Daibetes Mellitus popularly known as Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which a person has a high blood sugar level. Glucose level in the body is controlled by the hormone from pancreas called insulin. After eating food, blood glucose level increases and it is normalized by producing insulin by pancreas. In diabetic patients, the absence or insufficiency of insulin causes the high blood sugar level and results glucose in urine.

Causes of Diabetes

This may be due to the insufficient production of insulin or the improper response of the body cells to the insulin produced.

Different Types of diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes: This is diagnosed in childhood or in teens and it could be inherited. This the case when the body produces no insulin at all. So they have to manage with daily insulin injections. They have to balance their food and activities with respect to their insulin intake.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: this is the adulthood diabetes, which is more common also. Here the body produces enough insulin, but cells do not have sensitivity towards it is usually the effect of obesity and lack of exercise.
3. Gestational Diabetes: this is a type of diabetes, that develops at the time of pregnancy in woman, who does not have diabetes. Those who have gestational diabetics have the risk of Type 2 diabetes and also cardiovascular disease in future.

Other forms of diabetes mellitus include congenital diabetes, which is due to genetic defects of insulin secretion, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, steroid diabetes induced by high doses of glucocorticoids etc

Common Symptoms

1. The initial symptoms are frequent urination and increased thirst and hunger.
   It may develop rapidly in type 1 patients and slowly and may absent in type 2.
2. Weight loss inspiet of increased hunger also suspects diabetes.
3. If untreated or glucose level is very high, some people may show fainting,
   vomiting etc.

Blood Sugar Levels

Normal:
Fasting Value: 70 to 100
2 hours after food: 120 to 140

Early Diabetes:
Fasting Value: 101 to 126
2 hours after food: 140 to 200

Established Diabetes:
Fasting Value: More than 126
2 hours after food: More than 200

Effects of Diabetes

1. Blindness
2. Kidney failure
3. Damages to small vessels called Micro Vascular disease
4. Hardening and narrowing of Arteries which leads to strokes and coronary heart diseases
5. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels can lead to blurred vision
6. High blood sugar level make the patient in coma

Food to Avoid

1. Salt and sugar.
2. Fried items.
3. Avoid red meat completely.
4. Less the consumption of egg and poulatry.
5. Full cream milk and its products.
6. Do not have coffee or tea more than 2 cups daily.
7. Avoid white flours (rice flour).
8. White rice, potatoes, carrots, beetroot, banana, bread etc.

Food to Have

1. Lean fish.
2. Low fat milk and its product.
3. Have herbal tea.
4. Whole wheat, soya, unpolished rice, oats etc which contains fat and reduces suagr level.
5. Bitter guard, gooseberry or vegetable having natural insulin.
6. Include fenugreek in daily food or have a cup of watee boiled with fenugreek regularly.
7. Eat onion, garlic, flaxseeds etc.
8. Include antioxidants, especially vitamin C (lemons), E, selenium, zinc and chromium (Brewer's yeast), in your diet, as they have been shown to control blood sugar levels.
9. Indian blackberry, very effective in preventing and controlling diabetes.

Healthy tips

1. Eat food at fixed hours, keeping shot gaps between your meals and do not overeat.
2. Do not eat immediately after a workout.
3. Have three proper meals with light snacks in between.
4. Do not eat fast and munch your food well before you swallow.
5. Have plenty of water that washes the body toxins out.
6. Include fresh vegetable salad in every meal, at least 20 to 25 grams of raw onion daily and Include sprouts in the diet.
7. Do exercise regularly.

About Exercise

It is very important to check with your doctor first before starting on an exercise.
Start an exercise routine that you will enjoy and stick to.

1. Check your blood-glucose levels before and after exercising.
2. Avoid exercising when you have just taken your insulin shot.
3. Avoid hot tubs and saunas immediately after exercise.
4. Always carry a carbohydrate snack, candies /sweets or juice.
5. Drink enough fluids to keep your body well hydrated.
6. Avoid alcohol consumption before and immediately after exercise.
7. Wear appropriate shoes and socks while exercising.
8. Always have an exercise partner.

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