Diabetes may broadly be classified as a condition wherein our blood glucose levels are excessively high. And the condition primary arises when our body is unable to properly use the high glucose levels. Some of the symptoms that could be indicative of onset of diabetes include fatigue, loss of weight, blurred vision and unexplained thirst and hunger.
A terminology very commonly associated with diabetes is Insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreas, and it enables glucose to enter the cells, so that glucose can be used as fuel by the body.
Very often, diabetes is subdivided into 'type 1' and 'type 2' diabetes. When an individual suffers from 'type 1' diabetes, his body is not able to produce insulin. 'Type 1' diabetes often appears before the age of 40, and is treated by insulin injections and diet.
When a person suffers from 'type 2' diabetes, his body creates insulin, but the quantity is not adequate. At times, one may suffer from insulin resistance, wherein insulin produced by the body does not function properly. The type 2 diabetes is more likely to occur if one is over the age of 40, and the risk increases as one grows older. The treatment very often involves modifications in diet, physical activity and medication. Insulin injections too may be required for treatment in some cases.
Treatment in both types of diabetes is oriented towards enabling a patient achieve normal blood glucose levels. The same would promote well being, and prevent any long term damage to arteries, kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart.
Diabetes is very often linked with obesity, and obesity is known to increase the chances of cardiovascular ailments and stroke as well. With an increase in prevalence of obesity in the western countries, cases of 'type 2' diabetes are also increasing in number.
Obesity, and correspondingly diabetes and cardiovascular ailments are very often caused by lifestyle factors, such as inadequate physical activity and an unhealthy diet. And minor changes in the diet, such as reducing fat and sugar intake, combined with an exercise plan, such as 30 minutes of moderate physical activity are very effective in minimising the risk of diabetes. A study revealed that when a person suffers from an impaired glucose tolerance, a controlled diet and regular moderate physical exercise prevent development of diabetes in around 60% cases.
A major challenge that is required to be faced when an individual suffers from diabetes is controlling the blood sugar levels, or blood glucose levels in the body. And keeping a check on blood sugar levels in the body enables a diabetes patient to lead a healthy, normal lifestyle, and the same minimises the chances of development of any health related complications to a great extent.
One of the best ways to control blood glucose levels in our bodies is by making a switchover from sugar to natural sweeteners. Stevia is a natural sweetener which has zero sugar, zero carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index, which means that it has no effect on our blood sugar levels.
Stevia sweetener is 30-40 times sweeter than sugar, and is also nutritious for our bodies, as it replaces the calories present in sugar with vitamins and minerals. A centuries old remedy, Stevia sweetener is fast gaining popularity at all places in the world. It has come across as the best way to curb one's sweet tooth, and a boon for diabetics.
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Harshad has been into freelance writing for some time now. Some of the topics he loves to write about are health, wellness, life & lifestyle, fitness & spirituality.