Diabetes check for CEOs and top bosses: Facts to know, foods to avoid

Diabetes, commonly known as having high blood glucose (sugar), has become common. And in India, which has one of the world's highest numbers of diabetes patients at 69.1 million (2015 data), it is often associated with incorrect lifestyle choices. From reduced sleep cycle (thanks to technology), to dependence on junk and fast food, the lack of exercise, and a sedentary lifestyle, the factors causing diabetes are linked to what we do, or don't. Here are some myths about the disease that you need to stop believing.

What is diabetes?

The chronic disease occurs when the pancreas (which are a vital part of the digestive system and a critical controller of blood sugar levels) are no longer able to make insulin, or when the body is unable to effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin helps the glucose, produced from the food we eat, pass from the bloodstream into the cells to produce energy.

Lack of insulin in the body leads to increased glucose levels in the blood (also known as hyperglycaemia). Excess glucose in the blood over a period of time leads to health problems.

There are two type of diabetes, 1 and 2. In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, which is more common, the body does not make or use insulin well.

Also read: 313 million women may be diabetic by 2040: These preventive practices can help

Symptoms

Increased hunger, thirst and urination, fatigue, blurred vision, sores that do not heal, unexplained weight loss are some of the common symptoms of diabetes. While the symptoms of type 1 diabetes can start quickly, the symptoms of type 2 often develop over the years, and often go unnoticed.

Often people with type 2 diabetes only get diagnosed after facing some other health problems, such as blurred vision or heart trouble.


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Causes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. This could be genetic or caused by environmental factors, such as viruses.

Lifestyle factors along with genes and family history are responsible for Type 2 diabetes. Overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity are the major causes of this disease.

Food habits

Dietary habits play an important role in fighting diabetes. While one should be careful about the kind of food, always remember that quantity matters.


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An apple a day, truly, keeps the doctor away. According to a study, eating five or more apples a week lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Avocados, too, help in reducing the risk of this type of diabetes. Blueberries, known for their many health benefits, also reduce the risk of the disease and help keep blood sugar in check.

Another excellent food item to put on the menu is beans. Consuming legumes results in better blood sugar control, and also helps lower blood pressure. Here's how eating broccoli can help.