Diabetes is a problem with our body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycaemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, our body does not use insulin properly. At first, pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time our pancreas isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep our blood glucose levels normal. Type 2 is treated it with lifestyle changes, oral medications (pills) and adequate balanced diet. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems: • Right away, our cells may be starved for energy. • Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt our eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. We can also have pre-diabetes. This means that our blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Having prediabetes puts you at a higher risk of getting diabetes. Diabetes and Diet What we eat impacts our bloodsugar levels. Foods that contain refined carbohydrates, whether as starches or sugars, will raise blood sugar and increase insulin resistance. Refined carbohydrates are usually found in pastries, biscuits and cakes. Correct ratio of omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is important to main good health. Nuts are rich in minerals, fiber, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acid. Eating nuts as part of a healthy diet is good. The calorie coming from nuts should be judiciously compensated by decreasing calorie intake from cereals or fats. The burden of diabetes is increasing globally. The causes are complex, but it is penetrating rapidly due to increase in overweight, including obesity, sedentary lifestyle and decrease in physical inactivity. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition although it can be controlled, it lasts a lifetime. Why take care of your diabetes Diabetes increases the risk of long-term complications such as damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes doubles the riskof cardiovascular disease (Heart diseases) Damage to eyes can result in gradual vision loss and blindness, and Damage to the kidneys, known as diabetic nephropathy, can lead to tissue scarring, urine protein loss, and eventually chronic kidney disease, sometimes requiring dialysis or kidney transplant. Diabetes-related foot problems (such as diabetic foot ulcers) may occur, and can be difficult to treat Taking care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel good today and in the future. How to live with diabetes We may know the steps we should take to stay healthy, but have trouble sticking with our plan over time. Basically there are three steps to live happy with diabetes. • Cope with your diabetes • Eat well balanced diet • Be active Once diabetic, it can’t be cured with any medicines but we can keep that under check and control with healthy balanced diet and physical exercise. Food plays an important part of diabetic patient which helps in keeping sugar level normal.
