Diabetes is considered to be a disease resulting from hormone disorders. It can affect kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, blood flow, and legs. It can also cause many complications like stroke, removal of limbs, and heart diseases. Diabetes is increasing as a result of inactive lifestyle and unbalanced diet. It is normally referred to as a ‘lifestyle disease’. Diabetes mellitus is of two types – Type 1 diabetes mellitus and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pregnant women are also at a risk for getting diabetes, and this is referred to as gestational diabetes. Only through a blood test one can confirm diabetes.
Tips For Preventing And Treating Diabetes
- Having a proper diet is one of the key ways to prevent diabetes. The body fat should be controlled as those who are obese are at a greater risk of becoming diabetic. It is advised to eat small portions during meals and to control the intake of sugar.
- It is important to control the intake of processed carbohydrates, bleached flour, enriched flour, and the like, as they may lead to diabetes.
- Eating less processed grains help to control the insulin levels of the body.
- Having a fiber-rich diet and a low glycemic index (GI) diet is a sure way to control the accumulation of cholesterol and thus preventing diabetes.
- Drinking lots of water daily helps to prevent diabetes. It is recommended to have at least eight glass of water daily. Having lots of water can also help in fat loss.
- Never skip any meals during the day. Rather than eating full meals, it is better to eat 5 to 6 small meals.
- Exercise is another best way to prevent diabetes. It is important to burn calories to prevent the accumulation of excess body fat. Walking is best aerobic exercise to burn the excess body fat and to increase the blood sugar level and metabolic rate of the body.
- Taking nutrient rich supplements helps to keep the complications of diabetes at bay. Thiamine, chromium, and magnesium are the most recommended ones. Thiamine or Vitamin B1 helps to prevent kidney diseases. Chromium aids the functioning of insulin. Magnesium improves the level of insulin and thus helps in preventing the buildup of blood sugar. Magnesium also aids to prevent Type 2 diabetes.
- Researches show that having cinnamon daily helps to lower the levels of blood sugar and cholesterol.
- Including food rich in Omega 3 fatty acids helps in preventing diabetes. Food like fishes and flaxseeds are rich in Omega 3. They also assist to prevent depression, improve the body immunity, soothe arthritis and eczema, and are also beneficial for heart and brain.
- Taking insulin medications also help to curb diabetes.
‘Prevention is better than cure’. So, it’s important to maintain an active lifestyle and stick to a balanced diet for preventing and treating diabetes.