Diabetes affects millions of people across South Africa. aQuellé has a heart for people and families suffering from the disease and is creating awareness and education people about diabetes.
aQuellé has travelled across South Africa to provide free glucose testing, encourage people to drink water, eat heatlhy and maintain active lifestyles.
Deciding what to eat, and knowing how much of it you can have can be difficult.
Here are some guidelines to help you eat healthy as a person with diabetes:
¼ Amount of starch
Make sure to have 1 medium-sized potato, 2 baby potatoes or 1 medium sweet potato for your 1/4 portion of starch.
With food like wholewheat pasta, samp, pap and brown rice, always measure using a small cup (250ml) for your 1/4 portion of starch.
¼ Amount of protein
Make sure to only have fish, chicken, mince or steak as big as the palm of your hand for your 1/4 portion of protein.
Proteins, like beans, low-fat milk, chickpeas and maas should be measured using a small cup (250ml) for your 1/4 portion of protein.
½ Amount of vegetables
Make sure to only have 2 handfuls of vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, spinach, gem squash and green peas for your 1/2 portion of vegetables.
Try to avoid high-sugar vegetables such as pumpkin and carrots when applying the portion rule.
Get tested
Symptoms of diabetes to look out for
- excessive thirst
- excessive tiredness
- constant hunger
- blurry vision
- loss of weight
- frequent need to urinate
- slow healing of wounds
Complications
Diabetes can lead to complications in many parts of the body and increase the risk of premature death.
The role of water
Drinking water is important in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels as it eliminates excess glucose and fights dehydration. Keep hydrated!
Choose water
Why is hydration important for diabetes?
Water plays an important role in regulating body systems and keeping organs functioning properly. Those with diabetes are more susceptible to dehydration and its debilitating effects. Glucose levels in the body are moderated by a hormone called insulin. When people suffer from diabetes they have a lack of insulin, or their bodies are unable to respond to it.
Diabetes affects millions of people across South Africa. aQuellé has a heart for people and families suffering from the disease and is creating awareness and education people about diabetes.
aQuellé has travelled across South Africa to provide free glucose testing, encourage people to drink water, eat heatlhy and maintain active lifestyles.
A healthy, balanced diet
There are many healthier food substitutes you can eat instead of the ones you are used to.
Eat healthy
A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity is a major risk factor associated with Diabetes.
TYPE 1 DIABETES
An autoimmune condition where the body produces little or no insulin.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
A condition where the body stops responding to insulin normally. Risk is lowered with a healthy lifestyle.
Get active
The importance of getting active
- gives you energy and help you sleep.
- helps your joints and flexibility.
- reduces stress levels and improves low mood.
Act now to live well
Every step you take today is a step from diabetes. And remember: Stay hydrated. Drink water.
A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity is a major risk factor associated with Diabetes.
Please note that the general information regarding diabetes is for educational purposes. For further advice, please contact a qualified health professional.
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