The problem of integration: Asian people and diabetes

There is a high prevalence of non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDD) in some Asian populations in the UK. The study by Mckeigue showed that the prevalence was high amongst the Bangladeshi population. Most doctors were aware of this and concerned that they did not know sufficient about the everyday lives and eating patterns of their patients to advise them about how to adjust their lifestyle to control their diabetes. As non-insulin dependent diabetes is managed by controlling eating, and by tablets which stimulate the production or use of the naturally produced insulin, it is important that the medically prescribed treatment is integrated into the lifestyle because the day to day treatment is in the hands of the patients themselves. The patient has to control his or her eating; decide what to eat, how much to eat, and what not to eat. All diabetic people have to make these decisions in the context of their everyday lives surrounded by other people who are enjoying eating without such restraints. The evidence from this study suggests that the problem is particularly difficult for diabetic. Bangladeshi people. The reason for this appears to be that food plays a very important part in Bangladeshi culture which has many rules restricting what can be eaten and also placing importance on eating certain foods. The problem for them, is to integrate this traditional and religious rule governed system of eating with the system of modern medicine. The aim of this study was to understand and describe the ways in which diabetic Bangladeshi people are attempting this integration.