Managing Diabetes the Natural Way
A metabolic disorder that can persist lifelong, Diabetes affects a large part of human population all over the world. The chronic condition is characterized by elevated glucose level in blood. The Pancreas in human body generates insulin to enable the body store and utilize sugar and fat. When the Pancreas stops producing insulin or makes less amount, diabetes sets in. In certain conditions, the human body may stop responding to insulin as well. If left untreated, this can lead to some fatal ailments, including damaged vision, kidney failure, heart diseases etc. While there is no proper cure for it, managing diabetes is possible through changes in diet and several lifestyle factors.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes can be segregated in 3 main types- Type1, Type 2 and gestational.
In Type 1 diabetes, a person’s body makes little or zero insulin. It affects mostly kids and teens in 7 - 12 years, but can affect adults as well. Approximately, people with Type 1 diabetes comprise of 10 percent of entire diabetes affected lot. It is thought to be triggered by an autoimmune reaction.
In Type 2 diabetes, the affected person’s pancreas still makes insulin but that is inadequate for his or her needs. Cells in certain body organs like liver may not use the insulin as well. It can affect people from nearly all age groups and 90% of diabetes patients are diagnosed with this variant. This type of diabetes is known to have genetic roots.
Gestational diabetes is not much common and it affects women after they conceive. The condition usually affects a small amount of pregnant women and it does not exist for long either. It is caused mostly by pregnancy caused hormonal imbalances in the human body.
Other Causes of Diabetes
While genetic reasons can lead to onset of diabetes, there are some other factors that affect diabetes as well.
Medications- Specific diuretics and steroid medications can enhance diabetes onset risk by stepping up insulin resistance.
Pancreas condition- Ailments affecting human Pancreas and injury caused to the organ can also enhance the risk of diabetes in some instances.
Most Commonplace Diabetes Symptoms
Luckily, symptoms of diabetes are quite commonplace and detecting them is simple when affected persons have proper knowledge on the topic. In Type 1 diabetes, these signs are severe and take place suddenly. In Type 2 diabetes become severe with time and so some victims take longer to realize onset of diabetes. The most commonplace symptoms of diabetes are
- Unusual thirst and urination
- Unusual hike in appetite
- Unexpected weight loss
- Fatigue and mental stress, irritability
- Slow wound healing rate
- Vision problems, especially blurry vision
- Skin dryness
Treatment for Diabetes
Diabetes may not be eradicated completely from human body, but with a balanced diet and certain changes in lifestyle, it can be kept in control. While a majority of victims require insulin injection to cope with the ailment, it is feasible to try natural remedies for diabetes.
Foods to avoid
For dealing with Diabetes, discarding certain types of foods and drinks is essential. These include
- Foods made with excess amounts of sugar.
- Foods containing excess fat.
- Foods made with refined flour.
- Red meat variants.
- Foods made with extra salt.
Basically, diabetic people are advised to avoid eating fast food, fried, sweetened snacks and carbonated beverages.
Dietary Changes to Manage Diabetes Naturally
It is advisable to try a plant based diet for managing diabetes. A number of researches have indicated that plant-based diet helps diabetes victims cope with the condition in more than one way. Such diets are lower in fat, to begin with. Plant foods are replete with antioxidant nutrients and they help enhance body’s capacity to utilize insulin.
Below listed are a number of natural food sources that can be used to keep diabetes in check, both for men and women.
- Fenugreek seeds
- Cinnamon
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Bitter Gourd
- Indian Gooseberry
- Soy
- Mango leaves
- Papaya
