Guyana joined the rest of the world yesterday to celebrate World Diabetes Day which is celebrated annually on November 14. While there were not too many activities to mark the day there was however a walk from the Square of the Revolution to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.But Government, through its Health Ministry, cannot work alone to tackle the chronic disease which has claimed the lives of too many. Moreover, the Region Three Health and Wellness Club has been among those organizations that have been lending support through awareness.According to Nutritionist attached to the Club, Ms. Norma Howard, healthy eating for persons living with diabetes does not only relate to portion control but using a variety of healthy foods daily is crucial.She outlined that a day?s meal should include a variety of different foods from the six food groups namely ? Staple Foods; Peas and Beans; Dark Green Leafy and Yellow Vegetables; Fruits; Foods from Animals; Fats and Substitute.Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body cannot use the glucose in the blood. Glucose, a form of sugar, is produced in the body mainly from starchy food that is eaten. Glucose is therefore the main fuel store in the blood that is made available for the cells in the body to take in and use, or store to be used later for energy.Insulin,[url=http://www.salecheapjerseys.us@#$%&/]NFL Jerseys From China[/url], which is produced by a gland called the pancreas, must be present in the blood stream for the cells in the body to take in glucose.In persons who are not affected by diabetes the pancreas produces the right amount of insulin in relation to blood glucose (sugar) levels to enable glucose to enter the cells. However, in people living with diabetes the pancreas does not function properly and the following can occur: the pancreas does not produce any insulin at all ? type 1 diabetes mellitus; or the insulin produced cannot help the cells to take in glucose for energy ? type 2 diabetes mellitus.Howard observed that there are certain important factors that persons with diabetes must be aware of when preparing their meals. Among these, she noted, is that high fibre foods such as barley oats, brown rice, dried peas and beans, vegetables and fruits can help to keep people with diabetes satisfied (full) while at the same time helping to control their blood glucose and cholesterol levels.Howard also advises that there must be less use of fats and oils in food preparation. ?Some examples are using less butter or margarine on your bread or biscuit,[url=http://www.wholesalesportsjerseys.us@#$%&/]Jerseys From China[/url], using less fat to make your roti,[url=http://www.cheapjerseysauthenticonline.us@#$%&/]Cheap Jerseys Free[/url],? explained the Nutritionist.She also stressed the importance of low-fat foods in meals, adding that the use of a slice of fruit or glass of unsweetened fruit juice can be used at snack time instead of chips or very high-fat foods.Of course the use of less sugary foods such as sweet drinks, cakes and sweets is important to the diabetic said Howard, who added that ?When sugary foods are allowed ensure that only small portions are used. For example two small sweet biscuits; a thin slice of cake; a half cup (using a measuring cup) of ice cream is just enough.?Howard however cautioned that these foods should only be used when the diabetic?s blood sugar is not high or is controlled.Another important factor outlined by Howard is that diabetics should seek to cut down on their salt intake. She noted that flavour and taste could be added to foods by using herbs,[url=http://www.cheapestnfljerseys.us@#$%&/]Cheap Jerseys From China[/url], natural seasonings and spices during preparation.?You can use ginger to season meat,[url=http://www.salecheapjerseys.us@#$%&/]NFL Jerseys China Wholesale[/url], fish and poultry; celery to season soups and stews,[url=http://www.cheapjerseysauthenticonline.us@#$%&/]Cheap NFL Jerseys China[/url],? advised Howard. She however noted that stopping the use of salt altogether is not recommended since ?our bodies need some amount of salt to maintain water and electrolyte balance, especially at this point in time when the days and nights are very hot.?Water intake is also important to prevent dehydration, Howard asserted even as she urged that there should be limited daily alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption, she intimated, should translate to one to two drinks for adult men and one drink for adult women.Healthy consumption of foods, according to the Nutritionist, is important for the management of diabetes because it helps to control blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy body weight and prevent heart related conditions.