Diabetes a killer…. Get informed!

Diabetes is a global Epidemic; it causes one death every 10secs. In 2011, diabetes resulted in 1.4 million deaths worldwide, making it the 8th leading cause of death. Globally, as of 2013, an estimated 382 million people have diabetes worldwide, with type 2 diabetes making up about 90% of the cases. This is equal to 3.3% of the population, with equal rates in both women and men. The number of people with diabetes is expected to rise to 592 million by 2035.

Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the body’s fuel that feeds the brain, nervous system and tissues. A healthy body makes glucose not only from consuming carbohydrates but also from proteins and fats and would not be able to function without it. Maintaining a balanced blood glucose level is essential to a body’s everyday performance. Diabetes can happen when the pancreas either produces little or no insulin or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin produced.

Healthy blood glucose levels are considered to be in the 70-120 range. One high or low reading does not always indicate a problem, but the glucose level should be monitored for 10-14 days. There are several tests that can be administered to determine whether an individual has a problem maintaining a normal glucose level and they include a fasting blood sugar test, an oral glucose test, or a random blood sugar test. Blood glucose levels that remain either too high or too low over time may cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. There are possible complications that could be associated with blood glucose levels; Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

Hyperglycemia occurs when the blood glucose levels in the body are higher than normal. It is a characteristic sign of diabetes. There are two specific types of hyperglycemia that occur;

Fasting hyperglycemia and Post-meal (Postprandial) hyperglycemia.  Fasting hyperglycemia is defined as a blood sugar greater than 130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) after fasting for at least 8 hours. Post-meal hyperglycemia is defined as a blood sugar usually greater than 180 mg/dL. In people without diabetes, post-meal sugars rarely go over 140 mg/dL. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, frequent urination, tiredness and weakness. If the levels become excessively high, patients become dehydrated and exhausted.

Hypoglycemia, a condition caused by low blood sugar levels in the body, can be extremely devastating if not controlled properly. Symptoms include nervousness, profuse sweating, intense hunger, palpitations and weakness. These symptoms can be corrected by taking a source of sugar into the body, such as a hard candy, a sugar pill, or a sweet drink. Taking one or more of these forms of sugar quickly raises the bodies’ blood sugar level and has an almost immediate effect.

TYPES OF DIABETES

•  Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus insulin-dependent diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas destroying them and causing the pancreas to produce little or no insulin.

•  Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus non-insulin-dependent diabetes is the most common and is associated with age, obesity, and genetics. It occurs when the cells do not properly respond to the insulin.

•  Gestational Diabetes develops only during pregnancy, but means an increase in the chance of the woman developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.

ALL TYPES OF DIABETES ARE SERIOUS AND MUST BE MONITORED REGULARLY.

So if you are diabetic or want to avoid being diabetic, here’s a few tips for You.

•  Eat garlic regularly as it regulates sugar level. 
•  Eat as many vegetables as possible- black beans, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, onion, radish, string beans, tomatoes, spinach, Potatoes, Garden egg plant. 
•  Avoid excess carbohydrates. 
•  Use whole wheat; it will help tremendously. 
•  Regular exercise will not only help to maintain blood sugar levels but will also help keep body weight down.  
• Eat at least five varieties of fruits every day. Fruits like banana, kiwi fruits, citrus, blackberry, blueberries, cranberries, figs, grape fruit, pomegranate juice, granny smith apples, are highly recommended.

More importantly, try 1 or all of these 3 below.

• Boil 15 fresh Mango leaves in 1 glass of water for 10minutes. Leave overnight, filter this water and drink first thing in the morning. It is an effective home remedy for diabetes.
• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of ground bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric in 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel. Take this mixture two times a day before lunch and dinner. It’s also a good diabetes mellitus treatment.
• Eat tender curry leaves (fresh) twice a day to reduce sugar.