Diabetes Reversal Tips

Today is World Diabetes Day. But apart from the usual hype – what does it really mean to you?

The International Diabetes Federation says that there are 230 million diabetics today and most of these are from developing countries. China and India have the largest number of sufferers. (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/44967.php)

Although most of the diabetics are found in the age group of 40-59, there is a disturbing trend which is rising rapidly. More and more people in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed with diabetes. Naturally, they were not expecting it and probably approached the doctor with different problems.

However the diagnosis identified the root cause as diabetes or excess blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes can often go undetected for many years and often diagnosis happens due to related complications or incidentally through a blood test or urine glucose test.

No doubt, a sedentary lifestyle and bad dietary habits are the main cause behind this new trend. But for some people, this realization has come too late. Upon diagnosis, they have no option but to control their diet and immediately start exercising to maintain good health.

But that’s not the end of it. These are just the stories of those who approached the medical professionals with some symptom or problem. There are hundreds of thousands out there who are pre-diabetic but they don’t know about it. As in any disease, early detection is better for effective treatment.

Unless a person exercises caution and immediately approaches a doctor for any diabetic symptom, their disease may remain undetected for long.

The problem is compounded in developing and low-income countries because the diabetes costs are a huge financial burden for the family. Moreover there is lack of sufficient diagnosis and treatment facilities. (http://www.worlddiabetesfoundation.org/composite-35.htm)

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions and it is termed as a “silent killer”. Though it is not the cause of death directly, diabetes causes many complications like kidney disease, renal failure, eye problems, diabetic foot, neuropathy, etc. Diabetes is the related cause of death in almost all such cases.

If you experience any of the diabetes symptoms like prolonged tiredness, excessive hunger, frequent urination, etc immediately consult a doctor and get your blood tested for sugar levels. If you are diagnosed as a diabetic, follow the doctor’s advice. Even if you are not a diabetic, change your diet and lifestyle.

• Eat three large meals a day and 2/3 small meals at regular intervals
• The last meal should be at least 2 hours before bed time
• Avoid junk food, food with high glycemic index and aerated drinks with high sugar content
• Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, as far as possible in raw form and avoid fruits in juice form
• Measure your calorie intake and nutrition strictly
• Start exercising – and the minimum should be a 45 minutes walk at least 4-5 times a week
• If you are overweight, you need to take action to lose weight immediately. (Avoid crash diets and don’t starve. They rob you of nutrition and that’s not healthy)
• Take care that you are not consuming food containing trans-fats and saturated fats.
• Slow but steady changes to your lifestyle and diet will help you in the long run.

It is important not to run after fads and crash diets. A solid, steady and consistent program will give you long term benefits.

Alternative remedies to diabetes are found in homeopathy, ayurveda, yoga and other traditional forms of medicine. However they are not scientifically tested and certified. You need to consult your doctor before embarking on any such alternative form of treatment.

Above all, recognize the silent killer and don’t let it get to you.