5 to 7 hrs of good sleep must for diabetics: Expert

LUCKNOW: Diabetes and the complications caused by it were increasing the healthcare expenses of diabetics in the Asian region, said Dr Anuj Maheshwari here on Wednesday.

Talking to media on the sidelines of an event by Abbott Healthcare, physician Dr Maheshwari said that the Asian Indian diabetic patients are different from other ethnicities.

“Generally, carbohydrate content in Indian diet constitutes about 65%, which is more than what is recommended for diabetics. Such people check body glucose level in the morning and when they find it under control, they do not follow a proper diet plan and consume more carbohydrate which increases the glucose level in the body,” he said.

He added that quality of life plays an important role in diabetes management. “People need 5 to 7 hours of good sleep which they can’t get due to busy schedule. Also they don’t practice stress busting activities such as walking. This raises vulnerability to diseases. Uncontrolled diet fuels the risk,” he said, adding this was why expenses on managing complexities due to diabetes were rising in India.