Diabetics not aware of what is bad for them

Dubai: A study conducted by the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, UAE University many Emiratis who suffer from diabetes are not aware what triggers the rise of blood sugar in their bodies.

The study showed that 93 per cent believe that eating white bread — not brown bread — increases sugar levels in blood. Also, 88 per cent incorrectly believe that unsweetened fruit juice does not lead to increased levels of sugar in the blood.

Dr Habiba Ali, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, UAE University, who led the team that conducted the study, said developing knowledge and skills of diabetics helps them gain confidence and motivation to take an effective control over living with a chronic condition.

Severe complications of diabetes leads to blindness, kidney failure and heart disease, she pointed out.

Habiba said the research sample included 200 Emirati patients with Type II diabetes, aged between 20 and 70 years. The study respondents were patients of Al Yahar, Muwaiji and Hilli health centres, which are affiliated with Ambulatory Health services (Seha), Abu Dhabi Health Authority.

The study will be used to help develop culturally-appropriate diabetes education programmes that focus on diet and physical activity to control blood sugar levels.

Main areas

Habiba added that "Skills for Change" diabetes education programme is carried out through two main areas.

The first one is developing a nutrition education programme for Emirati diabetics which will be taught by around 40 doctors, nurses and dietitians at the health centres where the study was conducted.

Currently, trained doctors, nurses and dietitians teach the programme to patients in the health centres.