Diabetes is caused when the pancreas does not function properly and glucose level falls outside the normal range. Diabetes also affects eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart and can be diagnosed through a simple blood test done on empty stomach. Once the results of tests are in hand, the doctor advises the patient about the food and exercise schedules to be followed. Some of the common symptoms of diabetes are weight loss, frequent urination, thirst and feeling of tiredness.

Diabetes is on the rise, yet most cases of diabetes are preventable with healthy lifestyle changes. Some can even be reversed. The bottom line is that you have more control over your health than you think. If you’re concerned about diabetes, you can make a difference by eating a healthy diet, keeping your weight in check, and getting exercise.

Eating right for diabetes comes down to three things:  

•    What you eat. Your diet makes a huge difference!! You should eat mostly plant foods, cut back on refined curbs and sugary drinks, and choose healthy fats over unhealthy fats.
•    When you eat. Diet is part of it, but keeping regular meal and snack times also affects your blood sugar levels and will help to keep them more constant.
•    How much you eat. Portion sizes matter. Even if you eat very healthy meals, if you eat too much you will gain weight, which is a factor in diabetes.

Best for Diabetes: -

•    Eat healthy at restaurants: - When eating out, make sure that you order food which is diabetic-friendly. Some restaurants have specifically planned meals for diabetics.
•    Exercise and elevator: -Exercise regularly every day. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, slow running, swimming will keep you cool, energetic and lighter through out the day.  While you are in your office or at any shopping mall, use the elevator and avoid the stairs.
•    Desserts evolve diabetic deserts: - Desserts after dinner are tempting. It is difficult to stay away from them. However, if you are a diabetic, it is in your best interest. Desserts are sweet and eating a single serving can raise your blood sugar level. If at all you wish to have dessert, make sure it is made from an artificial sweetener, which has been prescribed by the doctor.
•    Drink plenty of water: - Drink plenty of water. It is good for you. Water is very essential as it helps keep your body in good shape.  Drink a minimum of 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday.
•    Avoid salt, butter and oil: -Avoid these things in your diet as they can have adverse effects on your body.

Here are 3 important fruits the diabetic patient needs to consume to keep him away from health issues: they are

•    Jambul fruit is the most popular diabetic fruit to be consumed by the patient. It is treated as a good medicine because of its effect on the pancreas. This fruit is helpful as it contains a glucoside 'jamboline' that keeps a check on the pathological switch of starch into sugar in cases of augmented production of glucose.
•    Gooseberry is rich in vitamin C content, is measured valuable in diabetes. Gooseberry helps in decreasing the blood sugar level in diabetes.
•    Grapefruit is an excellent fruit in the diet of a diabetic patient. Grapefruits need to be eaten on a regular basis and three grapefruits can be eaten on every single meal in a day.