What Can We Do About Diabetes?

Perhaps the most important first step is to realize just how big a problem this is, how this disease is maiming and killing us

• The most common symptoms of hyperglycemia (from insulin resistance/diminished insulin secretion) are increased thirst, increased urination and weight loss despite increased appetite. However, a diabetic may not experience any symptoms until he or she starts going blind or loses sensation in the hands or feet. This disease can happen to anyone, so it is important to have our blood glucose checked, especially if any symptoms are experienced.
• The second step is to do something about it. Diabetes can be controlled. Losing weight is probably the best way of reducing the chance of getting diabetes.
• Since this disease has increased as we have changed our diets, it is obvious that a change in diet can help curb the disease. Instead of eating processed foods high in fat, salt and sugar (like turkey tails, rice and soda) we should try to eat more of the food we have long relied on: like fish, breadfruit and taro. Studies have shown that people who eat more traditional diets have a lower chance of developing diabetes, and can reverse their diabetes if it has already developed.
• Another important way to control diabetes is through increasing activity. This can be done by walking instead of riding, and caring for a garden (which helps with the diet as well).

Every small step helps. It is important to be consistent and not give up since we are, after all, talking about our health and the health of our children. Becoming aware of the symptoms of diabetes as well as the ways that it can be treated can help us lead longer, healthier lives.