Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by the decreased ability or complete inability of the tissues to utilize carbohydrates, accompanied by changes in the metabolism of fat, protein, water and electrolytes. The disorder is due to a deficiency or diminished effectiveness of the hormone insulin.

There are two common types of diabetes mellitus:


Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or type I: It usually occurs before the age of 40 years. The disease usually has an abrupt onset and the abnormality of carbohydrate metabolism is severe due to lack of endogenous insulin to control blood glucose levels. These diabetics require high doses of insulin.


Non-Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type II: This type usually occurs in middle life or beyond the age of 40 years, although it may also occur in the younger age group. The patients are most often obese. The onset is gradual and there is some amount though limited, of endogenous insulin.

General instruction for patients suffering from diabetes;

• Keep strictly to your diet if any change is required then consult the dietician
• If you do not feel well or if you are in difficulty about your medicine, consult the doctor.
• If you are gaining or losing weight, inform your doctor
• Test your urine regularly and get your blood examined once a month
• Walk at least a mile daily.
• Keep your skin clean and feet dry. Avoid wearing tight shoes and socks. Consult your doctor on any skin problems.
• If you have any injury or you are going for an operation, declare to your doctor that you are a diabetic.
• If any other problem worrying you, see the social worker / counselor.

Instructions to patients taking Insulin

• Do not alter the dose of Insulin without consulting the doctor.
• Do not allow more than an hour to elapse between a injection of Insulin and your food.
• If you get a cold, sore throat or feverish illness, do not stop taking Insulin. Take plenty of milky food instead of solids, if it is difficult to swallow.

Prohibited Foods
Glucose, sugar , honey and all sweets, jaggery, ice-cream, pastries, cake, jam, jelly, squash, canned fruit juice, sugarcane juice, chocolates, bourn vita, all aerated waters except soda.

Foods to avoid
Potatoes, Yam (zimikand), Arbi, Mangoes, Grapes, Cheeku and Bananas, Dried food stuffs, Dried fruits and Nuts e.g. peanuts, almonds, cashew nuts, raising and coconut etc., all alcoholic drinks.

Foods to be used freely
Green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, lime, clear soups, black coffee without milk and sugar, butter milk (lassie), sour chatnis and pickles without oil, pepper and zeera water, jamun fruit and karela juice.

Foods that help diabetics bring down sugar levels
Diabetics should fill up on leafy vegetables, bitter gourd (karela), papaya, oranges, lentils and legumes with strings and skin intact, whole grain cereals, bran, pulses, sprouted mung, and 10 to 20 grams of guar gum (from cluster beans)