Diabetes is escalating public health problems, associated with genetic susceptibility, dietary shift and rapid lifestyle changes, across the world. Management of this disease and its complications is a huge challenge owing to several problems. The levels of morbidity and mortality due to diabetes and its potential complications are enormous posing significant health care burdens on both families and society.

According to the latest International Diabetes Federation report, China, India and The United States top the list for the most cases of diabetes per country. The report says an estimated more than 400 million people have diabetes throughout the world and has been projected to increase to more than 500 million by 2025. The majority of this increase in the figure will be coming from developing countries like India.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) due to insufficient secretion of insulin or insensitivity to this hormone. High levels of blood sugar can lead to severe consequences including organ failure, loss of sight, neuropathy, coma and even death. Stress, inactivity, nutritionally-poor and energy-dense diets and being obese work either independently or interdependently to decrease the human body’s ability to secrete insulin and its sensitivity to its actions.

Type 2 diabetes is more common. With type 2, the body either produces less insulin than required or produces enough insulin but the body does not use it properly. There are many treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes. Growing research suggests that some natural ingredients may also help with the condition.

• A cup of fresh bitter gourd juice mixed with a tablespoon of gooseberry juice should be consumed empty stomach daily for three months.
• Grind fenugreek seeds to a powder in a food processor. Soak one teaspoon of this powder every night in a cup of water. Drink this water every morning for three months for good results. You can also soak whole fenugreek seeds in water if you can chew them after drinking its water.
• Dry tender mango leaves in shade. Grind them to powder and preserve. Consumption of half teaspoon of this powder morning – evening with a cup of warm water proves beneficial.
• Chew 10-12 fresh curry leaves on an empty stomach every morning. It is said to prevent diabetes due to heredity factors if consumed for three months regularly.
• Eat 10-12 big basil leaves daily.
• Grapefruit is a blessing for diabetes patients. Have one grapefruit at a time, thrice daily.
• Jamun has proven to be helpful in lowering blood sugar levels. You can consume 100 grams of jamun every day for better results.
• Diet restriction is a must for diabetics. Use protein moderately. Consume more lean proteins (meat, fish, eggs and legumes). Healthy fats like fish, olives, avocados and good quality dairy products like fat-free milk, yogurt, buttermilk and fat-free cheese are good to be consumed. Daily intake of calories should be restricted. The optimum strategy is to change your diet and eat little. Say no to refined carbohydrates and sugar. Foods rich in fibre should be preferred. Eat whole grains (brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa, millet) and drink herbal teas. Do not consume too much fruits due to their high sugar content. Fruits rich in vitamin C such as orange, blueberry, gooseberry and tomato can improve blood sugar levels significantly. Consume seeds and nuts in moderate quantity as they are good for health but high in calories. Eat plenty of vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, bitter gourd, broccoli, spinach and bell pepper.
• Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily.
• Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes to burn off what’s already in.
• Be relaxed and keep stress at bay. Spare some time to meditate to calm yourself. Involve yourself in doing good things you love to do.
• Sleep sound for eight hours every day.