Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by elevated levels of plasma glucose, caused by impairment in both insulin secretion and action. The recent global epidemic of T2D is indicative of the importance of environmental triggers such as rapid changes in lifestyle related to changing patterns and increasing physical inactivity.

According to the recent projections of World Health Organization (WHO), India already leads the world with the largest number of diabetic subjects (nearly 40 million) and it is predicted that this number would reach almost 80 million by the year 2030.

One factor contributing to insulin resistance is obesity and among Caucasians, most people with type 2 Diabetes are obese. In order to control weight and maintain normal blood glucose levels, the dietary recommendations suggested for a diabetic patient includes: eat fiber rich foods, include vegetables and salads in diet, proper meal pattern, having food at frequent intervals in smaller quantities, avoiding refined carbohydrates, sugar, sweets and juices and high fat foods.

Other than dietary advice, also include physical activity in your daily schedule this also helps in improving the insulin resistance and helps in increasing the basal metabolic rate so that the body can burn excess calories.

Persons who are suffering from diabetes must be aware about the symptoms of diabetes, both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia so that they can treat as per their symptoms on their own in case of emergencies or when they are alone. Now let’s first understand the term hyperglycemia, it is a condition in which excessive amount of glucose circulates in the blood and the symptoms include, extreme thirst, excess urination, feeling of hunger, drowsiness, dry skin, blurry vision and slow healing of wounds. On the other hand, hypoglycemia is a condition of low levels of blood glucose, lower than the normal levels and the symptoms include, sweating, dizziness, shaking of body, fast heart beat, hunger, headache, irritable, anxious, weakness and fatigue.

So by following a healthy balanced diet, regular physical activity and by keeping a watch on the symptoms one can easily control their blood glucose levels and can manage their health.