Get help with your diet for diabetics | Hildegard Strydom Dietitian

Hildegard Strydom

Registered Dietitian

B Dietetics (UP) Masters in Nutrition (US)

The Best Diet

For Diabetics

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WHAT IS THE RIGHT DIET?

A great body of research has shown that a diet containing controlled portions of carbohydrates with a lower glycemic index (GI) is the best way to manage and prevent diabetes, weight gain and insulin resistance. Lower glycemic index food are digested and absorbed slowly and glucose are released slowly and steadily into the bloodstream which results in controlled blood sugar levels, a lower insulin demand and fat loss. Sustained energy levels, feeling fuller for longer, less/no cravings, less mood swings and improved concentration are some of the benefits of a low GI diet. With a low GI diet you will not only prevent or reverse insulin resistance and weight gain and manage diabetes but you will also feel great!

There are thousands of low GI food options throughout South African supermarkets that make this ‘lifestyle’ a very easy one to follow!

At the practice…

You will be taught about healthy delicious food choices
The correct portions sizes
Snacks and drinks
Tips for eating out and ideas for entertaining at home
Label reading

My number one rule for sticking to this lifestyle is: ENJOY WHAT YOU EAT! And that is what we are going to do!

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IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT DIABETES

Diabetes is very fast growing epidemic that affects people worldwide. Globally, an estimated 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014, which is estimated to be about 1 in 11 of the world’s adult population. 46% of people with diabetes are undiagnosed.

Type 1 diabetes accounts for only about 10% of diabetes cases meaning Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of the cases. What is very worrying is that unlike other epidemics the world has seen, Type 2 diabetes is not a communicable disease, but a chronic disease of lifestyle, meaning a condition that developed due to unhealthy lifestyle. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) one of the main factors in the prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes is a healthy diet

Unhealthy diet → Uncontrolled blood glucose levels→ Weight gain →Insulin resistance (pre-diabetes) → Diabetes

Do you suffer from:

Energy slumps or ‘lows’ (especially between meals thus mid-morning and / or mid-afternoon)
Increased appetite (always hungry)
Cravings for sweet or starchy foods
Weight gain around the abdominal area
Poor mental ability and lack of concentration
Mood swings and irritability

If yes, then chances are very good that your blood glucose levels are not well controlled and then you are at risk of developing insulin resistance and diabetes. The good news is that insulin resistance, related weight gain and diabetes can be prevented and managed with the right diet!

ABOUT HILDEGARD

I studied B Dietetics at the University of Pretoria and obtained my degree in 2001. In January 2002 I started working at the NHS (National Health Service) in the United Kingdom. Until November 2003 I worked in hospitals all over England and it was there where I first developed an interest in the dietary treatment of diabetes.

Upon my return to South Africa I started a private practice with special focus on treatment of diabetes, insulin resistance and weight management. I continued my tertiary studies and received my Masters degree in 2009 with research focusing on the knowledge of South African Dietitians regarding the implementation of a diet with a low Glycaemic Index in the prevention and management of diabetes.

Apart from being in private practice, I have been involved in writing diet related information sheets for pharmaceutical companies, was consulted for various diet related magazine articles, consulted as a food labelling specialist and did training sessions on diabetic dietary intervention for medical doctors, dietitians and pharmacists.

Consulting with my clients and implementing dietary treatment of diabetes, insulin resistance and related weight gain is my absolute passion and I feel blessed to be able to make a difference in their quality of life.

Get in touch

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Suite 115, Unit 4

Lifestyle Management Park

Centurion Eye Hospital

Clifton Avenue, Lyttleton

Latitude: -25.830999

Longitude: 28.195001

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[email protected]

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082 518 8430 [mobile]