Defeat Diabetes Mellitus

By Nunu Ram

signs symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood sugar and insulin deficiency/inaction. Insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas, facilitates glucose to enter body cells to give them energy. It is also needed to synthesize proteins and store fats. In uncontrolled diabetes, glucose and lipids (fats) remain in the blood stream and in course of time damage almost all organs of the body and also cause heart disease. Diabetes acts on the body gradually and is therefore called the ’silent killer’. Even the heart attack that occurs to a diabetic is supposed to be painless and hence more dangerous because the patient dies, not even realizing what has befallen him. The organs most likely to be affected are kidneys, eyes, feet, and the heart. The number of persons suffering from diabetes is rising rapidly, the main reason being the change in lifestyle involving more stress and strain, less exercise and food which does not contain fiber and essential nutrients.Diabetes can be broadly classified into two types: Type 1 diabetes also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile-onset diabetes accounts for 5% to 10% of cases .Type 2 diabetes called maturity-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. It is Type 2 diabetes that accounts for overwhelming majority of diabetes cases. The classical symptoms of the disorder are as under:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme hunger
• Sudden vision changes
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Feeling very tired much of the time
• Very dry skin
• Sores that are slow to heal
• More infections than usual.

Because of its devastating effect on the body organs, the management of diabetes is one of the most important subjects in clinical practice. Blood sugar level has to be kept under control with oral medicines or insulin. In Type 1 diabetes there is no alternative other than insulin. But in Type 2 diabetes oral medicines can also be used to control the blood sugar level. However, oral drugs have adverse side effects and the body also develops resistance after some time. Then there remains no alternative but to submit to insulin and daily injections. Proper diet and exercise help to a large extent in keeping diabetes under control. Regarding diet and exercise, the following points are important:

• avoid having large meals in a day. Try eating small divided meals as this helps to control the blood sugar levels
• use sugar as well as salt in moderation
• eat foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, beans and cereals
• take limited carbohydrate diet as this raises blood sugar level
• restrict meat, oils, dairy products as they contain more fat, thereby raising your weight and risk of heart disease.
• exercise for better sugar level control. Daily workouts will keep you healthy and fit
• bicycling, jogging, swimming, badminton, tennis, stair climbing, fast walking and running are some forms of exercise
• walk to the mall, shopping centers, climb stairs; these will help in achieving/maintaining normal body weight and also maintain normal blood sugar level
• proper time to exercise will be 1 to 3 hours after a meal or snack but do not exercise when you are not well. Apart from the above, there is one more thing which is equally important - proper care of your feet. Take care of your feet as you take care of your face. Wear good quality, well-fitting, soft and comfortable shoes and clean socks. And avoid walking bare foot even when you are indoor.