Diabetes is a chronic systemic disease characterized by either deficiency in body’s insulin or decreased ability of the body to use insulin. Insulin primarily aids in the regulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism, especially in the conversion of glucose to glycogen, which in turn lowers the blood glucose level. Diabetes is sometimes referred to as “high sugar” by both client and health care provider. It affects our body’s ability to use blood sugar for energy.  Not all cases of this illness are the same: 5% to 10% of people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes which generally occurs in childhood, 90% to 95% of have Type 2 diabetes which generally occurs in adulthood. Gestational diabetes is another type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy, usually at around 28 weeks, and later disappears after giving birth.

1. Eat healthy.
Patients with type 2 diabetes should learn that keeping small amount of healthy carbohydrates is important. It is recommended to choose carbohydrates in form of fresh or minimally processed starchy vegetables (like potatoes), fruits, beans (like lentils), and whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, and corn).

2. Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise can help slow or avoid the progression of diabetes in many ways. It helps one to keep their weight on the track. Regular exercise facilitates stress management by improving sleep cycles. Aside from that, it can also help people handle healthy blood sugar levels whether they have diabetes or not.

3. Lose weight.
Eating healthy foods (such as fruits and vegetables) plus regular exercise make you lose weight faster than any fat losing supplements.

4. Have adequate rest.
Having at least 7-8 hours of sleep will help the body recharge. It is more beneficial for patient with diabetes to have complete hours of sleep as it boosts immune system and decreases chances of developing fatigue.

5. Quit smoking.
Diabetics need not to add more body stress by smoking. Cigarettes and its other components can affect the body’s cellular activity. Nicotine gained from such bad habit affects the exchange of gasses into the blood stream.

6. Discriminate healthy from unhealthy oils.
The healthiest oils are extracts from virgin olives and coconuts. Oils that should be avoided whenever possible include corn, cottonseed, sunflower, and safflower oils.

7. Go easy on salts.
Grave salt intake is associated with cancer of the stomach. All salt – including mineral dense sea salt – should be used sparingly.

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