injections for life.

Type 2 diabetes can be caused due to several underlying reasons such as ageing, genetics, physical inactivity, obesity, etc. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the body develops insulin resistance. It can be prevented through lifestyle modifications and managed through injected or oral insulin administration⁴.

Diabetes Management:

Both types I and type II diabetes as well as prediabetes can be managed by leading a healthy lifestyle under medical supervision. In diabetes self-management, critical parameters including blood sugar level, cholesterol, and lipids in blood need to be monitored regularly. 

However, diabetes care goes way beyond medications. Self-management of diabetes calls for several effective drastic lifestyle changes such as:

Routine Physical Activity.

Routine physical activity is important for every individual. However, for individuals living with diabetes, routine physical activity plays a crucial role. In addition to helping maintain healthy body weight, being physically active can make your body significantly sensitive to insulin which helps you manage your diabetes better.

Not only does physical activity control blood sugar, but it also lowers your risk of developing other lifestyle disorders such as hypertension and cardiovascular disorders in the long run. It also promotes better sleep, improves your memory, and is generally amazing for your overall health and wellbeing. 

Indulge in a physical activity that you enjoy so that it doesn’t feel like a burden but becomes a seamless part of your daily routine. Here are some examples of moderately intense physical activities that you can try:

• Brisk walking
• Jogging
• Running
• Cycling
• Dancing
•  Swimming
• Playing a sport

The target is to incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week which means that just 25-30 minutes of exercise each day can help you achieve that goal very easily.⁵

Medical Nutritional Therapy.

Nutrition therapy plays an integral role in diabetes management. Including nutrient-rich foods in appropriate portions can help achieve and maintain ideal body weight and prevent obesity. It can also help you attain individualized glycaemic targets, blood pressure, and lipid goals, thus avoiding or delaying the onset of further complications.

Following a low caloric, high-fibre, and high-protein diet, coupled with avoidance of sugar, can reduce the levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. It promotes satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer not to get caught in the vicious cycle of polyphagia ⁶.

Polyphagia is the medical term used to describe excessive hunger and increased appetite, leading to excess food consumption and weight gain. Since the body cannot convert the food you eat into energy, you constantly feel tired and weak. The blood sugar level remains high due to low glucose metabolism. 

Horlicks Diabetes Plus, With Dual Blend Fibre Can Help Manage!

Horlicks Diabetes Plus is a nutritional beverage which has been designed for Indian adults. It contains high fibre (22% of dual blend fibre). Research has shown that diet rich in fibre helps reduce glucose and lipids in blood*. Horlicks Diabetes Plus is high in protein and contains 16 vital nutrients. It also contains Nutriose®^ & Fibersol-2, which are known to help reduce #cholesterol and support weight management. These fibres are known to promote satiety and reduce calorie intake. They can help in slowing down sugar absorption and promote the feeling of being fuller for longer.

Living with diabetes can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. But with the progress in the world of modern medicine has provided a deep insight into the disease, helping healthcare professionals and patients alike.

In addition to following a healthy, low caloric, high-fiber diet and being physically active, including a nutritional beverage such as Horlicks Diabetes Plus can significantly help manage the disease.