HMC Health Champions:Dr. Yousuf Al Malsamani, Medical Director at Hamad General Hospital, led by example and adopted a healthier lifestyle in order to lose weight and avoid diabetes. He has lost an incredible 17kg to date and lowered his blood sugar to a healthy level. His message to everyone is that you can do it too!
How did he do it?
“My brother called to say his blood sugar was high. I checked my own and it was 6.1 (which is in the prediabetic range and put me at risk of diabetes). My father has diabetes and, as a physician, I know the first line of treatment is weight reduction.”
Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani
Exercise
- Walks everywhere he can and uses a pedometer to monitor distance. He sets himself a target
- Has regular swimming sessions
- Uses stationary exercise equipment such as the elliptical trainer
- Exercise is now a part of his everyday life
Eating Healthily
- Reduced his intake of high sugar and high fat foods
- Controls his portion sizes by weighing his food
- Documents his food intake in a diary to help him keep track of consumption. This allows him to review his diet
- Weighs himself regularly to make sure he maintains his weight and adjusts his diet if he gains weight
- He still eats food of all kinds but he controls how much and how often he eats them. He stays in control
- He thinks about what he eats and how much he eats in relation to how much he moves.
