Diabetes is an insidious disease that can strike at any age and is influenced by hereditary factors as well as lifestyles and unhealthy eating practices. Diabetics may not even be aware of the disease that proves fatal in the long run. The desired blood sugar level is between 70 mg/dl to 110 mg/dl. Figures below or above this are indicative of diabetes. Diabetes is not curable and needs lifelong care to manage it for least impact on health. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder. The human body needs insulin hormone to convert sugar and starches to energy. A lack of insulin or inability to use insulin results in Diabetes Mellitus where blood glucose levels cannot be maintained within specific limits. Insulin and glucagons are responsible for this function and glucagons causes the liver to release glucose in controlled amounts. If there is excess of glucose in blood it is known as hyperglycemia and if levels are below normal the condition is known as hypoglycemia. There are three main types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when insulin producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed. This occurs in children and adults under 30 but can happen to anyone at any age. Individuals with type 1 diabetes need to take regular injections of insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it efficiently resulting in increase in glucose levels in blood. Type 2 diabetes develops gradually and occurs often in overweight adults aged 40 or above, and can be hereditary. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes can upset glucose tolerance, needing a higher amount of insulin. If a pregnant woman's body cannot deliver higher amounts of insulin, it results in gestational diabetes and is a danger to her and the foetus. Diabetes in India India has more than 50 million people suffering with type 2 diabetes—characterised by genetic predisposition and sedentary lifestyles. Urbanization, rise in living standards, sedentary lifestyles, lack of exercise, pressures of time and rise in consumption of rich fatty foods contributed to a rise in the percentage of diabetics. In rural areas where people are busy and are engaged in manual labour, the incidence of diabetes is much less. As lifestyle improves one can see more juvenile onset of diabetes, especially in cities. TV and computer gaming are partly responsible for obesity and rise of diabetes in the young. Fast food is the other culprit as people move away from healthy traditional foods to western influenced foods. 25% of the population is unaware it has diabetes. Though education increases awareness, there still is ignorance about this disease, even in educated professionals. Diabetes education and care has not developed to the extent it has in Western countries. Most patients are under the impression that it is curable and neglect constant monitoring and treatment. Quality diabetes care is expensive and beyond the reach of normal Indians, leading to complications and early death. Let food be your medicine, and medicine your food. - Hippocrates Natural remedies for diabetes: Ayurveda in India defined diabetes thousands of years ago and has a detailed method of treatment and control. There are specific herbs that can help the body manage insulin levels and keep diabetes under control. Ayurvedic doctors recommend taking these herbs on an empty stomach for maximum benefit. Herbs are easily available in the Indian bazaars and can be taken regularly without any side effects. A typical diabetic herbal formulation will include the following commonly available herbs: Amla (gooseberry) powder, Neem powder, Turmeric powder, Fenugreek seed powder, Jambu seed powder It is not necessary to take all these herbs. A formulation of a few like fenugreek seed, jambu seed, karela, Gudmar, taken regularly can keep diabetes in control. Some people prefer to take soaked fenugreek seeds on an empty stomach in the morning. Precautions and Healthcare in Diabetes The earlier diabetes is detected, the better it is for the patient. He would be well advised to visit a doctor for regular checkups and monitoring of his blood glucose levels. The doctor will prescribe medication and adjust dosage based on reports and keep the levels stable. A patient could go in for a healthier lifestyle. This involves regular exercise, regular sleep and a healthy diet. Doctors recommend diabetics take small portions of a well balanced diet throughout the day, avoid spices, too much salt and fried food. Consulting a dietician is helpful for a diabetic. Since cuts and infections can prove disastrous, diabetics have to be careful and keep their feet well protected and consult a doctor for treatment even for slightest cuts or wounds. Sugar is best avoided and even fruits with high sugar content like grapes are not recommended for diabetics. Regular blood tests for sugar levels and for kidney health are necessary for diabetics. Avoid alcohol or take it in extreme moderation. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, curds and nuts are foods that, when taken in small portions, work best for diabetics. A diabetic would also do well to avoid extremes of temperature and exertion. |
Effective natural remedies Apart from the herbs listed above, aloe vera, ginseng, cinnamon have been found to be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. Garlic, onion and bitter guard are common food items and taking these on a regular basis helps patients manage their diabetes. Herbal powders may not be to everyone's taste but fenugreek leaves, karela(bitter gourd, onion, garlic, onion seeds are common food items and can be included in a daily diet. Some people may prefer drinking gooseberry juice mixed with turmeric and cinnamon powder. Still others may like a daily dose of juice of tulsi (basil) leaves, neem leaves and bili leaves on an empty stomach. Nature has given us a rich abundance of herbs and judicious use of commonly available herbs and vegetables makes diabetes control easy. Diabetes care: 10 ways to avoid diabetes complications Diabetes is a serious disease. Following your diabetes treatment plan takes round-the-clock commitment. But your efforts are worthwhile. Careful diabetes care can reduce your risk of serious — even life-threatening — complications. 2. Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other types of tobacco, ask your doctor to help you quit. Smoking increases your risk of various diabetes complications, including heart attack, stroke, nerve damage and kidney disease. In fact, smokers who have diabetes are three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than are nonsmokers who have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Talk to your doctor about ways to stop smoking or to stop using other types of tobacco. 4. Schedule yearly physicals and regular eye exams. Your regular diabetes checkups aren't meant to replace yearly physicals or routine eye exams. During the physical, your doctor will look for any diabetes-related complications — including signs of kidney damage, nerve damage and heart disease — as well as screen for other medical problems. Your eye care specialist will check for signs of retinal damage, cataracts and glaucoma. 6. Take care of your teeth. Diabetes may leave you prone to gum infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss your teeth once a day, and schedule dental exams at least twice a year. Consult your dentist right away if your gums bleed or look red or swollen. 8. Consider a daily aspirin. Aspirin reduces your blood's ability to clot. Taking a daily aspirin can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke — major concerns when you have diabetes. Ask your doctor whether daily aspirin therapy is appropriate for you, including which strength of aspirin would be best.
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