TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Diabetes has been enveloped by numerous myths and facts spreading among a portion of the Indonesian society. In order to clear things up, Tempo interviewed the Chairman of the Indonesian Diabetes Educator Association Aris Budi to debunk the five most popular misconception related to diabetes in Indonesia.
1. Rice and Chicken Noodle
Should diabetic patients avoid carbohydrate? No, Aris explained that the human body needs carbohydrate as a source of energy. White rice does in fact increase a person’s level of blood sugar compared to consuming red rice, however the glycemic index of them both are insignificant.
“Red rice might seem as a healthier option since it contains high fiber, which leads to people eating it not as much as white rice,” said Aris.
2. Should Durian be avoided?
A durian contains high glycemic index, but that does not mean it should be thoroughly avoided. Its index is even lower than white rice – durian 55, while white rice is 65. However, Aris fully understands that nobody eats just one durian in each consumption, he suggested people to ‘repent’ by talking 30-minute walks.
“Or an alternative by eating 200 grams of vegetables in the form of salad, one cucumber, and tomato, prior to consuming durian,” he said.
3. Blood Sugar Checkup
The ideal time to conduct someone’s blood sugar test is ideally done three time a day. It may be troublesome, but has specific intentions behind it. Conducting it one hour after a meal is meant to tell someone’s blood sugar levels while a test two hours prior to eating is to know how well the body naturally reduces the blood sugar levels.
4. Burning Fat
A cliché answer towards a healthier life is to have a balanced nutritional intake and routine exercising. Aris said that diabetic patient has a more specific goal upon conducting exercises, which is to form muscle masses in the stomach area, which Aris suggested be conducted seven times a week.
5. 3P Symptoms
Similar to cancer, diabetes can be detected earlier. Go for an annual medical check-up despite feeling normal. The symptoms of diabetes paint the picture of how long the illness’ detection was delayed. “The three P is polifagi or increased appetite, secondly is polidipsi which often dehydrates a person, and lastly poliuri when someone often urinates.
TABLOID BINTANG
