Nishita Mitu: Diabetes is a well-known health problem in the world today. Even in our country it is difficult to find a family that does not have diabetes patients. A person is considered to have diabetes if their blood sugar levels are not under control.

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is currently an epidemic disease. The agency made the announcement recently due to the excessive spread of the disease. Not only that, because of the increasing rate of diabetes worldwide, the World Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization declared November 14 as Diabetes Day in 1991. Every year this day is observed as World Diabetes Day across the world. The aim of the day is to create public awareness about the disease.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a disease that cannot be completely cured. However, the disease can be controlled by following some simple rules.

What is diabetes?

When we eat carbohydrates, or simple sugars, it is broken down into glucose. Insulin is a type of hormone. Its job is to transport this glucose to all the cells in the human body. The body's cells then use that glucose to produce energy. With that we can do our daily activities. That is, when this glucose does not reach the cells of the body, the daily work of people will naturally be disrupted.

When someone has diabetes, their body's secretion of the hormone insulin decreases. As a result, glucose cannot reach the cells of the body. It increases the amount of glucose in the blood. Excess glucose is usually excreted from the body through urine. This is why diabetics have frequent urination. And if the urine is more, the patient suffering from diabetes becomes thirsty.

On the other hand, due to frequent urination, a large amount of glucose is excreted from the patient's body. As a result, body cells cannot produce the necessary energy. The patient becomes weak. If proper measures are not taken to control diabetes, various physical complications may occur including blood vessel, nerve, kidney, eye and heart problems. This is why diabetes is called the 'mother of diseases'. Various complications are nested in the body by its hands.

Types of diabetes

There are usually 2 types of diabetes. Type-1 diabetes and type-2 diabetes. Also many women get gestational diabetes before giving birth. The number of patients suffering from type-2 diabetes is high in our country.

Type-1 diabetes

Such patients do not produce insulin at all. Even the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas are destroyed. This type of diabetes is more common in children and young adults. To control type-1 diabetes, the patient must take insulin injections or an insulin pump. Otherwise the blood sugar level rises too quickly. As a result, within a short period of time, the patient fainted and died due to acid poisoning in the blood. It is mainly caused by genetics. Two genes called HLADR3 and HLADR4 are responsible for this.

Type-2 diabetes

In such patients, the body produces some insulin, but not enough of it. In many cases, patients cannot use the insulin produced by the body. This type is basically 'insulin resistance'. Usually such patients are not insulin dependent.

This form of diabetes can be managed early through dietary changes and regular exercise. However, oral medication or insulin injections are often required. Sweets and sugary drinks increase the risk of type-2 diabetes. Not doing physical work is also a reason for this.

Symptoms of diabetes

Some common signs and symptoms of diabetes are-

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Fatigue and weakness
Excessive appetite
Sudden weight loss
Any wound taking longer than usual to dry
Various skin diseases like scabs, boils
Loss of vision etc.

What to do to keep diabetes under control

advertisement
A healthy diet, exercise, and stress reduction help control diabetes. Dr. Senior Consultant and Head of Department of Internal Medicine of Akash Healthcare, New Delhi. Rakesh Pandit says, 'Diabetes is a long-term condition where lifestyle and self-care play a more important role than medication.' Let's know what to do to control diabetes-

Healthy eating habits

Eating a balanced diet is important to control diabetes. Eat more unprocessed foods. Less refined sugars and carbohydrates should be eaten less. You can eat various functional foods. All kinds of nutrients are well organized in these foods. Such foods are important to boost the body's immunity.

Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats in your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and high fat foods. If you have diabetes, you should eat in moderation. Controlling food intake helps control blood sugar levels.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is beneficial to control blood sugar levels. It controls insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels. Also the weight is under control. Do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling. It will be beneficial.

Weight control

If you are overweight, try to lose it. Because even a small amount of weight loss helps control blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. A balanced diet and regular exercise play a positive role in maintaining a healthy weight.

Moderate carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have a direct effect on blood sugar. So it is important to control the intake of carbohydrates to control diabetes. Consuming complex carbohydrates from foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains, pulses, vegetables, and vegetables that are low in protein, helps distribute them evenly throughout the day.

Stress management

Stress regulation affects blood sugar levels, which increase the production of glucose by increasing hormonal responses. Controlling stress makes it easier to keep diabetes under control. You can do your favorite exercise including meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga exercises. Maintain a balance between rest and work life . It reduces the pressure on the mind.

stay moist

Maintaining proper humidity is essential for overall good health. Drinking enough water reduces dehydration, keeps the kidneys active. It helps control blood sugar. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

There should be no fear or neglect of diabetes. You can keep the disease under control by taking the advice of a good doctor, proper diet and exercise.

Dua that Rasul (pbuh) used to recite from morning to evening