Diabetes mellitus is a set of metabolic diseases in which the body has high blood sugar or glucose. This could be due to the fact that the body is unable to produce or produces very little insulin which helps regulate the blood sugar level in the body. This is type 1 diabetes. Diabetes could also be caused because of body’s inability to use the available insulin. This is type 2 diabetes which is the most common type. The high blood sugar levels in blood can be harmful for the vital organs like kidney and heart and could also damage blood vessels and eyes. Diabetes is a life-long disease and it is not infectious. Though it cannot be cured, diabetes can be controlled. Diabetes can be controlled by maintaining the correct blood sugar levels. This can be done by following an appropriate diet and exercise regime.
Choosing a healthy diet helps in controlling diabetes. Ensure food choices include lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains and low-fat milk and cheese. Eat foods that are low in fat and salt and that are fiber-rich like whole grain breads, cereals and rice. Also ensure that the meals are taken at regular intervals. Otherwise it can cause the sugar levels to go down rapidly. Drink plenty of water which will help in flushing out toxins from the body and also keep the skin hydrated.
Avoid alcohol and quit smoking. Make sure you maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the chances of diabetes. The skin also needs to be taken care of to avoid infections and soreness. The feet should also be kept clean so that no cuts or blisters occur. High diabetes can cause poor wound healing as wounds takes longer to heal and gets infected more quickly. Diabetes also causes thickening of blood vessels thus obstructing the blood flow which in turn blocks the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells. High diabetes can also cause blurred vision. So it is necessary to visit the eye doctor regularly. It is also important to follow good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing the teeth every day.
Proper medications are to be taken to control high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels as these are other risk factors for developing diabetes. Regular urine and blood tests also help to keep a check on the blood sugar levels.
Exercising and keeping you active can also help control diabetes. Brisk walking or 30-60 minutes of physical activity like swimming or running is also good. Exercise lowers the blood sugar level by improving blood circulation and keeping the heart healthy. Controlling diabetes is vital for maintaining a healthy life and to prevent fatal illnesses to the heart and kidneys. A combination of diet, exercise and medicines as prescribed by the doctor can help control diabetes to a good extent.
