.jpeg)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose. There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes, an auto-immune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas doesn't produce enough.
Causes of diabetes include genetic factors, obesity, a poor diet, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions. Type 1 diabetes is primarily genetic, while type 2 diabetes is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors.
The impact of diabetes is significant, affecting nearly every organ in the body. It can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss. Reversing diabetes naturally often involves significant lifestyle changes. While complete reversal may not be possible for everyone, these methods can help manage and potentially improve blood sugar levels, suggests Dr Sonal Saxena,Goonj Hospital, Hyderabad.
Dietary changes:
Low-carb diet: Reducing carbohydrate intake can help manage blood sugar levels.
High-fibre foods: Foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains can help stabilise blood sugar.
Healthy fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
Regular exercise:
Aerobic exercise: Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can improve insulin sensitivity.
Strength training: Building muscle mass through resistance training helps manage blood sugar.
Weight management:
Healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve blood sugar levels and overall health.
Herbal remedies:
Cinnamon: Some studies suggest that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar.
Berberine: A compound found in several plants, has shown promise in lowering blood sugar.
Stress reduction:
Mindfulness and meditation: Reducing stress through practices like meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can improve blood sugar control.
Adequate sleep: Ensuring you get enough high-quality sleep is crucial for your overall health and blood sugar regulation.
Hydration:
Drink water: Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar through urine.
Avoiding processed foods:
Whole foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods to avoid added sugars and unhealthy fats.
