There are many factors that come into play to help control diabetes.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is diabetes?
Some early symptoms of diabetes
5 tips to help control diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic illness that impairs the body’s ability to produce blood glucose. If sugar builds up in the bloodstream, it can cause serious conditions pertaining to the heart and can even lead to loss of vision.

It is a common misconception, that all types of diabetes arise from obesity. Some are even present from childhood. There are primarily three types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes involves an auto-immune response wherein the body stops producing insulin. This type is common in children and teens. Diabetic patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes depend on an artificial source of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes results in insulin resistance where the body does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it well. This is the most common type of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women. Having this type of diabetes can be a risk to the foetus as they are more likely to develop obesity as children or teens.

Some early symptoms of diabetes

Let us take a look at the early symptoms of diabetes:

Extreme exhaustion
Blurry vision
Increased hunger and thirst
Frequent urination
Weight loss
Family history also plays a role in getting diagnosed with diabetes

5 Tips to help control diabetes

No cure for diabetes has been discovered yet. Therefore, it is all the more imperative to take measures for diabetes control, which may lessen one’s chances of contracting the condition depending on various other factors. Here are the 5 ways:

Exercise daily

Include at least 30 minutes of daily exercise for 5 days a week. Activities like aerobics, Zumba, swimming or even riding a bike can help you stay fit.

Eat healthy meals

Eat a diet that is rich in protein and fibre along with nutritious foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. Consume lean protein, low-fat dairy products and healthy fat sources such as nuts (almonds and walnuts). Avoid sugary aerated drinks and sweetened soda, and cut down on fried foods and high-sugar desserts to prevent weight gain. Hydrate plenty; staying in a calorie deficit can also help you lose weight.

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Smoking, alcohol or the consumption of any form of narcotics is injurious to health. Smoking causes cancer of the lungs, prostate, breast, and digestive tract. Being a passive smoker can also be harmful.

Reduce portion size

To convince your body to make changes in life, you need to first convince your mind. Psychologically trick yourself into eating a low-carb diet or on a small plate. Eating from a small plate gives a feeling of consuming a plate full of food. After you conquer this, work on taking one helping instead of two.

Get rid of a sedentary lifestyle

If you are unable to find time to work out, then make active changes in your lifestyle. Take the staircase instead of the elevator. Rather than taking your private vehicle or public transport, prefer walking short distances. You can also walk around while talking over the phone.

You can measure your blood sugar level on our online Blood Sugar Level Calculator. For more information about nutrition and mindfulness, visit the Activ Living Page.