Diabetes is a common lifestyle disease that affects millions worldwide. Over the last three decades, instances of diabetes have shot up almost four times. However, what’s worrying is that many people might not be aware that they have the disease because they don’t know about the early symptoms of diabetes.
Diabetes occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Diabetes has also been shown to lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Over 415 million people suffer from diabetes globally, and this number is likely to touch nearly 642 million by 2040. Type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of death globally. India accounts for 49% of cases globally. Approximately 72 million cases were reported back in 2017 and that number is expected to rise to 134 million by 2025.
It’s a good idea to actively watch for any early warning signs of diabetes. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
1. Constant hunger
Although hunger is a signal to the body to consume nutrients for proper functioning, constant hunger is a red flag. Diabetes causes insulin levels to drop, preventing cells from taking in glucose, stimulating a constant hunger sensation. So, pay attention to meal timings and food intake if you find yourself feeling peckish all the time.
2. Lethargy
In addition to hunger, diabetes can also cause lethargy. Since the cells can’t absorb any glucose, they receive zero energy, resulting in persistent fatigue. If you experience prolonged periods of tiredness, please go for a checkup.
3. Frequent urination and thirst
On average, people usually urinate 4 to 7 times a day, but this is far more often in the case of diabetics. Diabetes causes blood glucose levels to rise substantially, and the kidneys are forced to absorb and filter this increased glucose. When they can’t, excess glucose is eliminated through urine and results in fluid loss, sparking a cycle that begins with higher water intake.
4. Dryness of skin and mouth
The fluid loss from the body means that there’s less moisture for other organs, including the skin. The lack of moisture causes the mouth and skin to become dry. Besides dryness, diabetes also makes the skin especially prone to other skin diseases like vitiligo.
5. Slow healing of cuts and wounds
High blood sugar can hamper blood flow and eventually cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and makes it harder for the body to heal wounds. These unhealed wounds tend to develop infections and if left unchecked, lead to gangrene and even amputation in severe cases.
6. Losing weight without trying
Irregular and unexpected weight loss, especially without a change in diet or exercise, is one of the tell-tell signs of diabetes. Diabetes causes the body to make poor use of glucose for energy. Instead, the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy, leading to a drop in weight. So, be wary if you notice a significant and unexpected weight reduction the next time you step on the scale.
Diabetes is caused by many factors, including genetic makeup, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. In India, one in four people below the age of 25 suffer from the early onset of diabetes, but fortunately, it is one of the more treatable diseases. Small changes like eating a healthy diet, avoiding sugar and simple carbohydrates, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a reasonable body weight can make a huge difference in preventing, delaying, and managing it.
Get an ayurvedic supplement like DiabaHealth
Supplementing with herbal extracts is also a popular choice when it comes to diabetes. Ayurvedic literature prescribes the use of herbs for regulating and managing diabetes, and Vijaysar (Malabar Kino or Indian Kino) is one of them.
If you’re looking for a high quality herbal diabetic supplement, free of preservatives and side effects, then QNET India has just the thing. The Nutriplus DiabaHealth supplement is made using a special blend of ten ingredients. Its main ingredient, Malabar Kino, contains Epicatechin – a flavonoid and natural insulin mimetic. Epicatechin has been proven to effectively regulate blood glucose and even promote cardiac health, making Nutriplus DiabaHealth the perfect supplement to keep diabetes at bay.
If you’re currently suffering from diabetes, keep in mind that supplementing can eventually help reduce the regular dose of your prescribed medication but can never replace it. As with any other health supplement, consult a doctor before use.
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