Diabetes or Diabetes mellitus is a type of nutritional disorder. This disorder is characterized by an abnormally high level of blood glucose and the excretion of the excess glucose through the urine. This condition arises from an absolute or relative lack of insulin in the body. The low level of insulin causes the abnormality in the metabolism of carbohydrates as well as in the metabolism of proteins and fats. There are two types of diabetes; diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. Type 1 diabetes is known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). It is also known as juvenile onset diabetes. In this type of diabetes the body does not produce any insulin or produces very low levels of insulin. Patients suffering from this type of diabetes usually depend on insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is when the body cannot use the insulin produced by the pancreas. It is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult onset diabetes.
There are several reasons for diabetes to occur. Genetic factors, nutritional deficiency, stress, anxiety, high carbohydrate diet, obesity, lack of exercise or physical activity and diseases which interfere with the normal functioning of the pancreas are some of the factors which cause diabetes. The symptoms seen in diabetic people are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased appetite, weakness or loss of strength, skin irritation, infection and obesity. Diabetes if not kept under control can lead to further health complications such as heart problems, eye problems, hardening of the veins (atherosclerosis), blindness, kidney problems and nerve problems.
Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with the help of exercising, diet and weight loss. One must have a healthy balanced diet. One should make sure that the body is getting all necessary vitamins and minerals. Avoid food containing refined sugar and fatty foods. Limit the consumption of salt in the diet. Consult your dietician for the right amount of food portions and to decide what exactly to eat and what to avoid. Exercise regularly. Maintain the right weight. Walk daily for at least thirty to forty minutes. Practice yoga, aerobics, swimming or cycling daily. Drink plenty of water and try to avoid beverages which contain artificial flavors and sweeteners. These beverages have an adverse effect on your health. Water on the other hand has no calories and helps hydrate the body. Drinking grape fruit juice regularly also helps controlling diabetes. Bitter gourd juice is also known to keep blood sugar under control.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.