Theatre and TV veteran Usha Nadkarni, 79, who is set to celebrate her 80th birthday in September this year, has always prioritised work over herself, driven by her passion for the craft. The Pavitra Rishta actor recently opened up about being a diabetic on comedian Bharti Singh and her husband and screenwriter Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s YouTube podcast.
“I wake up at 5 am. My hairdresser used to arrive at 8:10 am, and I would leave with her. I used to be ready. We would then reach the set by 10 am. I didn’t have any clue about the time. I used to eat sometimes as late as 5 pm. I am a diabetic. Kya bolun main? (What do I say?) I used to silently bear it because I wanted to work,” said Nadkarni, who was recently seen on Celebrity Masterchef.
Reacting her comment, Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology and weight loss expert, Zandra Healthcare, and co-founder, Rang De Neela Initiative, said the timing of meals can significantly affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
Eating on time is essential for people with diabetes, stressed Dr Kovil.
Prevents blood sugar spikes and crashes: Eating regularly helps avoid sudden drops (hypoglycemia) or rises (hyperglycemia) in blood sugar. “Glycaemic variability is low when one eats as per a schedule,” said Dr Kovil.
Supports insulin effectiveness: If someone is taking insulin or other medications, timing meals properly ensures the medication works as intended.
Manages hunger and overeating: Missing meals can lead to extreme hunger and overeating later, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike, added Dr. Kovil.
Story continues below this ad
Keeps metabolism steady: Regular meals help maintain a consistent metabolism, supporting better glucose control.
Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Freepik)
He also emphasized the importance of an early dinner for individuals with diabetes.
Early dinner helps with
Better glucose control: Eating earlier allows more time for digestion and insulin action before sleep, which reduces overnight glucose spikes, said Dr. Kovil.
Improved insulin sensitivity: Some studies show that insulin sensitivity is higher earlier in the day.
Story continues below this ad
Better sleep quality: A lighter, earlier dinner may improve sleep quality, which is crucial for maintaining metabolic health.
Weight management: Early time-restricted eating is associated with reduced calorie intake and improved weight control, said Dr Kovil.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
