The most commonly used screening tests are the determination of the fasting blood glucose level and the two-hours after the intake of food. The normal fasting blood sugar content is 80 to 120 mg per 100 ml of blood and this can go upto a level of 140 mg per 100 ml of blood two hours after meals. Anything above these norms can be termed diabetic levels.

SYMPTOMS

The word diabetes is derived from the Greek word meaning" to siphon, to pass through", and mellitus comes from the latin word "honey". Thus two characteristic symptoms, namely copious urination and glucose in the urine give the name to the disease. The urine is of a pale colour, has an acidic reaction and sweetish odour. A diabetic feels hungry and thirsty most of the time, does not put on weight, though he eats every now and then, and gets tired easily, both physically and mentally.

CAUSES

Diabetes has been described by most biological doctors as a "prosperity" disease, primarily caused by systematic overeating and consequent obesity. Not only the overeating of sugar and refined carbohydrates, but also of proteins and fats, which are transformed into sugar, if taken in excess, is harmful and may result in diabetes. Too much food taxes the pancreas and eventually paralyses its normal activity. Grief, worry and anxiety also have a deep influence on the metabolism and may cause sugar to appear in the urine.

Any successful method for treatment of diabetes should aim at removal of the actual cause of the disease and building up of the whole health-level of the patient. Diet plays a vital role in such a treatment. The primary dietary consideration for a diabetes patient is that he should be a strict lacto-vegetarian and take a low calorie, low-fat, alkaline diet of high quality natural foods. Fruits, nuts and vegetables, whole meal bread and dairy products form a good diet for the diabetic. These foods should be eaten in as dry a condition as possible to ensure thorough ensalivation during the first part of the process of digestion.

The diabetic should not be afraid to eat fresh fruits and vegetables which contain sugar and starch. Fresh fruits contain sugar, fructose, which does not need insulin for its metabolism and is well tolerated by diabetics. Fats and oils should be taken sparingly, for they are apt to lower the tolerance for proteins and starches. Emphasis should be on raw foods as they stimulate and increase insulin production.

For protein, homemade cottage cheese, various forms of soured milks and nuts are best. The patient should avoid tea, coffee, white flour, sugar and all products made from them, tinned fruits, refined cereals and alcoholic drinks. He should also avoid overeating and take four or five small meals a day rather than three large ones.

Celery, cucumbers, French beans, onions and garlic are especially beneficial. French bean pod tea is excellent natural substitute for insulin and beneficial in diabetes. The skins of the pods of green beans are extremely rich" in silica and certain hormone substances which are closely related to insulin. One cup of French bean tea is equal to one unit of insulin. Cucumbers contain a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin. Onion and garlic have proved beneficial in reducing blood sugar in diabetes.

Bitter gourd (karela), is considered beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. It contains an insulin-like principle, known as plant insulin which has been found effective in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels. It should, therefore, be included liberally in the diet of the diatetic. For better results the diabetic should take the juice of four or five fruits every morning on an empty stomach. The seeds of bitter gourd can be added to food in a powdered form.

Exercise is also an important factor in the treatment of diabetes. Light games, jogging and swimming are helpful. Yogic asanas such as bhujangasana, halasana, shalabhasana, dhanurasana, paschimottanasana, sarvangasana and shavasana, yogic kriyas like jalaneti and kunjal, pranayamas such as kapalbahati, anuloma-viloma and ujjai will also be beneficial.

The diabetic patient should eliminate minor worries from his daily life. He must endeavour to be more easy-going and should not get unduly worked up by the stress and strain of life.

(The article from:americanchronicle.com)

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