Question 1

How do I help a family member with diabetes?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, support in terms of diet and lifestyle are the best ways to help a loved one with diabetes. Following a diet and exercise regimen with the patient may help keep them motivated to stay with the routine. Ensuring that medication times are adhered to can also be very helpful.

Question 2

How do I reduce the risk of diabetes if a family member is already affected?

Accepted Answer

Having a close family member diagnosed with diabetes does put you at heightened risk of the condition. It is helpful to follow a healthy diet with minimal or no processed foods. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and regular monitoring of your weight to keep obesity at bay go a long way in preventing the disease.

Question 3

What is the main cause of diabetes?

Accepted Answer

The main cause of diabetes is insufficient production of insulin in the body. Produced by the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that helps the body to use sugar (Glucose) from carbohydrates in the food you eat as an energy source. It also helps to keep the blood sugar level from getting too high (Hyperglycaemia) or too low (Hypoglycaemia).

You might develop Diabetes or Hyperglycaemia if:

Your pancreas secretes lower amounts of insulin
If your pancreas produces defective insulin (a rare condition)
If your body cells become unable to use the insulin properly.

A few other conditions, like obesity and physical inactivity, might impact the sugar or glucose processing in your body, leading to diabetes.

Question 4

What foods can reverse diabetes?

Accepted Answer

A low glycemic load diet or a diet low in sugars, along with being physically active, helps control a diabetic condition. Try to include the following foods in your diet to control your blood sugar levels:

Beans, such as garbanzo, kidney, soy, pinto and black beans.
Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, like apples, watermelon, grapefruit, carrots and green peas.
Good quality protein, such as fish and chicken (lean).
Lentils
Milk
Tomato Juice
Whole-wheat or whole-grain foods
Cashews and peanuts

Question 5

What are the first signs of diabetes?

Accepted Answer

The most common initial symptoms of diabetes include:

Frequent urination
Always feeling dehydrated and increased thirst
Always feeling hungry
Tiredness
Blurry Vision
Slow healing of cuts and wounds
Patches of dark skin
Itching and yeast infections

If you observe one or more of these early signs, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Question 6

What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

Accepted Answer

The three most common symptoms of diabetes are:

Frequent urge to urinate
Feeling very thirsty
Feeling very hungry, even after eating.

In addition, look out for symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss and slow healing of cuts and bruises.

Question 7

Can diabetes be cured?

Accepted Answer

Since diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar levels go out of control due to internal biochemical problems, there is no cure for diabetes. But if left untreated or uncontrolled, it can lead to severe health issues like:

Cardiovascular disease
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Kidney damage (nephropathy)
Eye damage (retinopathy)
Foot damage/complications
Skin conditions
Hearing impairment
Alzheimer's disease
Depression

So, make sure you follow your doctor's recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes to control the diabetic condition and bring it into remission. When diabetes goes into remission, the body does not show any signs of diabetes but the disease is technically still present. Remission can take different forms, such as:

Partial remission: When the blood sugar level is maintained for at least 1 year without any medication.
Complete remission: When the blood sugar level returns to normal levels (i.e., outside the diabetic range) and stays there for at least 1 year without any medication.
Prolonged remission: When complete remission lasts for at least 5 years.

Question 8

Can bananas be part of a diabetic’s diet?

Accepted Answer

A diabetic person needs to carefully consider the contents of each meal. Eating bananas in moderation is safe if you have diabetes because the mineral, vitamin and fibre content of bananas offers nutritional benefits. However, ensure that you do not eat excessive amounts, as it has high levels of fructose, which breaks down into sugar.

Question 9

Does sugar consumption cause diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Sugar consumption does not directly cause either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. However, too much sugar intake can make you overweight, which is a risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. On the other hand, Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack the cells that produce insulin. So, if you are diabetic, eating too much sugar can cause complications once you have the disorder. Cutting sugar out of your diet is essential for a healthy lifestyle, whether you are diabetic or not.

Diabetes: