Diabetes Management

DIABETES MANAGEMENT

Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as diabetes mellitus, describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both thirsty  (polydipsia) and hungry (polyphagia).

Diabetes is a life long disease that is characterised by increased levels of sugar in the blood. It is either caused due to lack of insulin (a protein that regulates blood glucose levels) or due to lack of response to insulin produced by the body. Diabetes caused by lack of insulin is called type 1 diabetes. It develops due to fault in the genes that make insulin and is seen in young adults and teenagers. Diabetes caused by failure of response to insulin is called type 2 diabetes. It is more common type of diabetes and is found in adults. It is caused mainly due to lifestyle factors. Diabetes may cause heart disease or heart stroke and hypertension.

CAUSES

1. Lack of exercise and obesity can be major causes of type 2 diabetes.Just 30  minutes of physical activity reduces the chances of you having diabetes by 30%.So make sure you resort to either walking ,cycling yoga or aerobics

2. Certain medicines like nicotinic acid, psychiatric drugs etc can destroy beta cells that produce insulin.

These were the causes, let us now know how to manage diabetes and bring sugar level in control.

Keeping your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your doctor can be challenging. But there is victory on the other side of hardwork.

Let us now know the steps to manage diabetes:

• Exercise:Physical activity is an important part of your diabetes management plan. When you exercise, your muscles use sugar (glucose) for energy. Regular physical activity also helps your body use insulin more efficiently.
• Check your blood sugar level at intervals by glucometer.
• Stay hydrated:dehydration can affect sugar levels so drink plenty of water.
• Store insulin properly: Insulin that s improperly stored may not be effective
• Be cautious with new medications: If your doctor prescribes a new drug to treat another condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol,ask the doctor if the medication may affect your blood sugar levels. Liquid medications may be sweetened with sugar to cover their taste.

India is fast becoming the diabetic capital of the world, and with a large number of young people being diagnosed with the condition, doctors are looking at newer techniques to treat the disorder. Ever wonder if there was something you could do at home to keep your blood sugar levels in check? 

Home made remedies are as follows:

•          Holy Basil Leaves (Tulsi)
•          Flax Seeds (Alsi)
•          Leaves of bilberry plant (Neelabadari plant)
•          Fruits and vegetables
•          Green Tea
•          Drumstick leaves
•          Neem

Other remedies are:

1. Homeopathy: Homoeopathy works on matching the profile of the patient with the right prescription. Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba.
2. Ayurveda:  Ayurveda is an ancient Hindu system of traditional medicine which uses diet, herbs and yoga to cure ailments. This includes use of fenugreek or methi.
3. Yoga: yoga practice is found to be helpful for diabetics. Yoga poses involving meditation, proper breathing or pranayama, savasana .
4. Acupressure: This treatment approach for diabetes involves recognising the organs affected and treating the diseases through its acupressure points.
5. Naturopathy: Naturopathy involves a combination of diet, exercise (yoga) and steam baths to activate the pancreas and helps in proper management of blood sugar levels in the body.

Thus, sugar levels can be controlled if a diabetic patient follows a strict diet as adviced and prescribed by the doctor and lead a healthy life.