Fight diabetes the positive way

Fight diabetes the positive way

Incidence of diabetes is increasing alarmingly. But the good thing is that Type 2 diabetes cases are easily preventable. Read on to know more

14.11.2021

Resp.Edit@timesgroup.com

Often known as the diabetes capital of the world, India has been witnessing an alarming rise in the incidence of diabetes. Rapid urbanisation, demographic transition and lifestyle modifications are said to be the major causes for the increased incidence of diabetes. By 2030, the number of diabetic people in India is expected to cross the 100 million mark, according to a report by International Diabetes Federation.

The Type 2 diabetes comprises around 90 per cent of diabetes cases in the world and can be attributed to lifestyle disorders like being overweight or having a sedentary lifestyle. These two conditions further raise a person's insulin needs. Gestational diabetes, too, can further lead to Type 2 diabetes. People with family members with Type 2 diabetes and people who have metabolic syndrome (a cluster of problems that include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low good 'HDL' cholesterol and a high bad 'LDL' cholesterol and high blood pressure) are at a higher risk, too.

But the silver lining to this growing concern is that a large proportion of Type 2 diabetes cases are easily preventable. With simple lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring, it is easy to delay the onset or prevent Type 2 diabetes. The first and foremost thing to take care in this regard is to maintain a normal BMI and engaging in regular physical exercises. Eating a moderate and healthy diet can further reduce the risk of diabetes.

Find the silver lining

Viewing diabetes as a burden is surely not going to ease the journey. It is one sickness that needs lifestyle management more than prescribed medicines. The sooner you accept the entire diabetes package that includes numerous tests and all, the better you will be able to cope with the disorder. Living with diabetes brings frustration on account of thousands of blood tests, multiple appointments with doctors, eating restricted diet and what not. Nonetheless, how we think about our diabetes plays a much larger role than the actual events that are the reason for frustration. Here's a low-down on some of the aspects that can bring in positivity.

Change your outlook It is not essential to look at diabetes as the end of the world. Being diagnosed with this disorder certainly doesn't mean that you cannot live your life anymore. It is in your hands to view it as a detriment, a blessing in disguise or just be neutral about it.

Make it a part of your life Just as you face the traffic on roads and can do nothing about it, look at diabetes as something you need to learn to live with. It is understood that doing the same task again and again can raise the level of frustration; but if you come to accept it, just like brushing teeth or taking a bath, it will lessen the frustration and increase your ability to manage diabetes.

Motivational factor Instead of playing the victim card, make diabetes your reason to live a healthy lifestyle. Go for morning walks, make friends, go for swimming together, join a health club and be as social as you can. View it as a blessing in disguise and look for the positives.