Diabetes is one of the most commonly found disorders affecting millions of people across the globe. Besides negatively impacting the blood sugar and insulin levels of the body, diabetes is the cause of the onset of a lot of other serious complications. Although these facts might seem scary, diabetes isn't something uncontrollable. With regular exercises, an appropriate diabetic diet and the inclusion of various anti-diabetic foods and herbs, diabetes can be controlled. This article talks about some important anti-diabetic foods and herbs, and how they play an instrumental role in preventing the progression of the disease. However, whether a particular herb suits your body or not, must be decided after proper medical consultation.

5 Of The Important Anti-Diabetic Foods And Herbs
Now that you know you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you must start working towards its control immediately. Delays will only aggravate the condition leading to several complications. The following five foods and herbs may help you manage your blood sugar levels, based on your body type and also the extent to which diabetes has progressed.

1. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon, also known as Momordica Charantia, is a medicinal fruit found to be helpful in reducing the blood sugar levels in the case of some diabetics. It can be taken in various forms including juice, seeds, supplementary form, or in the form of blended vegetable pulp. Bitter melon can be either eaten or consumed in liquid form. However, most of the diabetics prefer taking it in the form of supplements, as eating or drinking it may taste weird or unpleasant.

2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular herb, or you may say more of a spice that originates from the bark of a tree. It can be used as a substitute for sugar to add sweetness to something. This is the reason why it is a popular pick amongst the Type-2 diabetics. Cinnamon is helpful in multiple ways. It helps in improving the levels of glucose, digestion, insulin, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure levels, antioxidant status, and many others.

3. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is known to help reduce blood sugar levels. It is rich in fibres and chemicals that reduce the rate of digestion of carbohydrates, and sugar. Researchers have found that the intake of fenugreek in the right quantities helps reduce cholesterol levels and also helps to increase the insulin levels, thereby resulting in a reduction in the blood sugar levels. Fenugreek can be consumed in many different ways such as adding it to warm water, add it as an herb in a few food stuffs, consume it in its powdered form by grinding it, or in the capsule form. Seek consultation from an established diabetes expert or doctor to know the right form of consumption in your case.

4. Ginger
Ginger has been in use for a very long time to cure and prevent a lot of medical conditions. A review was done in the year 2015, which suggested ginger's usefulness in managing diabetes. Based on the results, it was found that ginger helped reduce blood sugar levels. At the same time, it was observed that ginger doesn't help reduce blood insulin levels. Of course, establishing ginger in the league of the most effective anti-diabetic food yet requires a lot of research. Ginger too can be taken in multiple ways including capsule, through tea, adding chopped ginger or its powder to food, or by consuming it in liquid form in ginger ale.

5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-known for its skin benefits. However, its benefits aren't limited to the skin, but extend to Type-2 diabetes as well. Aloe vera helps safeguard and repair the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Perhaps, this is on account of the antioxidant effect of the herb. Aloe vera can be either consumed in capsule form, or by adding the juiced pulp to a smoothie or a drink.

The effectiveness of herbs may vary from case to case, and therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the right herbs are consumed in the right quantities. Consult your doctor before you try out a new herb.

Diabetes is one of those health conditions, which cannot be cured, but can be managed well; be it through engaging in exercises, eating a healthy diet or medications. Ayurveda also suggests some herbs that can be effective in managing this condition well. One of the most popularly used herbs is vijaysar that is known to help regulate blood sugar levels. Scientifically termed as Pterocarpus Marsupium, vijaysar is well known as Malabar kino and Indian kino and is indigenous to Sri Lanka, India and Nepal. This herb is widely used in Ayurveda for its therapeutic and healing properties. Let's look at how vijaysar helps in maintaining your blood sugar levels and manage diabetes well.

Vijaysar Benefits: How Vijaysar helps in managing diabetes?
It is said that the anti-hyperlipdemic properties of vijaysar tree help reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipo-protein and serum triglyceride levels in the body. It also tends to reduce symptoms of diabetes like frequent urination, overeating and burning sensation in limbs. According to Ayurveda Expert, Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, "Vijaysar can used in the form of utensils like glass, or internally as powder, tablet and capsules. It improves insulin sensitivity, peripheral utilisation of glucose, GLUT4, Hepato glycogen levels, which ultimately reduce blood sugar levels."

According to Ayurveda expert Dr. Ram N Kumar from NirogStreet, "Vijaysar is native to India and found mostly in Indian subcontinent. Vijaysar found in western ghat jungles are considered good for controlling Prameha (Diabetes). Vijaysar increases digestive agni and increases insulin production in body. It is easy to take Vijaysar; cut into small pieces and put it into water, the colour of the water would change to red. Drink it in the morning before breakfast. The same wood can be used twice."

How to use vijaysar for diabetes?
1. It is believed that in olden times, Ayurveda gurus used blocks or pieces of vijaysar wood to control diabetes. It is said to be a time-tested method of managing blood sugar levels. Nowadays, it is more easily available in the form of powder, tablets and supplements. Here's how you can use vijaysar to control diabetes:

2. Vijaysar wood tumblers are available; all you need to do is to add some water in the tumbler overnight. The tumbler will turn the water into reddish brown colour and have a neutral taste. Drink it the morning on an empty stomach. Tumblers made of vijaysar wood are said to last upto 40-45 days.

3. You could simply soak a piece of vijaysar wood in water overnight and drink the water first thing in the morning to regulate diabetes.

4. You could also have vjiaysar in the form of tablets and powder with water.

Please note: In case you are a diabetic and have been advised to take medications, make sure you consult your diabetologist, as having medication and vijaysar together may significantly drop your blood sugar levels.

Type-2 diabetes is a condition which affects the way the body processes blood sugar. In this condition, the body of the patient either doesn't produce the hormone insulin or it resists the effects of insulin, making it incapable of regulating blood sugar. There are over 10 million cases of Type-2 diabetes in India every year. Some of the reported symptoms of Type-2 diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urge to urinate, hunger, fatigue and blurred vision. This condition may be managed through medication, exercise and by following a healthy diet. It is crucial for a patient of Type-2 diabetes to follow a strict and healthy diet, which prevents any sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. This is why diabetics must carefully analyse every food on their plate and include more foods that control blood sugar.

Green pea or matar is one such vegetable that diabetics may benefit from including in their diet. One of the most popular desi vegetables, green peas are utilised in Indian cooking across the subcontinent. Although peas are a winter vegetable, nowadays they are available around the year. Green peas can be added to a variety of dishes to add nutrition to them.

Benefits Of Green Peas For Diabetics
There are a number of reasons why green peas are good for patients of Type-2 diabetes:

1. Low in Calories
A 100 gm portion of green peas contains only 80 calories (as per the data by United States Department Of Agriculture). Low-calorie foods are important for diabetics as being overweight is a risk factor for Type-2 diabetes. Additionally, weight gain in diabetics makes it even harder for patients to control blood sugar levels.

2. Rich In Potassium
A deficiency of potassium may increase risk of diabetes and hence this mineral is important for those who are vulnerable to the condition. Green peas contain 244 mg of potassium per 100 gm (as per USDA), which may be good for diabetics. Additionally, potassium is important for keeping blood pressure levels under check.

3. Rich In Protein
A 100 gm portion of green peas contains 5 gm of protein (as per USDA data). Protein is a satiating nutrient, which may prevent hunger pangs. Additionally, protein is important for weight management, which is also important for diabetics.

4. Rich In Fibre
A 100 gm portion of green peas contains 14 gm of carbohydrates, including 5 gm of fibre (as per USDA data). Fibre is perhaps the most important nutrient for diabetics to focus on. This nutrient is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels and blood pressure. This is because it is digested slowly in the body, releasing blood sugar slowly and preventing any spikes.

Diabetics may add peas to their rice dishes, salads, breakfast omelettes, upma, pies and even pastas. It is important to consult your dietitian before adding any food to your diabetes diet.

Today, our lifestyle is a serious threat to our health. We live in a way in which we do not provide the right food to the body, nor do we exercise right. Taking into account the fact that we consume so much processed food and even more unhealthy food, is there anything that can be done? Well, of course! Without having to put much effort, follow some simple steps, which will result in plenty of benefits.

Remember, the main area of focus in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle is your diet. After all, it is true that this has massive effects on the health of any person, regardless of the stage of life he or she is in.

Sleep better: Over the longer run, it is impossible for a person to prosper health-wise if he or she does not get a sufficient amount of sleep, according to what is actually needed. A few simple things which can be done to improve a person’s sleep are cutting out caffeine and alcohol from one's diet. While it may seem that alcohol helps a person sleep better, it does throw the sleep cycle out of whack. Similarly, caffeine has properties which contribute to keeping a person up for long hours.

Eat a balanced diet: When it comes to the ideal diet for a healthy person, it should contain an adequate amount of nutrients and should also be balanced, so as to not overload on any one set of nutrients. Comprehensiveness has its much required advantages. So, adequate portions of fresh fruits and vegetables is a must, while you should keep a check on the consumption of sugar, fast food and starchy food items.

Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the worst habits any person can have and it does no favours for any individual, regardless of the situation that is faced. If no problems are faced, it can create its own! Apart from the repercussions on the heart, what also occurs when a person smokes is that the bones are weakened and the bladder is irritated. Additionally, the risk of cancer increases. So, who would want to compound the normal troubles of life with the misery all these things can provide?

Focus on fitness: Regular exercise is something which is quite underrated. Consistency is said to be the key. As a matter of fact, it improves sleep and does wonders for a person’s mood, apart from other health benefits such as keeping the weight in control. It not only protects joints, but also helps overall health, and can go a long way in letting you lead a healthy life.

The above discussed lifestyle changes can do wonders for your overall health. These will surely help you in living a healthy as well as happy life forever.

What is a blood sugar test?
A blood sugar test is a procedure that measures the amount of sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Your doctor may order this test to help diagnose diabetes. People with diabetes can also use this test to manage their condition.

Blood sugar tests provide instant results and let you know the following:
Your diet or exercise routine needs to change
How your diabetes medications or treatment is working
If your blood sugar levels are high or low
Your overall treatment goals for diabetes are manageable
Your doctor may also order a blood sugar test as part of a routine check up. They may also be looking to see if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes,a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal.

Your risk for diabetes increases if any of the following factors are true:
You are 45 years old or older
You are overweight
You don’t exercise much
You have high blood pressure, high triglyceride’s, or low good cholesterol levels (HDL)
You have a history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds
You have a history if insulin resistance
You have a history of strokes or hypertension
You have a family history of diabetes
Checking your blood sugar levels can be done at home or at a doctor’s clinic.

What does a blood sugar test do?
Your doctor may order a blood sugar test to see if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes. The test will measure the amount of glucose in your blood. Your body takes carbohydrates found in foods like grains and fruits and converts them into glucose. Glucose, a sugar, is one of the body’s main sources of energy. For people with diabetes, a home test helps monitor blood sugar levels. Taking a blood sugar test can help determine your blood sugar level to see if you need to adjust your diet, exercise, or diabetes medications.
Low blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) can lead to seizures or a coma if left untreated. High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) can lead to ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that’s often a concern for those with type 1 diabetes.
Ketoacidosis occurs when your body starts using only fat for fuel. Hyperglycemia over a long period can increase your risk for neuropathy (nerve damage), along with heart, kidney, and eye diseases.

What are the risks and side effects of a blood sugar test?
A blood sugar test has low to no risks or side effects. You may feel soreness, swelling, and bruising at the puncture site, especially if you’re drawing blood from a vein. This should go away within a day.

Types of blood sugar tests
You can take a blood sugar test two ways. People who are monitoring or managing their diabetes prick their finger using a glucometer for daily testing. The other method is drawing blood.
Blood samples are generally used to screen for diabetes. Your doctor will order a fasting blood sugar (FBS) test. This test measures your blood sugar levels, or a glycosylated hemoglobin, also called a hemoglobin A1C test. The results of this test reflect your blood sugar levels over the previous 90 days. The results will show if you have pre diabetes or diabetes and can monitor how your diabetes is controlled.

When to test blood sugar?
When and how often you should test your blood sugar depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment.
Type-1 diabetes: According to the medical experts, if you’re managing type-1 diabetes with multiple dose insulin or an insulin pump, you’ll want to monitor your blood sugar before eating a meal or snack, exercising, sleeping, critical tasks like driving or babysitting.
High blood sugar: You’ll want to check your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes and feel increasing thirst and the urge to urinate. These could be symptoms of high blood sugar and you may need to modify your treatment plan. If your diabetes is well-controlled but you still have symptoms, it may mean you’re getting sick or that you’re under stress. Exercising and managing your carbohydrate intake may help with lowering your blood sugar levels. If these changes don’t work, you may need to meet with your doctor to decide how to get your blood sugar levels back into target range.

Low blood sugar: Check your blood sugar levels if you feel any of the symptoms like shaky, sweaty or chilly, irritated or impatient, confused, light-headed or dizzy, hungry and nauseous, sleepy, tingly or numb in the lips or tongue, weak, angry, stubborn, or sad. Some symptoms like delirium, seizures, or unconsciousness can be symptoms of low blood sugar or insulin shock. If you’re on daily insulin injections, ask your doctor about glucagon, a prescription medicine that can help if you’re having a severe low blood sugar reaction.
You can also have low blood sugar and show no symptoms. This is called hypoglycemia unawareness. If you have a history of hypoglycemia unawareness, you may need to test your blood sugar more often.

Pregnant women: Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This is when hormones interfere with the way your body uses insulin. It causes sugar to accumulate in the blood. Your doctor will recommend testing your blood sugar regularly if you have gestational diabetes. Testing will make sure that your blood glucose level is within a healthy range. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after childbirth.

No scheduled testing: Home testing may be unnecessary if you have type-2 diabetes and have a diet- and exercise-based treatment plan. You may also not need home testing if you’re taking medications that aren’t associated with low blood sugar.