After you get over the initial shock of being diagnosed with diabetes, you will realize that you have to take steps to keep your blood sugar levels under tight control. You owe it to yourself to prevent any health complications that could affect you in the future. So the sooner steps are taken to achieve a healthy, fit lifestyle, the better.

Whether you are diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes you will receive support and back-up from your GP or diabetic clinic. They will teach you how to administer blood sugar tests, take your oral medication, or give yourself insulin injections. You will learn the various ways of adjusting blood sugar (glucose ) levels through medication, diet and exercise.

When I was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic I was completely overwhelmed by all the information and advice I was given. It was a life-changing event for me. Life wouldn’t ever be quite the same again. However you soon come to realize that despite all the support available, when push comes to shove, you are the one who has to control your illness.

I know that I’m responsible for keeping as healthy and fit as possible. The alternative is another stay in hospital. By managing your diabetes effectively you can continue to live a normal life, enjoying your food and taking part in all the activities you’ve always enjoyed.

Healthy Eating

You do need to eat the right types of food, because what you eat directly affects your blood sugar levels, which ideally should be between 4mmol/l - 7mmol/l ( 75mg/dL - 120mg/dL ) although most diabetics have difficulty maintaining this measurement. What you eat also affects the level of cholesterol in your blood and your blood pressure.

By eating ‘good’ foods you also manage your weight. This doesn’t mean you have to go on a special diet. I find the Glycaemic Index is a sensible guide. Foods low in fat, salt and sugar, with plenty of fruit, vegetables and pulses. This is the ideal diet for everyone, not just diabetics. When I changed my eating habits, I lost over a stone in weight in about three months.

? It’s important to try to keep to a regular routine when you can.

? Allow about three hours between each meal. This way it’s easier to keep blood sugar levels in check.

? Cut down on fat saturated foods - throw out the deep-fat fryer.

? Eat a good selection of fruit and vegetables, and include various pulses. There are many varieties of beans and lentils.

? Try to have oily fish a couple of times a week, as they contain Omega 3. Mackerel, pilchards, salmon and sardines are ideal.

? Limit sugary foods. You don’t have to go sugar-free. Sweeteners are a great help if you have a sweet tooth.

? Definitely cut out the sugary fizzy drinks.

? Don’t buy special diabetic food products. They are a complete waste of money and do not benefit a healthy diet.

Getting Physical

Physical activity is particularly important for a diabetic’s health. You don’t have to train for a marathon, although many diabetics do. I find that by taking a brisk walk first thing in the morning, I can keep my insulin medication down to a minimum. Exercise is marvelous for lowering blood sugar levels. It also helps to prevent a heart attack or stroke, which is one of the complications of diabetes. Regular exercise also strengthens your bones and relieves gnawing aches and pains.

It is important to manage your oral or insulin medication carefully when exercising. Because the extra exertion will lower your blood sugar levels naturally, you may need to adjust your medication to take this into account. Too much exercise plus too much insulin could result in a hypo, where you blood sugar level slips below 4 mmol/l.

So always carry some glucose tablets, a glucose drink, and something starchy with you, just in case you start to feel a bit ‘wobbly’. I always have jelly babies and a flapjack in my bag at all times, in case of a hypo. If you feel the need, just eat 4 jelly babies or glucose tablets, have a drink, and then eat a sandwich or, as I do - a flapjack. In 15 minutes you’ll feel great again.

A good nutritious diet, fresh air and exercise are the answer to optimum health in diabetes.

There have been some testing done for turmeric for diabetes, but it hasn’t been on humans. At least not yet, because so far all the testing has been done on mice.

We’re not talking about Type 1 diabetes. Turmeric for diabetes studies have all focused on Type 2. So if you’re Type 1, like my husband is, more test have to be done to see if this spice will help you with your disease.

The health benefits come from the curcumin in this spice.

When obese male mice that had previously been fed a high fat diet were given curcumin, they encountered a small but statistically important decrease in body fat percentage and body weight. Yet they hadn’t changed their diet at all.

Female mice that were purposely bred to have lower levels of an appetite regulating hormone leptin, also showed the same data. Both had improved blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance.

In this test all the mice also had decreased levels of inflammation in their livers and their fat tissues. All of these factors combined can indicate a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease.

Since these test haven’t been done on humans, we must wait until more studies are done to determine if taking turmeric for diabetes will help people struggling with this disease.

In the mean time turmeric has been shown to have benefits for heart disease, which is a common killer of diabetics, so taking a supplement with this in it certainly won’t harm you, and in fact will help your over all general health.

My husband and I both take a supplement that contains 70 different nutrients our bodies need for optimal health, one of them being curcumin, the helpful part of turmeric. If you’re diabetic you know keeping your body in top shape is very important.

On that note check out my web site where you can find a totally balanced supplement that will nourish your whole body. The same company also carries a product especially for diabetics. Taking them together will be very good for your fight against diabetes, if you have the disease now.

Reversing type 2 diabetes is not an easy task, but it can be done. Type 2 diabetes reversal requires a life long commitment to a change of nutritional eating habits, along with exercise. Choosing a healthy diet of the proper foods can reverse type 2 diabetes for life, but reversing back to an unhealthy diet will cause the diabetes to swiftly return. With the will to change, you can take charge of your life, and get your diabetes under control.

You must choose a diet that will balance your sugar level. These foods include fresh fruits, as they are a natural form of sugar and Organic is always the best option. Eat foods that detoxify your liver (providing stronger liver function) such as artichokes, broccoli, kale and cauliflower. The key is fresh natural foods, and never processed foods, such as canned fruits and vegetables, cheeses, packaged foods and artificial sweeteners. that no longer have nutritional benefits. They are made for shelf life and preparation ease, but can be dangerous for diabetics.

In order to boost your metabolism and balance your body’s sugar level, it is better to eat six small meals a day, than to eat three large meals a day. Have your doctor prescribe supplements such as a multivitamin, and other supplements, if needed. Fish oil is a good supplement for diabetics. Fish oil is often prescribed (by physicians) for type 2 diabetic patients.

There are various ways to maintain a healthy sugar level, but it certainly can be maintained with a proper healthy diet, along with exercise. Walking 30 to 45 minutes a day can actually help to stop the progression of diabetes, and exercise helps to eliminate stress, which can also be a cause of fluctuation in blood sugar levels. So therefore (without a doubt) you can reverse diabetes, by changing your diet.