How to Manage Diabetes

Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as diabetes mellitus, describes a group of metabolic disorder in which the person has high blood glucose (a type of sugar). Metabolism refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy and growth.  Glucose is the main source of energy for the cells in a human body. We get glucose from foods like breads, cereals, fruit, yam etc. For our bodies to work properly we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy.  It then travels through the bloodstream into the cells through the help of a hormone called Insulin which is made in the pancreas.  When a person is diabetic, it’s either the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made. This causes the glucose level in the blood to rise beyond the normal level that the body needs.

Things you need to know about diabetes:

Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels.

Type 1 Diabetes - the body does not produce insulin. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.

Type 2 Diabetes - the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type.

Gestational Diabetes - this type affects females during pregnancy

All types of diabetes are complex and require daily care and management

Diabetes does not discriminate, anyone can develop diabetes

Symptoms

Being more thirsty than usual

Passing more urine

Feeling tired and lethargic

Always feeling hungry

Having cuts that heal slowly

Itching, skin infections

Blurred vision

Unexplained weight loss (type 1)

Gradually putting on weight (type 2)

Mood swings

Headaches

Feeling dizzy

Leg cramps.

Good news

 The following herbal supplements will help to prevent and manage Diabetes.

 Buchu power

 Defender

 Super cider

 Aloe power

40Plus for men/ 40Plus for women

 Omega plus.

How to Prevent Diabetes Complications

If you are already diabetic, it's very important that you pay attention to the following health tips to prevent complications.

1. Make a commitment to managing your diabetes

Learn all you can about diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Monitor your blood sugar level, and follow your doctor's instructions for managing your blood sugar level.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking increases your risk of various diabetes complications, including

- Reduced blood flow in the legs and feet, which can lead to infections

- Ulcers and possible removal of a body part by surgery (amputation)

- Heart disease

- Stroke

- Eye disease, which can lead to blindness

- Nerve damage

- Kidney disease

3. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control

Like diabetes, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels. High cholesterol is a concern, too, since the damage is often worse and more rapid when you have diabetes. When these conditions team up, they can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions.

Eating a healthy, reduced-fat diet and exercising regularly can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol.

- Avoid sugary drinks

- Avoid sweet fruits

- Eat vegetables or juice it

- Eat brown rice, it controls blood sugar.

 Your doctor may also recommend taking prescription medication.

4. Schedule regular physicals and eye examinations

Schedule two to three diabetes checkups a year, in addition to your yearly physical and routine eye exams. During the physical, your doctor will ask about your nutrition and activity level and look for any diabetes-related complications — including signs of kidney damage, nerve damage and heart disease — as well as screen for other medical problems.

Your eye care specialist will check for signs of retinal damage, cataracts and glaucoma.

5. Keep your vaccines up to date

High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, which makes routine vaccines more important than ever.

Ask your doctor about: Flu vaccine. A yearly flu vaccine can help you stay healthy during flu season as well as prevent serious complications from the flu.

* Pneumonia vaccine. Sometimes the pneumonia vaccine requires only one shot. If you have diabetes complications or you're age 65 or older, you may need a five-year booster shot.

* Hepatitis B vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for adults with diabetes who haven't previously received the vaccine and are younger than 60. If you're age 60 or older and have never received the hepatitis B vaccine, talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you.

* Other vaccines. Stay up to date with your tetanus shot. Your doctor may recommend other vaccines as well.