AS HEAD dietitian of Eat Wise, a professional nutrition and dietetics consultancy in Singapore, MsBibi Chia (below) is well versed in the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet. She tells tabla! about the connection between diabetes and food:

How can food affect the onset of diabetes?

MsChia: Diabetes is mainly a result of genetics but eating right and doing exercise can reverse or prevent the disease. Obesity which could be the result of unhealthy eating - too much fat, not enough fibre and too many simple carbohydrates - is bad because fat interferes with the body's ability to use insulin.

What kind of food causes diabetes?

No specific food causes diabetes. However, we do encourage people to eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight to prevent it. This includes cutting back on food with a high fat content, especially saturated fat.

How can one ensure balanced nutrition and reduce the risk of diabetes?

Eat according to the healthy diet pyramid, which is five to six servings of rice and rice alternatives, two to three servings of meat and meat alternatives, two servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily.

Opt for low fat versions when it comes to dairy products, pick lean cuts of meat and consume less deep-fried food. Cut back on the coconut milk, cooking oil and margarine when cooking and use herbs and spices to flavour your dishes instead of using too much salt.

Limit the intake of sugar-loaded items like cakes, candy and chocolates. When out grocery shopping, choose Healthier Choice products... the ones with a red pyramid on it.

For more information on healthy eating, log on to www.eatwiseintl.com