Diet, weight loss diet, lifestyle

Products related to diet have a reduced carbohydrate and increased fibre content. Many of these can also be consumed by diabetics. On a world level the number of people suffering from diabetes is about 250 million, while in Hungary there about 800,000 diabetics.

Approximately 80 percent of diabetics and those prone to become diabetic are overweight, therefore it is advisable for patients to lose weight in both prevention and treatment. People suffering from diabetes are advised to cut down on white flour and sugar, but they can eat as much wheatmeal, oatmeal and green vegetable as they like. According to Zita Miskolczi, ASIX Distribution Kft.’s brand manager the glycemic index of diabetic products is usually lower than that of ordinary foods. It is also useful to consume diabetic products if one is on a weight loss diet because the absorption process is slower, so the feeling of fullness lasts longer. ASIX imports candy, chocolate and jam and most of their products are sold in super- and hypermarkets to consumers from the upper middle class. Brigitta Obreczán, DunaSweet Wellness Kft.’s brand manager told Trade magazin that not only people with diabetes can consume these products, but everybody else who wishes to east less sugar. In the company’s portfolio we find premium products under the Canderel brand name – Canderel is one of the most famous international brands among diabetic food products. Canderel’s flavour is really similar to that of sugar so the product is successful in many formats, e.g. sweetening powder for baking, chocolate, wafers, cappuccino and cocoa powder. Their Pötyi brand targets those who have less money to spend on diabetic food. Norbert Schobert, owner-managing director of Update International Kft. informed us that they distribute 250 products in their Norbi Update diet portfolio with 50-70 percent reduced carbohydrate content; these products are domestically produced and can be consumed by diabetics and children alike. The 50-60 best-selling products are present on the shelves of super- and hypermarkets, while the rest are available through their franchise stores. Detki Keksz Édesipari Kft. is one of Update’s suppliers. As for their own assortment, Detki household biscuit is made without sugar; its wheat bran version is called Cukorstop and has been popular for years. Managing director Olga Pavlova told our magazine that their Diabetic Sweet and Crispy Tea Biscuit was another favourite; she added that consumers like the transparent packaging of Detki products – they see exactly what they buy. This year ASIX Kft. will launch two types of Gullon biscuits, Ronditas and Diabetic oatmeal biscuit. DunaSweet Wellness Kft. will start distributing Canderel Green, a new vegetable-based sweetener. Norbi Update is expected to double its portfolio this year. Completely natural Update sweetener and additive-free Update flour are already available in shops.