I have been diagnosed as diabetic, and I am a diabetic patient - these are the common statements that we usually hear around us. India is the diabetic capital of the world. Sad but it's true.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that causes a rise in the blood sugar level due to the absence or inadequate production of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas.

There are 2 types of diabetes and among them, Type 2 Diabetes is the one that can be managed through a few methods. Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which there is defective usage of insulin by the cells of the body and is known to occur due to the following reasons :

• Family history
• Low level of HDL in the blood
• Obesity
• Stress

Are you experiencing frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger ?? Are you losing weight despite having good food ?? Then there are chances you might be suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Unfortunately, diabetes affects many organs and causes significant complications if left untreated and mismanaged. The complications are diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, dementia, and heart diseases.

You might be following various modes of treatment to manage your diabetes. But do you know you also have a role to play in managing your diabetes? Also, some of you might be suffering from side effects of long-term medications? Wondering how to manage it?? Read through this blog to know the steps you must take to manage your diabetes.

1. When it comes to self-management, diet comes first and foremost. Always try to include foods rich in fiber such as whole grains, millets, steamed vegetables, spinach, and lettuce. Avoid fat and calories such as white rice, white sugar, maida, fried foods, and sweets.

2. Many of us are addicted to those colorful sugary beverages and soda, especially during the summer season. Avoid those beverages since they are high in carbohydrates and sugar content and make you prone to obesity and other diseases. Instead, opt for natural drinks like water, buttermilk, and coconut water.

3. Fruits are healthy and nutritious but that doesn't mean you can consume all fruits. As diabetic patients, you have to avoid mangoes, jackfruit, and bananas, especially fruits that are rich in sugar.

4. Try to stay active. Studies reveal that walking has a great impact on controlling your blood sugar. So, walk for at least one hour each day to manage your diabetes and also maintain your weight. Try a few exercises and yogas that help you relax your mind and lead a stress-free life.

5. Avoid smoking and alcohol as it can affect not only your sugar level but also your general overall health.

6. Last but not least, regular monitoring of your blood glucose level helps you better manage, which includes fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and Hba1c test. Go for a regular follow-up with your doctor and do not skip the medicines required to be taken. Remember being vigilant can help you prevent further progress of the disease.

We are here to help you and hope that you will take the tips suggested by us into consideration for the better management of your diabetes.

Let's go a few steps ahead towards a healthy non - diabetic future !!