Q. Fats requirement in diabetes?

Fats: The total fat recommended by WHO is less than 30% of the total calories. However in view of the widely prevalent Asian paradox in India, it is generally recommended not to provide more than 15-20% of the total energy from dietary fat. This is particularly important in case of obese diabetics having hypertension or cardiac disorders. Vegetable oils rich in mono/poly unsaturated fatty acids should be preferred over animal fats which are generally rich in saturated fatty acids.

The dietary cholesterol intake should be kept below 300 mg/day for diabetics without any complications. However, if the patient is at risk or is suffering from hyperlipidemia or CAD, the cholesterol intake should not exceed 200 mg/day. We hope that you do remember the food sources of cholesterol we discussed in the previous unit. Well, a quick recapitulation would have taken your thoughts to sources of cholesterol such as whole milk and its products, egg yolk, red meat, organ meats (liver, kidney, and brain).