KUALA LUMPUR: Nestlé Health Science has partnered with Institut Jantung Negara to launch a limited edition festive guide this Ramadan, to raise awareness of safe fasting for people with diabetes.
The specially commissioned guide, titled Panduan Berpuasa dengan Aman Untuk Diabetik, features healthy eating tips and three diabetic-friendly recipes specially curated by Institut Jantung Negara’s Dietetics and Food Services Department.
The guide was officially launched at Institut Jantung Negara by Pn Mary Easaw, Senior Manager, Dietetics & Food Services, Institut Jantung Negara, Ms Emilyn Loo, Country Business Manager, Nestlé Health Science and Mr Andy Yap, Medical Marketing Manager, Nestlé Health Science.
“Nestlé Health Science, is proud to be working in partnership with Institut Jantung Negara to provide innovative solutions that embrace healthy fasting practises during the holy month of Ramadan. Our specially commissioned guide contains invaluable tips and solutions to help those with diabetes make informed choices while observing their faith,” shared Ms Emilyn Loo, Country Business Manager, Nestlé Health Science.
Ms Loo added, “With Nutren Untuk Diabetik, we aim to provide those living with diabetes the benefits of a complete and balanced nutritional supplement that can support them to keep their blood sugar in range and provide the energy required during fasting hours. This is in line with Nestlé purpose to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future.”
According to Mary Easaw, prior to fasting, people with diabetes should seek support and advice from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals that shall enable them to manage their diabetes with confidence.
For people with diabetes, fasting can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, and a higher risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and dehydration. Therefore it is pertinent that one should be mindful on his eating plan during the fasting month.
“Be aware of what you eat and drink as your body has to adapt to the change. Do cut back on sugary drinks, avoid simple carbohydrates and reduce your salt and oily food intake,” remarked Pn Mary Easaw.
She continued, “For Sahur, avoid leftover foods that are high in simple carbs, fat and sugar and opt for a complex starchy breakfast such as oatmeal or brown rice with soymilk.
If you traditionally skip Sahur or cannot stomach anything heavy so early in the morning, choose an alternative to give you that long satiety such as the chicken & corn soup recipe found in the booklet. For a quick and easy solution, prepare a nutritious milkshake, seal it and refrigerate before you go to bed, and enjoy in the morning.”
In Malaysia, the National Health and Morbidity Survey indicates that almost 1 in 5 people, approximately 3.5 million or 17.5% of Malaysians above the age of 18 years, have been diagnosed with diabetes.
The Panduan Berpuasa dengan Aman Untuk Diabetik, features three quick and easy-to-prepare meals; Nutren Untuk Diabetik Nestum milk shake, Chicken & Corn Soup and a recipe for delicious fruit scones.The guide is now available in retail pharmacy stores nationwide with the purchase of an 800g tin of Nutren Untuk Diabetik.
Nutren Untuk Diabetik, the complete and balanced nutritious beverage for people with diabetes, has a GI of 28 and is formulated according to international diabetes guidelines. Clinical studies have shown that drinking a glass of Nutren Untuk Diabetik as a meal replacement for breakfast helps in better blood sugar management.
