Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar at normal levels (type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes), or the cells do not properly respond to the insulin(type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes). The normal fasting blood sugar is 80-120 mg/dL; this can go up to a level of 160 mg/dL two hours after meals. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained increase in appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, erection problems, blurred vision, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

People who have diabetes are at increased risk for many serious health problems, including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and heart problems, eye problems that can lead to blindness, kidney problems, circulation and nerve problems.

Diabetes is treated with diet and lifestyle changes and with medications (such as insulin or oral medications). If blood sugar levels are kept within the recommended range, the risk for many complications from diabetes decreases.

Diabetes Symptoms

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
• Blurred vision

Home Remedies for Diabetes

• Turmeric: Fill turmeric powder in 00-size capsules, and take 2 capsules 3 times a day, a few minutes before meals. The antiglycemic properties of turmeric helps to maintain the proper function of the pancreas, regulate and stabilize insulin levels.
• Ground bay leaf and turmeric: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of ground bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric in 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel. Take the mixture twice a day before lunch and dinner. Bay leaves help to regulate glucose in diabetic patient along with lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Copper water: Put one cup of water into a copper vessel at night, and drink the water in the morning. Drinking water that is stored for 8-10 hours in a copper vessel is very beneficial for overall health.
• Indian gooseberry and Bitter gourd: Take a tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice, mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, daily for two months. Indian gooseberry is rich in B and C vitamins as well several other exceptional phytonutrients which helps to decrease blood glucose levels in diabetics and also lower cholesterol.
• Cinnamon: Take 500 mg capsule of cinnamon twice a day. It improves the fasting blood glucose level. Avoid long-term administration of high-dose cinnamon.
• Jambul: The seeds of Jambul fruit should be dried and powdered. Take one teaspoon of this powder mixed in one cup of milk or water or half a cup of curd twice daily.
• Billberry: Take 120-240mg of billberry extract conataining 25% anthocyanosides twice a day. Billberry helps prevent problems with the retinas caused by diabetes.
• Bitter Melon: Take about 50-100ml of fresh bitter melon juice in two or three divided doses over the course of the day. Bitter melon contain charantin, polypeptide P and vicine which contribute to its hypoglycemic effect. Do not take if pregnant.
• Fenugreek: Take 15-30 gms defatted fenugreek seeds three times a day with meals to stabilize blood sugar. It also improves insulin function in people with type 2 diabetes. Fenugreek slows carbohydrate absorption, delays gastric emptying, and increases insulin receptors, all of which have blood sugar lowering effects. Do not use if pregnant.

Do’s for Diabetes

• Exercise regularly to maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Exercise helps reduce weight and lowers blood sugar and also improves insulin sensitivity. Research suggests, 15 minute walk immediately after each meal is far more effective than exercise at other times at reducing blood sugar levels.
• Eat plenty of vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
• Include oat bran as part of a healthy diet. It’s high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan and also shown to reduce blood sugar levels.
• Add 1-2 grounded flaxseed to your diet on daily basis. To get the maximum benefits do not expose flaxseeds to too much heat.
• Drink eight to ten glasses of pure water daily.
• Eat meals & snacks at the same time every day or as close to the same time as possible. Do not go without eating for more than three hours.
• Use stevia or xylitol as a sweetener which are healthier choices and are safe for diabetics.
• Take extra care of feet, gums, and teeth to prevent problems that may develop because of high blood sugar.
• Have regular medical checkups to monitor the disease and adjust treatment as needed.
• Wear medical identification at all times so that, in case of emergency, health professionals can see that they have diabetes.

Don’ts for Diabetes

• Avoid eating simple sugars, including junk foods like sweets, cookies, and carbonated drinks which contribute to blood sugar instability.
• Avoid fatty food, alcohol, and spicy food.
• Do not go for longer than three hours without eating.
• Do not walk bare feet. Decreased sensations can result in injury.

See Doctor

• Have increased urination, increased thirst, weight loss, and possibly increased appetite. These symptoms may indicate type 1 diabetes.
• Call emergency services immediately if: A person is losing consciousness or becomes unconscious and you notice that his or her breath has a fruity odor. He or she may have the life-threatening chemical imbalance diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetes FAQ

• What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
• What is the best diet for a diabetic patient?
• What is the best home remedy for reducing blood sugar?

Blood Sugar Levels Chart

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