If you are experiencing any of these conditions,consult your physician immediately.
1. Excessive urination: If you have type 1 diabetes and are wondering why you are experiencing excessive urination, it is because when your blood glucose levels are higher than 180 mg/dl, your kidneys are unable to send all of the extra glucose into your bloodstream.The urine is then extremely concentrated due to the amount of glucose that is in it. Because of this the body automatically withdraws water from your blood and then into the urine which results in high levels of glucose. Ultimately, both the water in the glucose fill up your bladder frequently.

2.Higher than normal feelings of thirst: Because of the excessive urination you are experiencing, your body is dumping tons of water every hour. The result of this is dehydration and causes you to become extremely thirsty.

3.A loss of weight: Weight loss is very common with people that have type 1 diabetes. Because your body is losing glucose in the urine, there is no energy for your body to utilize and so it starts to cannibalize and break down muscle tissue, as well as fat, in its search for energy.

4.Hunger: At this point you are facing extreme levels of hunger. This is because the cells in your body are malnourished due to the lack of insulin which is normally used to send glucose into the cells. Now even after eating, the feeling of still being hungry is a constant sensation, even though there is plenty of food in your stomach.

5.Fatigue: Extreme fatigue and weakness will now set in. You are urinating excessively, your body is losing water making you very thirsty, your system is now losing weight because it has no energy to draw from and is cannibalizing the good muscle tissue, and because your cells are malnourished you are feeling hunger sensations. Add all of us together and you are left with a body that is malnourished and is not getting the energy requires from glucose. This leaves you with a feeling of extreme tiredness and fatigue.

The cardiovascular system is one of the most important systems in the human body. It is comprised of the heart, blood and blood vessels. Blood is being pumped out from the heart and is the one responsible in delivering oxygen and other nutrients to all the parts of the body. It also cleans up our body by picking up the waste products on its way back to the heart so our body can get rid of them.
So what has diabetes got to do with the cardiovascular system? Since blood is part of the cardiovascular system, and diabetes is a condition in which the level of glucose in the blood is higher than normal, hence Diabetes and cardiovascular system diseases are closely related to each other.Some examples of the commonly diagnosed cardiovascular disease are coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and other heart conditions.
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Risk Factors
Diabetes is now considered as a major risk factor in cardiovascular diseases. Other factors that contribute to the possibility of acquiring cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients include hypertension, smoking and hyperlipidemia.
- Hypertension. Hypertension in diabetes is considered a major contributor to the increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Diabetic patients, especially those with Type 2, need to always have their blood pressure checked every visit to the doctor. Self-monitoring at home is also a must to maintain and control the rise of blood pressure. The American Diabetes Association recommends a target blood pressure of not more than 130/85 mm Hg to maintain a good level of blood pressure.
- Hyperglycemia. Intensive glycemic control may prove to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, although not directly. This can be more beneficial in controlling micro vascular complications, but still, assessing all risk factors and properly managing them is a big step in preventing occurrence of any cardiovascular diseases.
- Smoking. Smoking has been determined dangerous to our health. Studies show that smoking indeed increase risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.
Prevention
As the old saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.” There are many ways on how to prevent the increased possibility of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. Several alterations or modifications to the risk factors can be done to still maintain healthy despite of diabetes.
The simplest step one can start with is to stop smoking. Diabetic or not, cessation of smoking will really prove beneficial to one’s overall health condition. Maintaining blood pressure to less than 130/85 or 130/80 mm Hg helps control the occurrence of hypertension. Having a body mass index (BMI) of less than 27 is also a must for diabetic patients to control their overall condition.
Some tests are also recommended to monitor and keep maintain key factors at a healthy level. These tests include annual urine test, retinal dilation examination, dental examinations, and biannual foot examination for sensation testing and measurement of pulses. Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases need proper attention and care. Regular visits to your health practitioner are recommended as they are the right people who know all about your condition. They keep all the records of their patients’ health history and can track improvements or otherwise. Proper medications and advice are also given by these professionals.
Diabetes is indeed a life-long condition that demands a lot of attention. There may be no hard and real cure for this disease, but it sure can be maintained and controlled by proper care and having thorough knowledge and understanding about the condition.

If you are a Diabetic,besides regularly taking your medicines prescribed by your physicians,you can try these simple tips:
*Wake up early in the morning and practice Kapaalbhati Pranayama for 3-5 minutes.It is known to stimulate your pancreas.
*Take one teaspoon of powder made of equal quantity of cinnamon,dry ginger and fenugreek seeds early in the morning on empty stomach.This will not only help in controlling blood sugar but will also strenghten your heart and also control your blood pressure.
*Eat 8-9 Neem leaves and and 6-7 Basil(Tulsi) leaves every day.
*Drink one glass of cows milk everyday with one teaspoon of Turmeric powder.
*Include Bitter gourd(Karela) in raw form in your diet everyday,either in form of juice or in your salad.
*Make yoghurt(curd) by adding few basil leaves to cows milk and keep it overnight in a silver vessel.Have a cup of this yoghurt everyday.

One of the most important measures a diabetic needs to know is their glycosylated hemoglobin known as HbA1c.It gives your doctor a better understanding of your long term sugar control.This test is a simple lab test that shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the last two to three months. It’s the best way to find out if your blood sugar is under control. All people with type 2 diabetes should have a hemoglobin A1c test at least twice a year. If your treatment changes or if your blood sugar level stays too high, you should get a hemoglobin A1c test at least every three months until your blood sugar level improves. Regular testing will help you and your doctor to track your blood sugar levels over time and plan long-term treatment options to reach your target level of control.
Sugar in the bloodstream can become attached to the hemoglobin (the part of the cell that carries oxygen) in red blood cells. This process is called glycosylation.Once the sugar is attached, it stays there for the life of the red blood cell, which is about 120 days. The higher the level of blood sugar, the more sugar attaches to red blood cells. The hemoglobin A1c test measures the amount of sugar sticking to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Results are given in percentages.
Lowering the hemoglobin A1c number can delay or prevent the development of serious eye, kidney, and nerve disease in people with diabetes.A study also showed that lowering hemoglobin A1c levels by any amount improves a person’s chances of staying healthy.

Before we define Insulin resistance,we need to understand the role of insulin in the body. When we eat carbohydrates – which are basically sugars, the glucose levels in our blood start to rise. In response to this,the pancreas gland produces insulin. The insulin takes the glucose and converts it into glycogen, which it stores in the muscles and liver cells for future use as energy. When the muscles and the liver cells are full, the glucose is converted into fat and stored in the fatty tissues.
Insulin resistance is developed when the body becomes resistant to insulin and so higher and higher levels of insulin need to be produced to have any effect. So what causes this insulin resistance to happen? A diet high in refined carbohydrates such as white rice,white flour, white bread, sugar, cakes and biscuits in conjunction with large amounts of trans fatty acids which are used to bulk up processed foods is one of the major causes of Insulin resistance. Other causes are excess weight, hormonal imbalance, some genetic factors, lack of exercise and some medications.
When insulin resistance has developed, the ingestion of more refined carbohydrates causes the release of higher and higher levels of insulin. The insulin does not work as effectively as it used to; it is still capable of depositing the glucose as fat, but not so capable of putting glucose into the muscles and liver cells to be used as energy. So more glucose becomes fat and less is used up as energy.
Symptoms of Insulin resistance
-do you find it impossible to lose weight?
-do you find low-fat low-calorie diets don’t work?
-are you hungry all the time, even shortly after eating?
-do you crave carbohydrates and sugary foods?
-do you tend to put on weight around your abdomen?
-do you have problems with blood sugar levels?
-do you have a family history of diabetes?
Following things should strictly adhered to if you are suffering from Insulin resistance:
First we have to eliminate refined and simple carbohydrates such as white bread, white flour, white rice, starchy vegetables such as potatoes, sugar and other sweeteners. Eat as many of your fruits and vegetables raw and make non-starchy vegetables your main source of carbohydrates. Avoid soft drinks, fruit juices, alcohol and coffee if possible. Avoid processed foods as they contain processed vegetable oils instead use extra-virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil. Do not eat deep fried foods, margarine or ay other foods containing partially hydrogenated oils. Eat good quality sources of protein such as fish, chicken, eggs, organic meat and soya products at every meal and snack. Protein produces a moderate amount of insulin and also maintains blood sugar levels. You should also take a multi vitamin multi mineral with antioxidants every day.An exercise program should be started; walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day and strength training for 30mins a day four times a week enhances your lean body mass and helps burn even more fat.

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Follow this naturopathy diet for 3 months to get results:
6 AM-Wake up,after completing your routines,practice pranayam for 5-10 minutes,do stretching exercise for 10-15 minutes and then 5-10 Suryanamaskar.

6:30 AM-Drink lime juice and eat nine Neem leaves along with 5 Tulsi(holy basil) leaves.

7 AM:Drink a glass of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of wheatgrass powder.

7:30 AM-Drink a cup of Ragi milk.

8:30 AM-Eat 1 teaspoon sprouted Fenugreek seeds and drink a glass of Bittergourd juice with a teaspoon of Turmeric and cinnamon powder

11 AM-Eat one banana.

12 Noon-Lunch-Have a bowl of vegetable soup + a plate of green salad sprinkled with cinnamon powder and 3 rotis made from jowar/bajra with a bowl of cooked Dal and steamed vegetable.

3 PM-Drink 1 cup of potato skin soup.

5 PM-Drink a glass of carrot juice.

6 PM-Drink a glass of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of wheatgrass powder

6:30 PM-1 hour of evening walk.

8 AM-1/2 bowl of sprouted green grams then 2 rotis made from Jowar/Bajra,a bowl of cooked dal and steamed green vegetables and chutney made of Flaxseed along with garlic,coriander and mint leaves.
    CAUTION:This diet plan is not meant to replace the medications one is taking for Diabetes.

          Yogasanas provide exercise to the glands, muscles, ligaments and nerves, and help them to keep in good health.Hence regular practise of yogasanas can greatly  benefits those suffering from Diabetes by activating  thyroid gland,  by flexing the spine, stimulate nerve impulses to pancreas, some massage the pancreas and other affect the whole metabolism in such a way that they see the healing energies of fresh circulation going to the pancreas.
The following asanas are useful in controling Diabetes:

Paschimottanasana (Back of the body pose) :
Sit with legs stretched in front. Extend the arms and catch both the big toes between the thumb and the first two fingers of the two hands. Pull the neck backward. Bend the elbows, bring the trunk forward and touch the knees with your forehead. Stretch the neck and the trunk so that you touch the knees with your nose and then with your mouth. After sometime, try to hold the sole of your feet with your hands and bring your chin to touch the knees. In the initial stage you could even rest the elbows on the floor while holding the big toes. While taking every new step, first exhale.

Sarvangasana (whole body pose):
Lie on the back hands by the side of the legs. Tighten the knees, palms facing downwards. Bend the knees and move the legs towards the stomach. Exhale slowly and raise the hips being supported by the hands, with the arms bent at the elbows. Trunk should be perpendicular to the ground and chin should be touching the chest. Hands should support the middle of the spine and the legs should be streched straight with toes pointing upwards. Hold for four to five minutes. Gradually increase this time to ten minutes. Breathe normally. Gradually slide down while exhaling.

Halasana (Plough pose):
Practise sarvangasana. Move the legs over the head and rest the toes on the floor. Keep the legs straight. Remain in this pose for two to three minutes, breathing normally. In this pose, you could lower the arms and stretch them in the direction opposite to that of the legs. Besides the benefits of the Sarvangasana, the abdominal organs are rejuvenated and the back receives extra supply of blood.

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Bhujangasana (serpent pose):
Lie with the face downwards. Keeping the feet together, extend the legs. Knees should be tight and the toes pointed. Keep the palms on the ground near the pelvic region. After inhaling, press the palms and pull the trunk upwards. Keep the body lifted with the pubis in touch with the floor. The entire weight should be on the legs and palms. Contract the anus and buttocks and tighten the thighs. Breathe normally. Revert after thirty seconds while exhaling.

Dhanurasana (Bow pose):
Lie with the face downwards. Bend the knees upwards. Take the arms back and hold the left leg at the ankle with the left hand and the right leg with the right hand. Exhale completely, raise the knees above the floor, pull the legs and lift the chest off the floor. Do not join the legs at the knees. The body takes the shape of a bent bow, the arms and hands acting like a bow string. Lift up the head. Pull it as far back as possible. The abdomen should bear the entire weight of the body on the floor.

Ardh Matsyendrasana (half spine twist pose) :
Sit with the legs stretched straight in front. Bend the right knee so that the calf is touching the thigh. Raise yourself and put the right foot under the buttocks, keeping the foot horizontally on the floor. Then lift the left leg,bending the knee and place it on the floor by the outerside of the right thigh. The trunk of the body may be turned to the left as much as possible. The right armpit would come over the left knee. Twist the right arm around the left knee and move the right wrist to the back of the waist. Bend the left elbow backwards behind the waist and try to clasp the right hand. Turn the neck to the left and look over the left shoulder. Due to the spinal twist there will be some difference in the breathing style. It will become normal after some practice.

Hold on for about 30 seconds. Then release the hands, lift the left foot from the floor. straighten the left leg and then the right leg.

Savasana (Corpse pose):
This pose appears to be very easy but in reality it is difficult to practise correctly. Lie on your back like a corpse, with your hands a little away from the body, with palms facing upwards. Keep the heels together with toes apart. Close the eyes. Start deep breathing but it should be fine and slow. During exhalations, there should be no feeling of warmth of the breath at the nostrils. Relax completely. The jaw should be loose. There should be no movement of the pupils of the eyes. Pacify the mind. Give auto-suggestions for inducing perfect relaxation. Stay in this pose for about 5 to 10 minutes.
          Suryanamaskar is another yogasana which is beneficial to Diabetics.Daily practice of Pranayama is also very helpful.
CAUTION:These asanas must be done under supervision of experts only-an asana done wrongly will do more harm than good.

Bitter Gourd(Karela) is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis.The ripe fruit of Bitter Melon has been suggested to exhibit some remarkable anti-cancer effects, but there is absolutely no evidence that it can treat cancer. However, preliminary studies do appear to confirm that Bitter Melon may improve blood sugar control in people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.
Bitter gourd and Type-II Diabetes:
Atleast three different groups of constituents in Bitter Gourd have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids.Bitter Melon preparations have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels, and to improve fasting blood glucose levels.

Rich in iron, bitter Gourd has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and good dietary fiber. It is believed to be good for the liver and  act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.

At least 32 active constituents have been identified in bitter melon so far, including beta-sitosterol-d-glucoside, citrulline, GABA, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Nutritional analysis reveals that bitter melon is also rich in potassium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.
Compounds known as oleanolic acid glycosides have been found to improve glucose tolerance in Type II (maturity onset) diabetics by preventing the absorption of sugar from the intestines. Bitter Gourd has also been reported to increase the number of beta cells (cells that secrete insulin) in the pancreas, thereby improving your body’s capability to produce insulin.

OTHER MEDICINAL USES OF BITTER GOURD:

Piles

The juice of fresh leaves of bitter gourd is valuable in piles. Three teaspoonfuls of leaf juice mixed with a glassful of buttermilk should be taken every morning for about a month in this condition. A paste of the roots of bitter gourd plant can also be applied over piles with beneficial results.

Blood Disorders

Bitter gourd is highly beneficial in the treatment of blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, itching, psoriasis, ring-worm and other fungal diseases. A cupful of fresh juice of bitter gourd mixed with a teaspoonful of lime juice should be taken, sip by sip, on empty stomach daily for four to six months in these conditions. Its regular use in endemic regions of leprosy acts as a preventive medicine.

Respiratory Disorders

Bitter gourd plant roots are used in folk medicine for respiratory disorders from ancient times. A teaspoonful of the root paste mixed with equal amount of honey or basil leaf(tulsi) juice, given once every night for a month acts as an excellent medicine for asthma, bronchitis, pharyngitis, colds and rhinitis.

Alcoholism

Leaf juice is beneficial in the treatment of alcoholism. It is an antidote for alcohol intoxication. It is also useful in liver damage due to alcoholism.

Cholera

Fresh juice of leaves of bitter gourd is also an effective medicine in early stages of cholera and other types of diarrhoea during summer. Two teaspoonfuls of this juice mixed with equal quantity of white onion juice and a teaspoonful of lime juice should be given in these conditions.

Types of Diabetes:

*Type I Diabetes:It is a condition where patients do not produce their own Insulin,which is required for uptake and processing of sugar by body cells.Here the patient has no option but to take Insulin shots daily.

*Type II Diabetes:Also known as Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Melitus(NIDDM).Here the cells in the body become resistant to action of Insulin,also Pancreas produces too little Insulin.This type of Diabetes usually occur in adults at age 40 or older.

Signs of  Diabetes:

*You are often thirsty

*You pass urine frequently

*You suddenly start losing weight

*You do not have enough energy.

*You cannot see well.

*You are more prone to infections

*Your cuts and bruises heal slowly

*You  feel tingling or numbness in your hands of feet

Long term complications of Diabetes:

*Heart Disease:The arteries become blocked and narrow.this can lead to High Blood Pressure,strokes,heart attacks and poor blood circulation.

*Retinopathy:It is damage to retina of eye.

*Neuropathy:It is the damage to nerves producing weakness,numbness and burning particularly in feet and hands.

*Nephropathy:It is damage to Kidney.

*Type I Diabetes can cause a potentially fatal condition called as Diabetic Ketoacidosis which can lead to “Diabetic coma”.

Tests for Diabetes:

A fasting Blood sugar in excess of 126 mg per cent or post prandial(after meal) sugar of more than 200 mg per cent indicates presence of Diabetes.A person suffering from Diabetes must also carry out these tests to rule out other complications:HbA1c(Glucose memory test),Lipid Profile,Cardiac Risk Markers,Liver Profile,Renal profile.

Managing Diabetes:

*Eat  more of complex carbohydrates like cereals(wheat,jowar,bajra),high fibre(vegetables) and avoid refined sugars and fat.

*Exercise,like simple walking daily is a must.

*Take your medicines regularly.

*Tobacco,in any form and alcohol must be avoided.

*Skin and foot care is very important.

*Regular checking of Blood Sugar level is must.

*Visit your family doctor regularly to avoid long term complications.

*Carry an identity card that you are Diabetic every time.

Food for Diabetics:

*Totally avoid sugar,glucose,jaggery,honey ,all sweets,ice creams,chocolates,alcohol,soft drinks.

*Restrict use of  rice,potatoes,sweet potatoes,mangoes,fried food,biscuits,puris,parathas,ghee,mayonnaise,butter and other milk products.

*Consume more of whole grains and cereals like wheat,jowar,bajra,oats and also dals,sprouted legumes and curd.

*Also consume a lot of vegetables like cabbage,green peas,carrot,lady’s finger,cucumber,raddish,,bittergourd,lemon,tomatoes and other green leafy vegetables and fruits like jamun(rose apple) apple,watermelon,figs and pomengranate,besides clear soups,buttermilk,salads,lime water without sugar and salt.

*Cook your meals by methods like boiling,grilling,baking rather than frying.

*Non vegetarians should consume low fat foods like egg white and lean portions of chicken and fish over egg yolk and red meat.Avoid gravies cooked with coconut and groundnut.

*Have 4-5 small meals in a day,giving lot of importance to a very healthy breakfast.

Diabetes and exercise:

*Exercise helps in stabilizing and controlling blood sugar level.

*Exercise also strengthens your heart and helps in lowering blood pressure,triglyceride level and increases HDL(good cholesterol).

*Remember that you should only stick to low impact exercises like walking,cycling,swimming,Yoga,etc.Start  your exercise program only after consultation with Doctor.

Medicines used in treatment of Diabetes:

*Modern Medicines:For type II Diabetes,Sulphonyl urea like Glibenclamide,Glimepiride,Gliclazide,Chlorpropramide,Glipizide,etc,Biguanide like Metformin,Phenformin,Thiazolidinedione like Pioglitazone,Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor like Acarbose.When  Monotheraphy fails, combination of Sulphonyl Urea and Biguanide,Biguanide and  Thiazolidinedione,Sulphonyl Urea  and  Thiazolidinedione  may be used.

    For Type I Diabetes daily Insulin Injection has to be taken.

*Ayurveda:Ayurvedic Medicines for Diabetes are Vasant Kusumakar Ras,Chandraprabha vati,Arogyavardhini,Shilajit Vati,Asanad tablets,Trivanga Bhasma,etc.

*Homeopathy:Medicines like Uranium Nitrate,Bryonia,Baryta Carbonica,Plumbum,etc are used.

*Herbal Therapy:Herbs like Salacia oblonga,Gudmar,Turmeric,Neem leaves,Tulsi(Holy Basil) leaves,Amla(Indian Gooseberry),Guggul,Arjuna,Fenugreek seeds,Bilva,Bitter Gourd,Triphala,Gokshura,Vidanga,Asan,Jamun(Rose Apple) and its seeds,Cinnamon,Wheatgrass powder,etc are used.

*Yoga:Yogasanas like Sarvangasana and Pachimothasana,Halasana,Shirsasana,etc have proved beneficial.

*Pranayama(Yogic Breathing Techniques):Kapalbhati Pranayam and Anulom-Vinolom Pranayama has proved to be beneficial in controlling Blood Sugar.

*Other Alternative Therapies:Accupuncture,Magneto-Therapy has also shown some promise in controlling Blood Sugar.

CAUTION:

These medicines must only be taken only under supervision of qualified physician.You can contact me if you have any queries on virashri_v@rediffmail.com.

            Research is going on in use of Stem Cells for treating Diabetes.If it succeeds then there will be a permanent cure for this dreadful disease.

Vitamins,Minerals And Other Supplements for Diabetics:

*Methylcobalamin,Alpha lipoic acid,Inositol,Benfotiamine,Pyridoxine have shown to retard progression of Diabetes related complications.

*Homocysteine lowering Vitamins like B Vitamins,Folic acid,Antioxidants like Vitamin A,C,E,Selenium,Carotenoids,Flavanoids also help.

*Chromium Picolinate,an essential trace metal micronutrient must be taken regularly.