A significant number of people are not even aware that they have been affected with diabetes. The irony is that the rise in the number of diabetes cases is mostly due to ignorance. And it is preventable, at least in many cases.

Diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a metabolic disorder. Metabolism is a set of organic processes that keep on going inside the body without you being aware of them. These processes are necessary for maintaining life.  The one involved in diabetes relates to the conversion of sugar content of food into glycogen, the form in which energy is stored in the body. Stored energy is broken down into glucose when needed by the body.

Diabetes is a metabolic disturbance caused by two different factors, both related to insulin. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, regulates storage of glycogen in the liver and speeds up oxidation of sugar in cells. Diabetes type II is the development of insulin resistance despite there being an adequate supply of insulin. Diabetes type I is the inadequacy of insulin due to pancreatic disorder. The bottom line is that there is an increase in the blood sugar level, while some of the excess sugar is passed off through urine.

Diabetes is characterized by several symptoms, such as an increased frequency of urination, increased urine output and an increase in thirst and hunger. Many times, these symptoms may also be due to another condition and not related to diabetes mellitus. This is a rare form of diabetes known as diabetes insipidus, which results from a deficiency of vasopressin (hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which regulates the kidneys) and is characterized by chronic excretion of a large amount of pale dilute urine, resulting in dehydration and excessive thirst. The difference is that the urine does not contain glucose, and the condition is not marked by high blood sugar.

The normal blood sugar level is between 70 and 110 mg/dl. If the sugar level becomes less than 70 ml/dl, it is characterized as low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, whereas if it goes above 110 mg/dl, it is high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. Untreated diabetes mellitus eventually leads to a cessation of glucose breakdown by the body, and the body starts using fat and protein for meeting its energy needs, resulting in excessive weight loss.

What actually starts as harmless symptoms, that is, increased urination, thirst and hunger, can potentially lead to adult blindness, gangrene, and amputation (due to infections caused by slow healing of wounds). Untreated diabetes eventually leads to kidney failure and death.

The key to controlling and treating diabetes lies in cutting down on refined carbohydrates and eating smaller meals at regular intervals. Eat lots of plant foods, avoid sugary drinks, and choose unprocessed or minimally processed fats. The best diabetes management is eating a healthy balanced diet and involving oneself in regular physical activity.

Studies have shown that it is also possible to reverse type 2 diabetes and at times, control type 1 diabetes with the help of natural resources. For detailed information on how to achieve this, you can check our diabetes guide.