Are you managing your diabetes well?
Diabetes has become an increasingly familiar part of Indian life. Over 101 million Indians live with diabetes, according to a study by ICMR-INDIAB. In my own state of Kerala, one-fourth of the population are affected by this metabolic disease. Sugar is a common topic of conversation now at family gatherings with well-wishers handing out all sorts of suggestions. Someone recommends bitter gourd juice while another insists that brown rice is the answer. You may get many a WhatsApp forward about a miraculous herbal remedy too. Amid all this advice, a simple question deserves a serious answer: How do I know whether I am managing my diabetes well? Taking medicines regularly is important. So are the sensible eating habits and physical activity. But effective diabetes management involves more than following a list of dos and don’ts. It requires understanding your blood sugar, recognising warning signs, monitoring your overall health and knowing when to seek medical advice. The good n...
