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Take a look at these facts related to diabetes to easily manage your condition. Even if you are not a diabetic person, you should definitely know them.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Referred as diabetes mellitus in medical terms, diabetes is a disease wherein a person has high blood glucose (sugar), due to low insulin production in the body or the inability of body cells to respond properly to insulin. In some cases, it can occur due to both the reasons.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Frequent thirst
- Frequent urination
- Frequent hunger
- Sudden weight gain/loss
- Dryness and itchiness of skin
- Often feeling exhausted or tired
- Blurry eyesight
- Lack of sensation in the feets
- Dental problems
- Inactivity or lack of interest
- hypertension/depression
- Sleep deprivation
- Sleep apnea
TYPES OF DIABETES
Diabetes is generally of two types-Type 1 and Type 2
Type 1: The symptoms (high blood sugar) start showing at a very young age or during adulthood. Low blood sugar level is very common in type 1 diabetes. There is no prevention to it.
Type 2: Occurs mostly during adulthood. Unless the person is taking medicines or insulin, there are no episodes of low blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by adapting a proper lifestyle and taking all the given precautions.
Over a period of time, diabetes can worsen the condition of your internal as well as external organs such as blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, heart, mouth, eyes, feet. It may even result into amputation of a damaged foot, toe or the entire leg.
Diabetics are most likely of having a heart stroke, so it is advisable to keep a regular check on your blood glucose (sugar), cholesterol and blood pressure. Staying away from illnesses and other diseases is also an important aspect while tackling with diabetes.
WHAT TO AVOID?
- Stay away from sugary drinks and canned juices. (always prefer to have water for quenching thirst over any other fluids)
- Caffeine drinks-not just diabetics but all of us should avoid caffeine on a day to day basis.
- Processed/Packaged foods-ready to eat meals are often loaded with preservatives to keep them fresh. This indicates a high amount of sodium which is not good for the heart and bones.
- Consumption or smoking of nicotine.
- Stop consuming grains such as rice, wheat, oats, cereals, bread, pasta, rice and potatoes. You may even have to give up fruits (fruits have a natural sugar content in them) until your blood sugar gets under control.
WHAT TO HAVE?
- Fat-free yogurt. For more on benefits of yogurt, refer Yogurt Is A Bliss
- Have ample of omega 3 fats from a healthy source, for e.g. chicken and eggs.
- Replace your regular rice with brown rice.
- Make more use of spices like cloves and cinnamon.
- It is okay to have sugar free desserts once in a while.
- Vitamin D helps to a great extent in fighting diabetes. Go for a morning walk for at least 15 minutes.
- Apart from having a healthy diet, is also very essential to practice regular exercise and meditation.