Life style
Don’t let diabetes debilitate you
In an interview with the Sunday Island, Vidya Jyothi Dr. Prasad Katulanda, Honorary Consultant Diabetologist and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Medicine from the University of Colombo, throws light on the urgency of managing diabetes during the pandemic and following safe health protocols. The complications of COVID-19 Virus in people with diabetes are more serious, warns the Consultant.
by Randima Attygalle
Diabetes is today a global epidemic affecting about 422 million people worldwide, World Health Organization (WHO) affirms. The majority of them live in low and middle income countries and 1.6 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. By 2030, diabetes is predicted to be the seventh leading cause of death by the WHO. Diabetes is today among the top ten causes of death with almost half of deaths occurring in people under the age of 60. One in six live births is also affected by hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. While the prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, COVID-19 pandemic has claimed over one million lives worldwide so far. Over 50 million are infected with the virus. “Diabetes and COVID-19 are like a merge of two pandemics,” observes Vidya Jyothi Dr. Prasad Katulanda, Honorary Consultant Diabetologist and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Medicine from the University of Colombo, who goes on to warn that people with diabetes are more likely to experience severe complications of COVID-19.
“Scientific evidence from China, America and several more countries reflect that obese people, people with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-induced complications. Higher proportion of people in these groups require ICU care including ventilators,” explains the Consultant. Several reasons are attributed to people with diabetes developing complications of the virus. Those with diabetes, he explains, have a risk for inflammation. This makes is harder to fight the virus and leads to a longer recovery period. The virus also thrives in an environment of elevated blood glucose. “COVID complications occur as a result of an exaggerated response of the immune system- a condition known to be ‘cytokine storm’ where a lot of molecules of the immune system get liberated in large amounts. This amount is much more than a response to fight the infection. Since diabetics are at the risk of increased inflammation, this response gets further exaggerated resulting in higher COVID complications,” explains the Diabetologist calling for strict adherence to safety protocols.People with diabetes are also more prone to clotting of blood. “Post-mortems of COVID-infected patients have revealed blood clots in their lungs resulting in severe lung damage, hence those with diabetes need to be extra careful in taking precautions such as proper use of face masks, regular hand washing, maintaining social distancing and restricting social gatherings and travel,” says Dr. Katulanda.Whilst the management of diabetes during the pandemic is crucial, others in the household should also be equally cautious not to ‘bring the infection home,’ he remarks. “If you have any family member with diabetes, extra measures need to be taken when you return from your work place etc. If any family member is suspected of COVID, it is imperative to isolate him/her without any direct contact with the others.” The safety measures apply to the workplace as well where those with diabetes need to maintain social distancing, hand hygiene etc.Sri Lanka Non Communicable Disease Survey conducted by the Diabetes Research Unit of the Colombo University’s Medical Faculty reveals that in the Colombo city limits alone about 25% or more adults have diabetes. This reflects that one in three adults in Colombo has diabetes and the rate has gone up from 18% in 2016 to 25% now. Moreover, another 30 to 40% have pre-diabetes and only about 30% has perfectly normal blood sugar levels. Sri Lanka Young Diabetes Study too reflects that about 1% of diabetes is due to maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD). “Sri Lanka being an alarming ‘hot spot’ for Type 2 Diabetes, (adult onset diabetes) even those who are at the risk of diabetes (pre-diabetes) should watch out for their dietary patterns during the pandemic with lockdowns and quarantine curfew becoming a way of life,” warns Dr. Katulanda.
With the pandemic, come challenges to healthy eating. With limited food choices, especially during lockdown/curfew situations, more people are prone to consume starch and less fibre-rich foods. “We have seen some pre-diabetes people converting to diabetics due to this. Many have become obese and fatty liver conditions have got worse- all precursors to diabetes,” points out Katulanda urging people to eat healthy under the circumstances.
A diet of low glycemic index is encouraged with more unrefined carbs (whole grains, low GI rice, less oil and low sugar. Foods with trans-fat such as margarine, other fat spreads, oily meats (bacon, pork, sausages) should also be kept at bay. Adding more green vegetables and local green fruits such as nelli, guava and ambarella to the diet is also helpful. “Those who are likely to take more sugary foods should be conscious of what is called ‘portion exchange’ where they need to compromise on other starchy foods such as white bread, string hoppers etc.”
With regular physical activities such as walking and going to the gym becoming restricted during the pandemic, keeping one’s self fit at home is essential. “While those with a machine such as the treadmill could do a workout, others could do stretching exercises and yoga. Even the elderly with IT skills could get plenty of guidance on line to the best exercises to keep them fit during these trying times,” says the physician. Home gardening is another healthy option which not only keeps one fit but also helps bring fresh garden produce to the table.
Being couch potatoes at home addicted to devices, particularly the phone is means of inviting diabetes upon one’s self, he warns. “With work-from-home arrangements becoming a way of life, people tend to sit before a computer or a phone for longer periods and this makes them even more sedentary.” Taking regular breaks in between working hours to stretch or walk a bit, climb some stairs and limiting the screen time and chat groups could make a person more healthy.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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