World Diabetes Day 2018

Today is World Diabetes Day!

Every year, November 14th is  celebrated as the World diabetes day since 1991. Theme of this year's World Diabetes Day is "Family and Diabetes". Globally, the incidence of diabetes is increasing in an alarming rate. Currently more than 42.5 crore people are living with some form of diabetes. In this, most of the people are affected with type 2 diabetes.

Family plays a vital role in modifying the risk factor by educating the social, economical, physical, emotional and mental health of diseased. Early diagnose and treatment will prevent complications and death. Untreated diabetes results in damage of vital organs such as kidneys, eyes, liver, etc., cardiovascular diseases, stroke and limb amputation. Type 2 diabetes of pre-diabetes, insulin resistance stages can be reversed with the right kind of balanced diet, exercise, herbs and yoga.

Type 2 diabetes may be caused by vitamin D deficiency, Chromium and Magnesium deficiency, lack of physical activity, less intake of fiber rich foods, etc. As we all know that prevention is better than cure, we must prevent diabetes by implementing  proper methods like doing some simple physical exercise.

Exercise reduces insulin resistance and helps to maintain proper weight. Exposure of our skin in day sunlight for 30 minutes provides required amount of Vitamin D for our body. Fatty fishes and cod liver oil are great source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is very important for blood sugar control. Maintaining optimum level of vitamin D will prevent the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Some healthy tips to keep diabetes away!

• Instead of processed foods, use palm jaggery and honey instead of white sugar.
• Take some anti-diabetic herbs like aloe vera, bilberry juice, curcumin, fenugreek, cinnamon, bitter melon, jamun fruit nut powder and gymnima slvestre. These herb will increase insulin sensitivity and improves the functions of beta cells and regenerate the beta cells in pancreas.
• Some research studies shows that regular intake of coffee and tea will reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Coffee and tea have antioxidants and polyphenols that helps to protect against type 2 diabetes.
• Green tea contains antioxidant compounds called epigallocatechin gallate that has been shown to reduce blood sugar release from the liver and increase insulin sensitivity.
• Breathing exercise (pranayama) and yogasanas like dhanurasana, gomukasana, paschimothasana, halasana, ardhamatsyendrasana and mayurasana will helps to activate the abdominal organs like pancreas and liver. It prevents metabolic disorder and helps in regulation and utilization of insulin and glucose in the body.
• Intake of natural foodstuffs like whole grains like ragi, foxtail millet, whole grams like channa, peas, soybeans, nuts like almonds, walnuts, groundnuts, fiber rich food stuffs will help to slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream.