Article on Diabetes Written And Contributed By COSMOCHICS  Contributor “ASHUTOSH SRIVASTAVA”

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition when our body is not capable of utilizing glucose present in our blood. Due to which glucose level in our blood increases. This condition is  called as Hyperglycemia

How Glucose is utilized in our body?

Glucose is the major source of energy for our body. When we eat something, glucose get absorbed in our blood and from blood it goes to the cells of our body where, it is utilized for energy production. The utilization of glucose mainly depends on INSULIN which is a hormone produced by Pancreas in our body.

Why glucose not getting utilized in one’s body?

The process of glucose utilization is mainly affected because of the following reasons:

1. No Insulin Secretion
2. Less Insulin Secretion
3. Insulin resistance

Why diabetes happens in one’s life?

There are many factors which are responsible for diabetes.

1. Family History: Family history of diabetes plays a major role in one’s life to become diabetic. If anyone in your family was suffering from it then there is a chance that you can also become diabetic.
2. Obesity (overweight): This is another major cause for diabetes.
3. Age: People, who are above 45 are more at risk, as compared to age below 45.
4. Bad food habit: Food habit decides your body condition. Consuming more junk food/fast food/ High Calorie diet are the main causes for overweight/obesity.
5. Sedentary Life Style: A lifestyle without any exercise or physical workout is also responsible for diabetes.
6. Alcohol
7. Others: presence of some disease may also be able to cause diabetes but it’s very rare.

Am I Diabetic?

Do you feel any of the following symptoms?

• Excessive Thrust
• Excessive Hunger
• Excessive urination
• Tiredness/Fatigue
• Giddiness

If you have any 2-3 symptoms from the above don’t hesitate to consult your doctor and check up for diabetes.

A very simple blood test will tell you correctly whether you are diabetic or not.

What to do if I am diabetic?

Don’t worry and no need to panic, if your blood test tells that your blood sugar level increased. This can be pre-diabetic condition also and can be managed by only exercise and a little medication! And if not then there are various good medicines which are available today through which diabetes can be managed very well.

You have to follow your doctor’s advice and take the medications regularly at proper time. There are some life style modifications which are necessary, to manage diabetes. Without these lifestyle modifications controlling diabetes can be really a tough task which may lead to other serious complications.

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What kind of lifestyle modifications are necessary to control diabetes?

Here are some tips about lifestyle modifications-

1) Regular exercise: Now this is very important. The easiest and the best way is to walk minimum 1-2 Km daily. If you can do so then, there are many exercises which can help keep you fit. For instance, Yoga is considered a very good tool to control diabetes easily.

2) Control on diet: There must be a control on your diet.

a)    Avoid taking rich carbohydrate sources as much as possible like potato, rice, very sweet fruits, all types of sweets, chocolates, cakes, pizza etc.

b)    Try to involve green vegetables and pulses more and more in your diet. Adding fibrous grains and vegetables will be more beneficial.

c)     Take fruits which are rich in anti-oxidant e.g. Orange, lemon, apple etc.

d)    If you are a non-vegetarian then you must avoid taking red meat. Egg white and Fish are the best options for Non-Vegetarians.

e)    Don’t eat too much at one time. Divide your diet in smaller portions and take it at 2-3 hrs intervals. By doing this your blood glucose level will not go very high suddenly at one time.

3) Alcohol and Smoking: Both of these are full of harmful chemicals. Quit smoking and stop taking alcohol immediately. Alcohol increases the chance of getting serious heart diseases while smoking increases the chance of getting lung and oral related diseases (if suffering diabetics).

Beside these modifications follow your doctor’s advice and take proper medications on time.

Stay Fit Stay Healthy!!!

Editor’s note:   Ashutosh is a Pharmacist and a health care professional. He has a broad experience of counselling on the correct use & adverse effect of prescribed medicines!

Thank you very much Ashutosh for throwing some light on this important topic! We are Immensely thankful to you for sharing your expertise and valuable knowledge 🙂

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