UAE doctors highlight need for healthy food habits and exercise to keep diabetes at bay
Dubai: A Pakistani expat in Dubai, who had a narrow escape from slipping into a diabetic coma recently, has shared his story to spread awareness about the need to keep blood sugar in check ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14.
Two months ago, Muhammad Razaq, 47, was rushed to the emergency department of a private hospital after he complained of sudden dizziness and blurring of vision.
A medical investigation revealed that his blood sugar level had risen to an alarming rate of Random Blood Sugar (RBS) 730 mg/dL with Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) of 17.5 per cent.
The normal RBS range is between 80-140 mg/dL. Razaq’s was about five times the normal figures.
Razaq, who has been working in the UAE for 20 years, told Gulf News that he had been diagnosed with diabetes in late 2021 and had taken medicines for three months.
Keeping diabetes at bay
People with prediabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Taking steps to control prediabetes can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 70 per cent, according to doctors.
While many physicians back home and here recommended Khan to take medication, he said he was determined not to. Finally, he consulted Dr. Ajith Kumar, consultant endocrinologist, Medeor Hospital, Dubai, who assured him that dietary and lifestyle modifications would be enough to control his blood sugar without the use of medications.
According to Dr. Kumar, “Prediabetes also indicates a higher-than-average risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction. Hence, the lipid levels should be monitored and treated, when indicated, in high-risk people.”
Dr Kumar educated Khan on the consequences of prediabetes and advised him to make dietary modifications by restricting carbohydrate and saturated fat intake and improving fiber and protein intake.
“I decided to try lifestyle modification before taking medicines. Dr Kumar gave me advice on changing my food habits and lifestyle. Everything that needs to be done from dawn to night must be carefully planned, which was challenging initially. I soon got accustomed to it and it became a routine activity,” said Khan.
Read More: Gulf News