Diabetes occurs when one's body cannot produce or use insulin efficiently causing sugar to build up in the bloodstream. Family history, obesity, lack of exercise, and unhealthy diet can cause one to develop such disease. If it is not managed properly, it may result in complications such as kidney failure, blindness, and neuropathy. Diabetics are also at a higher risk to develop heart disease.

A diabetic of age 55 who has been suffering from diabetes for more than 10 years finally brings his blood sugar down to a healthier level.

It started out with him feeling excessive thirsty. He had to drink Coca Cola because drinking plain water did not seem to quench his thirst. He could drink up to 8 cans a day to feel satisfied. But then he had to suffer at night as he had to make frequent trips from the bedroom to the toilet. He was hungry all the time, and he started to suspect that he was suffering from diabetes. He eventually consulted a doctor who tested his blood sugar and confirmed that he had diabetes.

He was prescribed with medication and had to give himself insulin jabs. The doctor told him that he should eat whenever he feels hungry. Following the advice, he had more than 10 meals a day and his blood sugar level soared to almost 14 mmol/l 1 and a half hour after a meal.

He became unwell, lethargic, and very bad-tempered. Finally, he had to go back to the doctor who had to send him to hospital to consult a specialist because his blood sugar level was already dangerously high.

During the course of treatment from the specialist, he was told what he should eat and what he should not. Instead of eating every time he felt hungry, he was asked to have 6 meals a day ? a proper breakfast, a fruit at 10 am, lunch, wholemeal bread for tea, dinner, and a glass of milk for supper. He was also advised to take up brisk walking regularly but he should not jog at his age as his heart may not be able to take it. So he brought meals from home to his work place.

He attributed the credit to his wife who makes sure that he eats the foods that are low in salt, sugar, and fat contents and stays away from sweetened drinks. She even wakes up early to ensure he is suitably dressed for his morning brisk walks at about 3 am.

There are many other diabetics like him that watch their diet, exercise regularly, and take medication prescribed by doctors if necessary and managed to bring their blood sugar down to the healthier levels. So, the question is not whether you can do it but rather are you willing and determined to do it!