How to live at ease with diabetes

20 July 2010

Two new Chinese language books released by the Elderly Health Service of the Department of Health encourage diabetes patients to view the disease and its management from a positive perspective and to lead a wonderful and fruitful life by mastering control skills.

Entitled "Living at Ease with Diabetes" and "Healthy Dining with Diabetes", the books explain in layman terms the proper management of diabetes and offer practical advice on diet modification, exercises, travelling, life skills and psychological adjustment.

The books will be available for sale at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2010 from tomorrow (July 21), and later in local Chinese bookstores.

The Assistant Director of Health (Family and Elderly Health Services), Dr WM Chan, said that both the general public and people with higher risk of developing diabetes should adopt a healthy lifestyle early to prevent diabetes. On the other hand, those already suffering from diabetes should never give up because they can delay diabetic complications by optimising blood sugar control, hence enjoying years of healthy life.

The book "Living at Ease with Diabetes" comprises nine chapters. They cover the cause, complications, preventive measures, drug treatment and self-monitoring techniques for diabetes, as well as topics such as diet, exercise, foot care, and tips on travelling. The book was written by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals including doctors, dietitians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists.

The book "Healthy Dining with Diabetes", comprising four chapters, was written by a team of dietitians. Chapter one covers the principles of dietary adjustment for diabetes while chapter two discusses the application of these principles in day-to-day food preparation, from menu planning, buying, cooking to the portion of food to be consumed. Detailed explanation on the principle of "carbohydrate exchange" enables patients to enjoy a greater variety of food from desserts to Chinese soup. Chapters three and four provide practical tips on eating out, locally or while travelling overseas, so as to help diabetic patients enjoy the fun of eating while ensuring good control of blood sugar.

"Living at ease with Diabetes" is sold at $90 and "Healthy eating with Diabetes" at $70. A 20 per cent discount is offered to holders of Senior Citizen Card at the Cosmos Stall and Bookshops.