NATURAL WAYS TO CONTROL DIABETES (HIGH BLOOD SUGAR)

INTRODUCTION:

Diabetes is a condition that affects your blood sugar and the body's ability to regulate it. When you have diabetes, your body produces extra glucose which turns in to blood sugar and then in to fat called triglycerides. Over time, this fat in your blood can build up in your arteries. This can cause heart disease, kidney disease and even blindness. The blood glucose concentration rises and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. This is because diabetes is associated with chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and review shows that hyperglycemia causes vascular and neuropathic complications.

Diabetes is a disease that can affect any person of any age. It's a condition in which your body does not make or use insulin efficiently or in which the body does not respond appropriately to insulin. This leads to high blood glucose levels. When you have diabetes, your body has a hard time using food to produce energy. And since it can't burn the carbohydrates, fat and protein you eat, your body stores them as fat. Diabetes can be a complicated disease using many drugs and medications. However, it is possible to keep your blood sugar levels under control through diet and exercise.

TYPES OF DIABETES:

There are three main blood sugar categories: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. In some cases, a person may have more than one form of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a condition under which the body has no insulin. Type 2 diabetes is called “pre-diabetes” where there is still some insulin but it doesn't work effectively enough to keep blood sugar levels normal. Gestational diabetes is a rare condition that affects a pregnant woman and her baby. It is a temporary high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after your baby is born but it can affect birth weight, placental function and future pregnancies.

Some people who have type 1 diabetes (formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes) may become diabetic when their immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can be controlled and even cured with the right approach. It's a complex condition involving both your life style and medical management. Gestational diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or because it can't use the insulin that's produced. Gestational diabetes is commonly caused by a combination of pregnancy, weight gain and genetics. Women usually have trouble ovulating due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy which can place them at risk of becoming diabetic if they don't control their glucose levels.

PREVALENCE:

The prevalence of diabetes has been on the rise over time and has become an issue that demands attention. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes every year is growing rapidly, making it more difficult for researchers to study this disease. The risk for type 1 diabetes is about one in 300 people and the risk for type 2 diabetes is about one in 10. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 24 million people in the United States age 20 or older have diabetes. The total number of new cases each year has more than doubled over the past 25 years. Diabetes also impacts on overall quality of life. By 2050, one in four people world wide will be living with diabetes.

SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD SUGAR:

Here's how you can tell if your blood glucose has crossed a dangerous level. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high after eating. If this happens often, it's called hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Hyperglycemia can cause a variety of symptoms and problems including blurred vision, hunger, fatigue and weight loss. It can cause long term complications if not treated early. People develop diabetes when the kidneys stop responding to insulin. And the complications can be funny, frustrating, and a drag. It's important to learn your blood sugar level and keep it within a target range. Doing so can help reduce the signs, symptoms and long term effects of un-controlled diabetes.

HOW TO CONTROL DIABETES?:

A healthy life style can help you manage your diabetes and there are many ways to make changes that lessen risks for heart disease and stroke. You can decide if you want to take medication to help control your blood sugar or not. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar is one of the most important factors in keeping it under control, so that you can remain healthy. Several tips and actions can help lower your blood sugar, which will increase your chances of staying on track with your treatment. In order to control diabetes, you need to eat low glycemic index diet. Many times this means eliminating all sugar, which can be hard, but it's necessary. When you reduce food intake and lower the amount of insulin your body produces, you can often bring down blood sugar levels completely. The best way to do this is by eating healthy carbs, so that they are broken down slowly in your stomach and intestine.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that may be managed. Taking care of diabetes is an ongoing process. It is good to have a life style change and follow the directions given by your physician. It's always better to take the right amount of insulin and test your blood glucose level regularly. Follow the right diet, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water and keep stress levels away. Maintain a healthy weight. Your daily routine may seem overwhelming when diabetes becomes a part of your life. Here are some practical tips that can help you manage your condition: Keep a record of what you eat and how much you exercise. Follow proper diet and life style changes to bring down your levels. Avoid refined carbs, sugar and excess fructose in your diet. Eat more whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains to get the nutrients you need. Exercise daily in order to lose weight.