Malaria is a condition that is spread by the bite of mosquitoes carrying the Plasmodium parasite. According to the type of plasmodium, the severity of malaria varies. It is a disease that is still responsible for tens of thousands of years of life lost and years lived with disability, disproportionately affecting low and middle-income nations. At the same time, as many malaria-endemic countries are experiencing major rises in the frequency of type 2 diabetes, more than half of the world’s population is at risk of contracting malaria. Common infections are more likely to be contracted if you have type 2 diabetes.
Why Are People With Type 2 Diabetes More Susceptible to Infections?
Diabetes-related hyperglycemia is thought to impair the immune system, making it less effective at stopping the spread of foreign pathogens in people with diabetes. As a result, infections are known to be more contagious in patients with diabetes.
In uncomplicated cases of malaria, basal plasma glucose is typically higher, suggesting insulin resistance. Hypoglycemia risk will rise as the infection worsens because host glucose production can no longer keep up with host/parasite needs.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of Malaria?
Malaria symptoms include a fever and a flu-like illness with chills, headache, muscular aches, and fatigue. You might also experience diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea. Due to red blood cell loss caused by malaria, anaemia and jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) may develop.
What Should a Person With Diabetes Eat and Avoid During Malaria?
There is no specific diet for treating malaria, but it is important to have enough nutrition to make sure your body can fight the illness. The main goal of a malaria diet should be to strengthen the immune system without endangering the kidneys, liver, or digestive tract. An individual with malaria should eat multiple smaller meals throughout the day. You also should keep the following suggestions in mind-
- Studies have shown that foods rich in vitamins A and C, such as beets, carrots, papayas, grapes, berries, lemons, and oranges, help detoxify and strengthen the immune system.
- Avoid as much fat as you can in your diet if you have malaria. Consume plenty of Omega 3 fats, which can be found in foods like fish, fish oil supplements, flax, chia, and walnuts.
- Protein-rich foods help synthesise immune systems, which can benefit in the battle against parasites. Include chicken soup, eggs, and pulses in your diet.
- Increase your fluid intake. Make sure the water has been sterilized or boiled before drinking. When you have malaria, you should include ajwain water in your diet as a miracle beverage.
As a carminative, ajwain helps to maintain a healthy digestive system by reducing gas and bloating.
Read More – 5 Surprising Benefits Of Including Lemon In Your Diabetes Diet
How Can You Avoid Malaria?
You can avoid malaria by following these precautions-
- Protection against mosquitoes.
- All exposed skin should be coated with insect repellent.
- If you are outside at night, dress in long sleeves and long trousers.
- If your bedroom does not have air conditioning or a screen, use a mosquito net over the bed.
- Metformin is a medicine which is well known for its ability to prevent malaria.
If you have any questions about what you can include as a part of your diabetic diet, you should always speak to your doctor or health coach. Follow all the recommendations given by your health coach if you wish to keep your sugar levels within the controlled range. Also, do not forget to monitor your sugar levels on a regular basis.
