As a veteran diabetic I love to say ‘”I am a sweet person. My blood proves it” That is only a social comment made in a light moment.

Diabetes is the inability of the pancreas to produce the required amount of insulin to process the accumulation of sugars in the blood. There are 2 types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes was earlier known as juvenile diabetes because it is genetic and strikes at a very early age. Type 2 diabetes can also be genetic but strikes at a later stage in life. It is a life-long disease which cannot be reversed but can be controlled to live a healthy & happy life.

High blood sugar levels affect the eyes resulting in blindness, kidneys-failure which requires dialysis, blood thickening causing strokes and heart problems. It also causes injuries to the foot, which can turn gangrenous and lead to amputation.

Processing of accumulated sugars is very important- processed sugar provides energy. When it remains unprocessed - due to lack of insulin- it leads to all kinds of ailments. A hereditary disease like diabetes it can be controlled but not cured.

Before the comfort-food era & fast-paced lifestyle, food habits were healthy and nutritious, the daily routine also incorporated physical work and some form of exercise. Simply put lack of exercise, bad food habits and the rat race stress combined can make diabetes worse. So, it’s wiser to visit a Diabetes Clinic and get a comprehensive treatment.

Today, there are various remedies which promise to cure diabetes like bitter gourd juice, Fenugreek seeds soaked overnight, powdered seeds of Black Plum or even ladies fingers soaked overnight. These can be taken in addition to the regular medication, but they cannot be medication by themselves. Do not trust anyone who tells you to skip a proper treatment and go for home remedies. As the old Indian saying goes “Neem hakim, khatra-e-jaan” broadly translated as “a quack can endanger your life”. Thus, have a word with a qualified diabetes consultant and clear all your doubts.

To manage diabetes better:

1. Eat healthy & incorporate more physical activities.
2. : Maintain a regular exercise regimen like walking, yoga, swimming or work out at gym.
3. Glucose level: Take blood sugar tests at regular intervals to keep control diabetes
4. Diet for Diabetes: Opt for healthy and fat-free food choices. For instance, take fruits instead of cookies or a dessert; eat plenty of fresh vegetables. Consult a nutritionist especially if you are overweight or have too high blood sugar.

It may not be possible to eradicate diabetes but surely we can avoid it or keep it under control. Without wasting any more time please visit a Diabetes Clinic which has a team of nutritionists, endocrinologists, diabetologists etc. to take complete care of diabetes and lead a healthy stress-free life.