A few days ago, a friend of mine sent me some write-ups on apple and diabetes which he had received from a diabetic.  He wanted to know if the information was right and accepted in our fraternity.  The diabetic, in his write-ups, claimed that apple can control / cure diabetes, and eliminate pills and insulin.  The author of this claim had experimented upon himself by consuming apples daily on an empty stomach, along with regular walks and dietary changes like avoiding sweets.  He found that his blood glucose levels dropped and he was able to maintain the normal glucose levels for some time.  This person now propagates ‘apple therapy’ to whoever is willing to take his advise. 

It all sounds good and I’m sure this diabetic’s intentions are positive and he means well.  But, if diabetes was a simple problem with a simple cure, the world would have wiped out diabetes by now.  Unfortunately, it’s never so easy.  The overall lifestyle can certainly make a big difference in blood glucose control but a single fruit cannot.  Or, even if apple intake does help a few people, there are a lot more reasons involved (known and unknown).  Also, a fruit doesn’t become a universal solution to a long-standing problem.

Go ahead and chew on an apple by all means, but do not expect it to resolve issues related to your blood glucose.

The Bangalore Chapter of the Indian Dietetic Association will celebrate 50 years of its existence by organising a Nutrition Expo on Saturday, September 21, 2013.  The expo is open to all and the entrance is free.  It will be held on the lawns of Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore from 11 am to 4 pm.  The expo will be inaugurated by the celebrity international athlete, Ms Reeth Abraham.

Visitors to the expo can avail of free blood sugar check, blood pressure, body weight.  There will also be educational material, games and quizzes on nutrition.  You can meet dietitians and get tips from them.

Do come along and bring your family, friends and neighbours as well.  Hope to see you on Saturday.