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Diabetes is a metabolic problem that disrupts the way the body uses energy from the food we eat. Metabolism is the process of how our digestive system deals with food. Our body breaks the food we eat into blood sugar so it can enter our cells where the sugar is converted into energy. But to enter the cell, blood sugar needs a hormone called insulin to unlock the cell.
In type-1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin, which prevents the blood sugar from entering the cells, thus depriving the body of energy to function. On the other hand, type-2 diabetes means the body can produce insulin but the amount is either not enough or some of the insulin produced is defective. Likewise, for still unclear reasons, many type-2 diabetics suffer from insulin resistance, where the body's cells don't respond to the insulin. In all cases, diabetes causes blood sugar to rise beyond normal levels, which over time, can cause complications in the heart, kidneys, eyes, limbs and nerves.
Diabetes is currently considered one of the leading causes of death in the USA. Although a cure is yet to be developed, numerous treatment options to manage elevated sugar levels are available diabetics. Because their body can no longer produce insulin, type-1 and some type-2 diabetics require insulin shots to keep them alive. Many type-2 diabetics who can still produce insulin, rely on various oral medications to lower their elevated sugar levels.
Nonetheless, medical practitioners agree that the two major cornerstones of preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes or its complications are proper diet and regular exercise to keep the body functions healthy and strong. A low-fat, high-fiber diet is highly recommended for diabetics to help them regulate their blood sugar. Following a regular exercise regimen also helps diabetics achieve a near normal, if not normal, blood sugar level as well as keeping the body fit. As diabetes incidence continues to grow around the world, more and more doctors are recommending adopting healthy eating and lifestyle habits for non-diabetic persons, if only to curb the further spread of the disease.
Diabetes is one of the common metabolic diseases that occur due to defects in the carbohydrate metabolism in the body. It affects approximately 17 million people (about 8% of the population) in the United States. In addition, an estimated additional 12 million people in the United States have diabetes and don't even know it.
Causes of Diabetes
&bull Excess intake of oil and sugar
&bull Hereditary and genetics factors also leads to diabetes
&bull Increased cholesterol level
&bull Over weight
&bull Stress
&bull No physical activities
Symptoms of Diabetes
&bull Frequent urination
&bull Excessive hunger and thirst
&bull Problems of back and joint pain
&bull Tiredness or general weakness
&bull Loss of weight
&bull Long time for healing of wounds
Complications of Diabetes
&bull Diabetes may lead to blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
&bull It is also an important factor in accelerating the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), leading to strokes, coronary heart disease, and other large blood vessel diseases.
&bull It is also the leading cause of blindness in United States. It can cause a number of eye problems, some of which can lead to blindness if not addressed
&bull It also increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss
&bull Diabetic patients also suffer from impotence or erectile dysfunction.
Do's and Don't for Diabetes
&bull Avoid all kinds of sugary and sweet foods.
&bull Eat bitter melon herbs either in powdered form (powder of bitter melon seeds) or cooked vegetables. It is very beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. You can also drink it in the form of soup.
&bull Do not take starchy food products, as they are not easily digestible.
&bull Also avoid coffee, sugar, refined flour and alcohol.
&bull Include onion, sprouts, beans, garlic, tomatoes in the diet as it helps in lowering the sugar level in the blood.
&bull Do not eat junk food and oily food as this will control your level of cholesterol, lowers your blood pressure level, and diabetes
Home Treatments for Diabetes
&bull Gooseberry helps to cure diabetes and brings the blood sugar level to normal.
&bull Curry leaves also helps in controlling body weight and also diabetes. Chewing (8-10) curry leaves in an empty stomach to bring sugar level in urine and blood to normal.
&bull Dry the leaves of mango tree and make its powder in a grinder. Mix the dry powder (1 teaspoon) of mango leaves in a glass of water and drink it everyday to cure diabetes.
&bull Soak few fenugreek seeds in water and keep them overnight. Have these softened seeds in the morning.
&bull Garlic contains allicin, which works at reducing the sugar level in the blood. It also brings about the disintegration of cholesterol in the body.
&bull Jamun has also specific action on the pancreas, which controls the conversion of starch to sugar. The seeds of the fruit have better effects than the pulp.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
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