The latest estimates from the International Diabetes Federation show that there are about 382 million people living with diabetes worldwide. In India, the situation is quite grim with a population of 67 million diabetics (which is about 8% of our total population). Why are so many Indian diabetic? Of course, genetic susceptibility is one reason. But our changing lifestyle is turning out to be an area of growing concern. A high-calorie diet coupled with a sedentary lifestyle with not much physical activity puts you at a greater risk of getting diabetes.

Diabetes refers to a group of metabolic diseases that cause high blood sugar levels. This may happen due to inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas or when the cells of the body do not respond to the insulin produced. Type-1 diabetes is where the body is unable to produce insulin, only about 10 percent of all diabetic cases are type 1. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence but it may occur at any age. 

The other is a condition in which the cells in the body fail to respond to the insulin produced. This is called type-2 diabetes and about 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type. There is also a third kind, gestational diabetes which affects females during pregnancy. 

The campaign for World Diabetes Day 2014 stresses on healthy eating and making the right choices. Keeping that mind, our health expert, Dr. Shikha Sharma suggests six natural remedies for tackling high blood sugar levels. 

 

How do you know if you are at risk? We asked Dr. Pramod Tripathi, Founder of Freedom from Diabetes, to share with us the most common symptoms that may indicate diabetes.

1.  Frequent urination which is known as Polyuria. Your kidneys may not be able to absorb and filter the excess sugar in your blood. Therefore, it is excreted through your urine by absorbing fluids from your tissues. This is also the reason why your urine may emit a sweet odour.

2. Feeling excessively thirsty and this is known as Polydipsia. This may be coupled with having a dry mouth even after drinking water. Absorption of fluids from the tissues and frequent urination to excrete the excess sugar dehydrates your body and increases your thirst.

3.  Increased hunger especially after eating. This is known as Polyphagia. Since sugar may not be transported from your food to your cells, you may remain unsatisfied and feel the urge to eat more.

4. Belly fat is one of the most important determinants of diabetes. If your waistline is more than 32 -34 inches then you must get your blood sugar levels checked frequently.

5. Black spots on the neck or darkening of the skin

6. A constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue

7. Blurred vision. Excretion of excess sugar may also require fluids to be pulled from tissues in the eye which can affect your vision.

8. Sudden and unexplained weight loss. Losing sugar through frequent urination may lead to loss of calories and weight loss.

These symptoms of diabetes may be subtle but if you spot them, you must consult a doctor as prevention is always better than cure.

 

Click here for Nutrition tips about what to eat And what not to. 

 

Source NDTV