Diabetes is fast becoming the biggest epidemic of the Twenty-first Century.
Diabetes is a major public health problem that is approaching epidemic proportions globally. Worldwide, the prevalence of chronic, noncommunicable diseases is increasing at an alarming rate. About 18 million people die every year from cardiovascular disease, for which diabetes and hypertension are major predisposing factors.
About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority living in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.6 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades.
Read more about Diabetes and it’s risks on Health24
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent, or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. The majority of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity.
Symptoms may be similar to those of type 1 diabetes, but are often less marked. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset, after complications have already arisen.
Until recently, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring increasingly frequently in children.
Health Impact
Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
- Adults with diabetes have a two- to three-fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Combined with reduced blood flow, neuropathy (nerve damage) in the feet increases the chance of foot ulcers, infection and eventual need for limb amputation.
- Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness, and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. Diabetes is the cause of 2.6% of global blindness.
- Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure.
How to Avoid Being Part of the Growing Diabetes 'Epidemic'
The good news is if you’re diagnosed as pre-diabetic or have diabetes, you can make lifestyle changes that can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes complications. These include:
- Maintain a healthy body mass index. Every 2.2 pounds of weight lost reduces your diabetes risk by 16 percent.
- Eat a low-fat diet. Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, lean meats, fish and chicken.
- Avoid certain foods. Processed, refined carbohydrates and foods rich in saturated fats and sugar should be avoided.
- Stay hydrated. Skip the sugar-sweetened beverages and drink water throughout the day.
- Daily exercise. Get off the couch and get involved in regular physical activity that will help your body use insulin more efficiently.
- Reduce stress. Learn ways to chill. The stress response triggers the release of hormones that increase blood sugar levels.
- Get a full night’s rest. Sleep deprivation can cause obesity, which leads to an increased risk of diabetes.
- Commit to self-care. See your doctor regularly and never missed prescribed medication.
How will Chaya help you?
Chaya “Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius” leaves has a hypoglycemic effect. Chaya regenerates β-cells of the pancreas, and due to the strong presence of flavonoids in Chaya’s phytochemical analysis, the plant has a blood glucose lowering effect. Active components in Chaya decreases the blood sugar levels.
To buy Chaya please contact your nearest agent here
Chaya can also be bought online at our Nutridry Shop:
First obtain a coupon voucher from your nearest agent for discount!