Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels and insulin insufficiency. Insulin is a vital body hormone secreted by the pancreas that facilitates sugar to enter body cells and provide energy and also manufacture and store lipids. In typical uncontrolled diabetes, the sugar and lipids are deterred from entering the cells, therefore remaining in the bloodstream and over time, damaging nearly all body organs and eventually causing diseases such as heart and kidney diseases.

The typical signs and symptoms of diabetes

• Itchy or deadness in hands or feet
• Recurrent urination
• Excessive hunger
• General body tiredness all the time
• Excessive hunger
• Abnormal infections
• Slow healing sores
• Unaccounted for weight loss
• Abrupt vision changes
• Awfully dry skin

Since diabetes works on the body progressively, it is no wonder why its referred to as the ‘silent killer or slow killer’. For instance, heart attack patients die very silently and painlessly because diabetes is supposed to work painlessly. Diabetes mostly affects the feet, eyes, kidneys and the heart. Changes in lifestyle which entails less exercise, strain and stress and consumption of nutritionally low diets is the main reason for the rapid escalation of diabetes.

There are two broad classifications of diabetes; Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and it constitutes about 5-10% of diabetes cases in populations. Type 2 diabetes is the other type and can also be referred to as diabetes mellitus, non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes. It constitutes approximately 90-100% of diabetes cases.

The most vital subject of discussion in clinical practice is diabetes management, simply because it has overwhelming effects on body organs. Generally, the blood glucose levels have to be maintained with insulin or oral medication. Type 1 diabetes can only be controlled by insulin, while type 2 diabetes can be controlled by oral medications.
Conversely, oral medicines have unfavorable side effects and the body may end up developing resistance over time. The only option left for type 2 diabetics in such a case is to submit to daily injections and insulin. That not withstanding, regular exercise and proper diet will contribute to a large extent in controlling diabetes.

In regard to exercise and diet, it is important to keep the following points:

• For better sugar levels, take regular daily exercises and workouts such as cycling, swimming, jogging, climbing the stairs, playing badminton, speedy walking and running. They will assist in maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
• Still on point, exercise should take place 1-3 hours after a meal or snack, BUT never when one is feeling unwell.
• On the other hand, moderate your diet by using both sugar and salt.
• Ensure you consume fiber rich foods such as green beans, peanuts, fruits and vegetables
• Limit the intake of oils, dairy products and meat, which tend to contain more fats thus increasing the weight and making you susceptible to heart disease.
• Consume restricted carbohydrates diet since it raises the blood glucose level.
• Lastly, consume small portions of meals daily and avoid large servings. Divided meals assist in controlling the sugar levels.

Of equal importance too, in addition to the above points is proper care of the feet, remember, the feet are as important as your face hence requires the same care. Put on clean socks with clean, well fitting, comfy and good quality shoes and avoid being barefoot even when in the house.