Diabetes, diet and obesity

Diabetes and diet - the basics

Diabetes mellitus is one of the so-called diseases of lifestyle that is starting to occur more and more frequently in South Africa.

Diabetes and diet – food exchange lists

Dietician, Dr Ingrid van Heerden, discusses one of the most important concepts which is used to work out diabetic diets, namely the Food Exchange Lists.

Diabetes - your questions answered

Many people living with diabetes have similar questions about their diet. Dietician Dr Ingrid van Heerden gives us the answers to the most frequently-asked questions.

Type 2 diabetes and diet

Diet plays an important role in preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes. Read more about what you should and shouldn't eat.

Basic diabetic menu for one week

Looking for a one-week diabetic menu plan? Here it is, compiled by Health24's DietDoc Dr Ingrid van Heerden.

Do diabetics need supplements?

With the incidence of diabetes on the increase in SA, the question whether vitamin and mineral supplements can offer some protection against this disease is an important one.

The fructose controversy

The American Diabetes Association has banned the use of fructose in diabetics. Does this count for diabetics in SA too? And what about fruit and honey? Read DietDoc's comments.

Could magnesium prevent diabetes?

The role played by magnesium in preventing diabetes and insulin resistance is currently under investigation. DietDoc takes a look at the practical implications.

Why weight loss improves a diabetic’s health

Most people who develop Type 2 diabetes are overweight, often obese. Doctors believe there is a connection between the onset of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

How belly fat points to diabetes

There is a strong interrelationship between abdominal fat, insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes. We take a closer look during Diabetes Awareness Week.

Preventing obesity and diabetes

The prevention of obesity and diabetes is both slow and difficult, according to Prof Stephan Rössner, a leading international authority. But all hope isn't lost, says DietDoc.

General dieting tips

If you are diabetic, and need to lose weight for health reasons, it is important for you to stick to your changed eating plan.

Obesity and diabetes: Solutions

There are solutions to the seemingly unstoppable epidemics of obesity and diabetes that are threatening to engulf the world, writes DietDoc.

Should diabetics drink at all?

This is a tough question to answer, as there seems to be widely differing views on this topic.

What happens when a diabetic drinks too much?

Drinking too much could have serious consequences for diabetics, chiefly as a result of the havoc the high sugar content in many alcoholic drinks wreaks on blood glucose levels.

Ever heard of diabesity?

Type 2 diabetes is now so common people are talking about 'diabesity', a combination of diabetes and obesity.

Healthy, comforting stews

When the temperature drops, there's nothing like reassuring comfort food to warm you up. Find out why stews are top of our list.

New cookbook for diabetics

"The South African cookbook for diabetes and insulin resistance" by Hilda Lategan will make the lives of patients with diabetes and insulin resistance a lot easier, writes DietDoc.

The aspartame controversy

The safety of the artificial sweetener, aspartame, is hot news. Some reports have even been saying that it could cause cancer. But is it really dangerous? DietDoc investigates.

Cinnamon - the truth

There's been much talk about cinnamon and how the popular spice could perhaps help diabetics improve their blood-sugar control. DietDoc puts the latest research into perspective.

Are you insulin resistant?

You might live in blissful ignorance of a condition known as insulin resistance syndrome, but there's a chance you may have it.

More on obesity and diabetes

Although healthcare professionals urge diabetics to participate in regular exercise, exercising can be difficult for some. DietDoc takes a look at a few important issues.

Obesity and the metabolic syndrome

One in every two South Africans suffers from obesity, which increases the individual's risk to develop metabolic syndrome. Dr Ingrid van Heerden takes a look at possible solutions.