Know your disease: Diabetes

As our country India has become diabetic capital of the world, this has become an alarming sign for

all of us to not take this disease lightly. According to recent survey of various health organizations,

more than 30 million have been diagnosed with diabetes in India. It also affects our eyes, kidneys,

heart, brain, feet, nerves and neuropathy (disorder of the nervous system). So what exactly diabetes

is & how we can keep our self away from it? This article explains it in simple way.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease which is derived through high blood sugar levels. There are 2 ways in

which a person can be a diabetic. First there is lack of insulin (Type 1) present in his body and second

the body cells failed to respond to the insulin produce (Type 2). Type 1 can be classified as generic

which we inherit through our parents and type 2 is caused more by our lifestyle which we follow.

Hence it is also termed as “Lifestyle Disease”. It also brings various other health complications along

with it such as hypertension, coronary heart diseases, obesity, etc.  There are some common signs or

symptoms of diabetes such as increased thirst, frequent urination and hunger.

Educating our self:

By educating ourselves about diabetes, it will not only help us in keeping away from it for will also be

useful for our loved ones i.e. family members & friends. Diabetes can be treated but it cannot be

completely cured. To live a health life and staying away from diabetes we should know how to

monitor and control our blood sugar levels. We can keep it checking through random blood sugar

test which we can do it easily through Gluco meter at home. This device is now easily available in

market, or else we can do a proper blood sugar test (fasting & postprandial) in a diagnostic center

near-by. The best way is to go for routine preventive health checkup.

We should have three healthier meals (less fat, less sugar and less salt) every day at proper time and

not late especially dinner. Our meal should include varieties of vegetables, fruits, wholegrain breads

and cereals which are also termed as high-fiber food. Try avoiding junk food as much as possible.

Holy Basil also known as Tulsi in India are good for controlling high blood sugar levels. They basically

include antioxidants and essential oils which produces eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene.

The above substances help the pancreatic beta cells (cells which stores and release insulin) function

properly and helps increase sensitivity to insulin. Two to three Tulsi leaves everyday or one

tablespoon of its juice empty stomach helps in lowering blood sugar levels. Regular exercise and

Yoga is also one of the main factors in controlling yourself from diabetes.

By- Abhijit Dandekar