There are three types of Diabetes:

 1 Type 1 Diabetes
2 Type 2 Diabetes
3 Gestational Diabetes

Type I diabetics must take insulin because their body does not produce it properly. It's management needs to be very precise, so the diabetic’s need for insulin matches the dose they are taking, preventing both high blood sugar and dangerous drops in blood sugar as well (hypoglycemia).

In Type II diabetes the body gradually becomes resistant to insulin over a span of many years. Although insulin is still produced, the body cannot use it effectively. Type II diabetics may take pills to help their body become more receptive to insulin.

Gestational diabetes : diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects over 150 million people in the world today. The percentage of people suffering from diabetes is increasing rapidly, to the point where many medical authorities are referring to it as an epidemic. ue generator on the Internet.

Symptoms of diabetes : How to tell if you are diabetic?

In both types of diabetes, signs and symptoms are similar as the blood sugar is high, either due to less or no production of insulin, or insulin resistance. These symptoms are quickly relieved once the Diabetes is treated and also reduce the chances of developing serious health problems.

Diabetes Type 1:  In type 1, the pancreas stop producing insulin. In it's absence, body cells don’t get the required glucose resulting in primary symptoms in the form of nausea and vomiting. In later stage, the body starts breaking down muscle tissue and fat for producing energy hence, causing fast weight loss. Dehydration is also usually observed due to electrolyte disturbance. In advanced stages, coma and death is witnessed.

Diabetes Type 2 :

1 Increased fatigue : Due to inefficiency of the cell to metabolize glucose, reserve fat of body is metabolized to gain energy. When fat is broken down in the body, it uses more energy as compared to glucose, hence body goes in negative calorie effect, which results in fatigue.
2 Polydipsia (INCREASED THIRST) : As the concentration of glucose increases in the blood, brain receives signal for diluting it and, in its counteraction we feel thirsty.
3 Polyuria(INCREASED URINATION) : Increase in urine production is due to excess glucose present in body. Body gets rid of the extra sugar in the blood by excreting it through urine. This leads to dehydration because along with the sugar, a large amount of water is excreted out of the body.
4 Polyphegia(INCREASED HUNGER) : The hormone insulin is also responsible for stimulating hunger. In order to cope up with high sugar levels in blood, body produces insulin which leads to increased hunger.
5 Weight fluctuation : Factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to weight loss. Few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite.
6 Blurry vision : Body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus, resulting in blurry vision.
7 Irritability : It is a sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient glucose supply to the brain and other body organs, which makes us feel tired and uneasy.
8 Infections : The body gives few signals whenever there is fluctuation in blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by frequent skin infections like fungal or bacterial or UTI (urinary tract infection).
9 Poor wound healing : High blood sugar resists the flourishing of WBC, (white blood cell) which are responsible for body immune system. When these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. Secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.

While many of the signs and symptoms of diabetes can also be related to other causes, testing for diabetes is very easy, and the constant/regular presence of one or more of these symptoms over an extended period of time should be cause for a visit to the doctor. If diabetes is suspected, tested for, and diagnosed when those symptoms first start appearing, other more serious symptoms of advanced diabetes can often be prevented or have their onset significantly delayed through diet, exercise and proper blood sugar management.

Diet in diabetes

Proper dietary choices are important for people with diabetes. Unfortunately, dietary habits are the most difficult to change. Therefore, dietary management must be an ongoing process that seeks to improve compliance through continuous education and monitoring of progress report. Diet in Diabetes should not be a complete deviation from the normal diet. The nutritional requirements of the person with diabetes are same as for non-diabetic. Generally, in Indian diets, carbohydrates contribute most of the total calories of the daily intake.

Carbohydrates: 60% of calories should be obtained from carbohydrates. Since blood sugars levels depends mainly on intake of carbohydrates, it is important to distribute the intake of carbohydrates as per daily needs. This can be divided in to 4-5 equal parts. One-third (33%) of the diet is served during lunch, another one-third during dinner (33%). Of the remaining one-third 25% is served during breakfast and the rest (9%) during evening tea or at bedtime.
Proteins:15-20% of the total calories should be derived from proteins. Meat and meat products, milk, pulses legumes and nuts are all rich in proteins.
Fats: 15-25 % of calories be derived from fat. People with diabetes, should consume less of saturated fats (ghee, butter, vanaspati etc.), as compared to PUFA –poly-unsaturated oils (sunflower, safflower oils) and MUFA- mono-unsaturated oils (palm oil, olive oil etc.)
Vitamins and Minerals: These are protective factors which in small amounts are essential for the body. They are available in green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, milk, cereals, nuts etc.
Dietary Fibre: It is present in cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Intake of 25 g of fibre per 1000 calories is considered to be optimum for a diabetes diet. Long-term consumption of insoluble fibre (present in cereals) also improves glucose control.

Food Pyramid – General guidelines: The Food Guide Pyramid is a good basic guide to choosing healthy foods. It shows various kinds of food EVERYONE needs. The best choices for the family are also the best choices for people with diabetes. The foods in each section of the pyramid provide some, but not all, of the nutrients needed for healthy diet. It is important to eat servings from every group each day. Most people need more of the foods shown in the larger sections at the bottom of the pyramid. Foods in the smaller sections at the top of the pyramid generally should make up a smaller portion of the diet. Choosing your foods according to the pyramid helps you follow these guidelines for healthier eating.

• Eat a variety of food from the different food groups.
• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. All fruits and most vegetables contain carbohydrates, but their high content of vitamins, minerals, and fiber make them great choices.
• Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholestersol. For best health , these should make up only a small portion of overall food choices.Saturated fats (animals fats shortcoming, for example) tend to raise blood cholesterol levels and are bad for the health of your heart
• Use salt (sodium) in moderation. most people eat more salt than they really need.For some people , extra salt adds to their risk for high blood pressure. High blood sugar is more common in people with diabetes.And uncontrolled blood pressure (greater than 130/85) greatly increase the risk for health problems.Here are ways to cut down on salt:
• Choose foods " close to nature." Less processed foods have less salt.
• Avoid foods canned, boxed or frozen with extra salt. Try the "no-salt added" varieties.
• Use herbs , spice, and salt- free seasoning mixes for added flavor, instead of salt.
• Use sugar in moderation High sugar foods should make up only a small part of the diet. However , small amounts of sweet foods can be a part of a healthy diet ,even for people who have diabetes. Learn how to fit the sweets you enjoy into your overall plan.
• Use alcohol in moderation. Alcohol can dangerously lower blood sugar in people with diabetes who take insulin or diabetes pills. If you choose to drink alcohol, talk to your doctor or dietician about how to drink safely. Pregnant women should not drink alcoholic beverages.

Meal Planning : Eat the right amount of food for you at the right times Several factors affect how much food you need each day. One of them is how much you weigh in relation to how tall you are. Another is how much exercise you get. People who exercise a lot or whose jobs involve heavy labor use more energy than people who are less active. Most people eat better, feel better, and have more energy if they eat regular meals. Spacing food throughout the day also seems to help you stay at a healthy weight and get the vitamins and minerals you need.

Food tips to avoid foodborne illnesses in diabetes

• Limit fat intake.
• Eat enough fiber.
• Enjoy homemade food.
• Limit sugar intake.
• Drink enough water.
• Follow safe food handling practices.
• Take high nutritional fruits.
• Long-live fruits and vegetables contain high levels of fibers and vitamins. The WHO recommends eating at least 400 gms of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Pulses are sources of vegetable protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Whole grains and starch root are excellent foods because time period is longer, can be easily prepared and contribute to fibre intake.
• Dried nuts, walnuts and seeds, can serve as healthy snacks.