There are many different types of diabetes. The main types are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes used to be known as juvenile onset diabetes because it occurred most commonly before the age of 20. People with type 1 diabetes are generally thin. In type 1 diabetes the pancreas that is responsible for producing insulin, is destroyed by auto-antibodies. Because of this reason people with type 1 diabetes always need insulin which can either be injected or given through an insulin pump.
The most common kind of diabetes is type 2 diabetes which used to be called adult onset. Those with type 2 diabetes are usually over weight and diagnosed after the age of 35. The cause of type 2 diabetes is different to that of type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a complex medical condition known as 'insulin resistance'.
When a person first develops type 2 diabetes there is still a lot of insulin around, but it doesn't work effectively. Type 2 diabetes is usually treated by lifestyle change, diet and exercise. Occasionally a person might need to take oral medications or insulin. Type 2 diabetes is also associated with heart disease so it is essential to not just treat glucose levels, but also to keep blood pressure at a normal range and lower cholesterol levels.
Diabetes mellitus of either type 1 or type 2 is a medical condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, or does not respond adequately to insulin, or both. Left untreated diabetes can cause too much sugar or glucose in the blood thus leading to medical complications that might require hospitalization. In both cases of diabetes, genetics play a part and it is common for a sufferer to have another family member who has diabetes.
There are certain key factors in a person's lifestyle that can trigger diabetes. Health care professionals suggest changing these factors to help treat diabetes and in some cases to prevent diabetes from occurring. If a person is obese it is recommended that they lose weight and exercise more frequently since they are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Remedies for type 2 diabetes include, limiting smoking or preferably quitting. A person should try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. A person should cut down on sugar and natural sweeteners, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Relaxation techniques can help because they reduce the amount of emotional stress which can contribute to diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes natural remedies encourage reducing the amount of oily food in a persons diet, avoiding starchy foods, coffee, refined sugar and alcohol. Heavy meals should be avoided, but instead small meals should be eaten with foods that are easier to digest. Vegetables like spinach and cucumber should be increased in the diet. Fruit should be eaten, but in moderation and spread throughout the day, dairy products like cheese, but milk should be limited as it contains a lot of sugar. Foods like sprouts, beans, and tomatoes lower the sugar level in the blood. Intake of mutton and excess salt should be reduced as this helps to control body weight and diabetes. Eating bitter herbs like bitter gourd and fenugreek are very good for diabetics.
There are no restrictions placed on fish and soy in the diabetic lifestyle. Junk food should be restricted especially food like chocolate. Water is good to drink since it contains no sugar and helps to purify the body. Foods that are whole grain, brown bread, nuts and brown rice should be eaten. Mango leaves, sweet potato leaves with ash gourd or with any herbal tea, bitter gourd and cinnamon are all useful home remedies for treating diabetes.
