Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of glucose in the blood.
Persons diagnosed either do not produce enough insulin (type 1) or cannot use insulin properly (type 2).
Both types not only cause harm to the cells that needs the sugar for fuel, but also causes problems for certain tissues and organs exposed to the high glucose levels.
In most cases this can be controlled without medication with a strict diet, eating on a regular schedule and exercise.
While certain foods must be totally given up, others need to be taken in moderation.
White sugar, white flour, processed foods, and junk food, must be totally given up.
Avoid sweets, fruit sugar (bananas, grapes, strawberries, etc), cakes, starchy vegetables, soft drinks, cream and fried foods.
Anything that contains harmful preservatives and too much salt should be avoided.
Try and abstain from sweets, ice-creams and chocolates, including the so-called sugar-free types.
'Sugar free' foods still contain a high amount of carbohydrates which turn into sugar within your body.
Both simple and complex carbs can turn into sugar from 30 minutes to two hours time.
Other forms of control are to increase the amount of exercise each day.
Increasing daily physical activity of at least 30 minutes a day will help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Activity can also reduce the risk of mounting complications such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and leg ulcers.
Smoking and drinking should be used in moderation.
Having no more than seven alcoholic drinks in a seven day period and never more than two in one evening will aid in your health.
One drink is considered 6 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer.
Excessive alcohol use is a recognized risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Too much alcohol can cause high blood sugar levels, an increase in triglycerides, and a nerve pain called neuritis.
Smoking cigarettes or other form of tobacco noticeably raise the risks for nearly all diabetic complications.
Smoking damages blood vessels and contributes to heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation in the limbs.
By following these guidelines, it will not only give you improved health but prevent you from having to take pills or insulin shots.
Some people have even found that with consistent attention to diet, exercise, and weight, their diabetes has gone into remission.