Food, Culture & Control : Diabetes in Women Across Cultures

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Streamed on 22 Aug, 2025, 07:30 PM

ABOUT THIS SESSION

Food and culture play a defining role in shaping dietary habits, lifestyle, and ultimately, health outcomes in women worldwide. Diabetes in women is influenced not only by biology but also by cultural food practices, gender roles, and social determinants. Understanding these variations across cultures is vital for tailoring prevention and management strategies. In this webinar, Dr. Anita Kant and Dt. Dr. Dharini Krishnan will explore how culturally sensitive approaches can empower women in controlling diabetes effectively.

Q&A

Women are at risk for diabetes because they frequently gain weight after giving birth and find it difficult to shed it. Lack of exercise brought on by multitasking and elevated stress levels makes people even more susceptible.

Festivals and traditions emphasize carbohydrate-rich and sweet foods (jaggery, honey, rice). False beliefs that honey or jaggery doesn't increase blood sugar increase the risk.

Yes. A classic symptom in women is a burning sensation in the private parts, whereas other signs like frequent urination, thirst, and hunger are common to both genders.

Yes. Many women develop type 2 diabetes 3-4 years after delivery, especially if they don't lose weight or manage lifestyle factors.

Traditional foods often contain frying, refined carbohydrates, and sweets. Frequent indulgence, especially in joint families, makes it difficult for women to control their intake.

A properly planned vegetarian diet is highly beneficial, providing enough protein and fiber. However, poor planning-like skipping dals due to digestion issues-can make it unbalanced.

Very harmful. Trans fats, which raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease, are created when oil is heated. Reused oils are a common ingredient in street food.

Yes. Modern fasting foods (high-calorie, sugary items) raise blood sugar instead of controlling it. Traditionally, fasting meant consumption of simple milk and fruit, but now it has changed to feasting.

Stress raises blood sugar by increasing inflammation and insulin resistance. Irregular sleep against the circadian rhythm (e.g., late-night eating, midnight snacks) worsens control.

Watch weight carefully Exercise daily Eat more protein & vegetables Eat more protein & vegetables Prefer whole grains over refined ones. Control oil intake (not more than 15 ml/day)

FACULTY

Dr. Anita Kant

Chairman & Head, Department of Gynae & Obstetrics, Asian Institute of Medical Science, Faridabad

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