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How To Control Diabetes Naturally?
Diabetes is a modern epidemic and controlling it is the best thing that you can do. And the most efficient way to be able to do that by keeping blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. The side effects of diabetes include everything from vision problems to inflammation of the joints to kidney health and the digestive process. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive lifestyle plan is very important and can be done with simple steps to control diabetes.
Here are a few effective ways to control your diabetes:
Eat Smaller Meals
By spreading out 5 or 6 meals throughout the day, rather than settling for three larger meals, your body will remain active in its digestive processes, which will increase insulin sensitivity. Read more about diet tips for diabetes. Chew More Gum
Gum keeps your mouth busy and keeps your hunger pangs at bay. Psychologically, the act of chewing can make us crave food less. But that said, make sure to check the time of gum that you are chewing on. Opt for sugar-free-gum and have in moderation.Reduce Your Coffee Intake
Changing the morning is a huge lifestyle changer, but it can have a significant impact on your quality of life as a diabetic patient. Make your coffee with no sugar and avoid having a cuppa from fancy places as it might contain a lot of sugar which can result in severe glucose fluctuations in the body.Have New Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are essential dietary elements for people who have diabetes. By trying out new fruits and vegetables, you can monitor sugar levels on your own and also can help you pick out dietary choices. Read more about 10 low glycemic fruits for diabetes. Splash a Little Vinegar
Add one spoonful of vinegar to your salads or cooked vegetables, and it can help the blood sugar level go down. Vinegar inhibits starch digestion & helps reduce post-meal sugar surge by 40%.Be Physically Active
Being active comes with a host of health benefits from better blood circulation and cardiovascular health to lower cholesterol and better weight management. Losing weight is a common strategy when considering how to control diabetes, besides this, exercise also helps to improve insulin sensitivity. Exercising can be as simple as taking a brisk walk for 15-20 minutes a day, or you can plan something more intensive with your doctor. Also Read: How to Reduce Blood Sugar Level Immediately: Proven Methods and GuidelinesControl Carbohydrates and Other Diet Changes
One of the ways to control diabetes naturally will involve many changes to your diet, including cutting down on carbs. Carbohydrates are converted into sugars when they get digested which can spell bad news for your glucose levels. While you’re in the process of cutting carbs, be sure to add high-fibre foods to your diet. These can slow digestion and fibre is associated with better blood sugar regulation.Diabetes is a fight, and it can’t be won alone. Follow these simple steps to control diabetes and change your lifestyle. Build your dream team and support system consisting of your doctor, nutritionist, dentist, pharmacist, family, and friends. They will help you stick to the plan.Read More: 10 Home Remedies for DiabetesDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.Things You Must Know About Blood Donation
Every two seconds someone needs blood in India and each year our nation requires about 4 Crore units, out of which only a meagre 40 Lakh units of blood are available. Myths about blood donation that stop potential donors from considering donating. This World Blood Donation Day, we aim to bust these myths so you can make an informed choice about blood donation. Here are some things to know about blood donation :
1: You can’t donate blood if you’re diabetic.
If you take insulin, you are not eligible to donate. The rationale is that donating could interrupt the glucose control of the body and potentially lead to a hypoglycaemic reaction in the clinic or on the way home.
If you manage your diabetes with lifestyle or diabetes pills, you may be eligible, depending on your overall health. Many people who have type 2 diabetes have blood pressure and heart problems, which would prevent them from donating. It is one of the most important things to know about blood donation.
2: You can’t donate blood if you’re a smoker.
Smokers are indeed eligible to donate but there are a variety of other eligibility guidelines for blood donation that you should learn about. In general, to give blood you must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 50 Kilograms.
After donating, it is recommended you avoid smoking for at least 3 hours and not consume alcohol for 24 hours.
In preparation for blood donation, donors should be well rested, eat a full meal, and drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages. Donors should refrain from heavy lifting, drinking alcohol, and smoking for several hours after donation.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
3: Donating blood is painful.
Among other important things to know about blood donation, this one is crucial. Giving blood does not hurt. There is a slight prick when they put in the needle and then you don’t feel much of anything during the donation; maybe an odd feeling in your arm, where the needle is inserted. However, if you look away, it’s pretty easy to ignore. The site where they stick the needle heals in a couple of days.
Only some people feel faint later. Eat and have plenty of water when you go to donate, then the probability of fainting becomes less.
4: Immune system becomes weak when you donate blood.
Research has found that other than a temporary drop in certain immune cells, like circulating serum proteins and antibodies. Red Blood Cells return to normal within a few days and White Blood Cells in a few weeks. If the body needs more antibodies in the bloodstream, it will produce them extremely quickly therefore there is no danger to the immune system.
Apart from supporting patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatment and emergencies , one blood donation can help save at least 3 lives and help maintain iron levels in the body.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
5: It takes a long time to donate blood.
All it takes is 45 minutes to one hour to donate. The donation procedure itself takes about 10 to 12 minutes. It also takes time to fill out the donor registration form, donor history/mini-medical exam and rest and enjoy refreshments following a donation.
Remember that giving blood is giving the gift of life to someone else. Go ahead, donate blood and help to save a life!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Sweet Lies: Diabetes Myths Debunked!
Diabetes Myths: Dispelling misconceptions about diabetes is an important step for both those affected by the disease and those surrounding them. Many of the damaging myths about diabetes make it difficult for people to believe the hard facts. Discerning fact from fiction can make it easier for those affected with diabetes to deal with it.Diabetes is at least two different diseases with the same name. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body slowly stops making sufficient insulin in the pancreas to manage glucose levels. With prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, people are unable to use the insulin they make to manage glucose levels and slowly over the course of years stop making as much insulin as they need. To manage blood glucose levels, people usually need to take one or more glucose-lowering medications in addition to eating healthfully and being physically active. However, with proper management and portion controls, they can eat most foods they enjoy.Diabetes Myth 1: With diabetes, pregnancy is not possible
People are worried about the risk to themselves and their child or that they can’t become pregnant at all, particularly in those with type 1 but that’s just not true anymore. This myth stems from a time when diabetes was poorly controlled and understood. Complications like preterm birth arise if you are not cautious in maintaining your sugar level. With proper care and monitoring, normal pregnancies might be possible. Read about other pregnancy myths here.Diabetes Myth 2: Diabetics have to follow a special diet
There is no such thing as a ‘special diet for diabetics’. Many people believe that diabetics have to give up on great, tasty foods and follow a bland, boring meal plan. There is, however, no such thing as a ”special diet for diabetics” as they generally have to follow the same basic guidelines of a healthy diet as non-diabetics.- eating a balanced diet
- achieving and maintaining your ideal body weight
- eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day
- avoiding large quantities of sugar and refined carbs
- eating plenty of dietary fiber
- cutting down on fat-intake
- eating less salt
- drinking enough water
- limiting your alcohol intake
Read More: 4 Best Foods for DiabeticsDiabetes Myth 3: You cannot drink anymore.
You will need to moderate your alcohol intake. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar so if you binge drink you are at risk of having a hypo. However, there is nothing to stop you from enjoying the odd glass of wine, a pint of beer or whatever you like to drink.Keeping your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible can be a lifesaving. Tight control can prevent or slow the progress of many complications of diabetes, it may give you extra years of healthy, active life.Also Read: Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 DiabetesDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Beat Diabetes this World Health Day
If you have already given upon on your New Year’s fitness resolutions, 7th April 2016 might be a good time to renew them. The theme for this year is Beat Diabetes which appears apt considering the increased amount of sugar in our diet.
The Beginning
In 1948, the WHO held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as World Health Day. The World Health Day is held to mark WHO’s founding and is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.
2016: Beat Diabetes
The WHO is focusing this year’s World Health Day, on 7 April 2016, on diabetes – a largely preventable and treatable non-communicable disease that is rapidly increasing in numbers in many countries, most dramatically in low- and middle-income countries.
Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes, including maintaining normal body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet. Diabetes can be controlled and managed to prevent complications through diagnosis, self-management education, and affordable treatment. The WHO estimates about 350 million people in the world have diabetes, with the disease the direct cause of some 1.5 million deaths.
Diet and Physical activity are important parts of an individual’s diabetes management plan. When you exercise, your muscles use sugar (glucose) for energy. Regular physical activity along with diet modifications help your body use insulin more efficiently. These factors work together to lower your blood sugar level.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
The goals of WHD 2016 are
(1) Scale-up prevention
(2) Strengthen care
(3) Enhance surveillance.
As a method to spread awareness, WHO has come up with innovative posters regarding the theme, Beat Diabetes.
Diabetes is a ‘silent’ disease in its early stages, and you may feel perfectly well until complications occur. However, a late diagnosis can result in serious and irreversible complications that could have been otherwise prevented through health screening
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Interested?
If you wish to participate or organize an event on World Health Day 2016: Beat Diabetes, you can sign up on the WHO website. Set up your own local World Health Day event where you can discuss and share information, messages for the Day. Who do you want to help educate: Your local schools? Organizations or clubs? Perhaps even your local leaders?
Sign up for the event on the following link: Link Expired.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
