I remember my bitter
experiences of 2006/7 when my wife developed cancer. Having diagnosed cancer is
enough to create havoc in the family. Next steps are mammography, biopsy,
operation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy followed by lifelong periodical
monitoring. Then I had placed three posts in my blog My Turn, not as a
professional expert, but just as a sufferer to share experiences with new
patients so that they are encouraged to patiently undergo the entire treatment
course and tide over this curable disease. Similarly, as a sugar patient for
last nearly 20 years, I have read, heard, learnt and experienced many tit-bits getting
apprised of which, any sugar patient may benefit.
It may be added here
that under the banner of the WHO, April 7 every year is observed as Health Day
in which this year (2016), the theme was sugar because it has enveloped the
world like an epidemic. The World Health Assembly was held for the first time
in the year 1948 in Geneva where it was decided to celebrate this day. It was
first celebrated worldwide in the year 1950. Since then this thematic annual
event has been focusing on any one problematic disease. It has thus played a
cataclysmal role in creating much needed awareness globally about a particular
disease.
Diabetes is a rapidly
increasing non-communicable disease in several countries, mostly developing
though top three are China, India and USA. It is a chronic, metabolic disease
characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose, which over the time leads to
serious damages to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. The most
common is type ii disease, usually in adults, which occurs when the body
becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce required quantum of insulin.
In the past three decades, the prevalence of type ii diabetes has risen
dramatically. On the other hand, type I diabetes is a chronic condition in
which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. The patient is totally
insulin-dependent. According to the WHO, today there are about 350 million
people in the world diabetic.
This disease is also
caused genetically. But in rest of the cases, it has been termed as a
life-style disease. Obesity surely leads to high blood sugar conditions.
Sedentary life style, food with heavy doses of fat, carbohydrate, sugar,
alcohol, smoking and extra- protein intake pave way for diabetes. Early
diagnosis and intervention is the starting point for living with diabetes. A
series of cost-effective interventions can help people to manage their condition.
These interventions include: blood sugar control through a combination of diet,
physical activity and if necessary, medication, control of blood pressure and
lipids to reduce cardiovascular risk and other complications.
From my experience I
suggest that if you are diagnosed a diabetic, please purchase insulin syringe,
random sugar checking kit and weighing machine so that you are not dependent on
any outer agency. As suggested by your doctor, keep on using those aides and
maintain a record of every result which will help your doctor to treat better.
The patient has to exercise daily which may be walking, swimming, cycling
Asanas, indoor games etc. The walk should be minimum for 30 minutes. This could
be done even in your balcony or on the roof. One who walks for one hour, will
find his disease always under control. He should have basic knowledge of diet
so that only permitted items are consumed. Drinks and smoking will prove fatal.
Playing truant to medication is strictly
disallowed. With this lifestyle, food, medicines and exercise management,
despite diabetes, one can live his full life. I myself am double seven today.
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