1. Daily estimation of blood sugar levels Daily estimation of blood sugar levels is necessary in all cases of diabetes - three times a day i.e. fasting, before lunch and dinner. However, at least twice daily measurement of blood sugar levels must be taken - fasting and before dinner. All diabetics are advised to use a blood glucose meter at home for a regular check-up of their blood sugar levels.

If a diabetic finds more/elevated sugar in his blood, he should analyse as follows:

(i) What has he been doing for the last 2 hours? He may be under stress.

(ii) Did he eat more?

(iii) Did he get less insulin/oral drug?

He should act as follows:

(i) If the result is mild sugar, do exercise, jump, walk; the sugar will thus get consumed or dissipated.

(ii) Avoid stress.

(iii) If the quantity of sugar is high, he should regulate his subsequent diet, exercise and drugs.

(iv) If the sugar is alarmingly high, he should consult his physician immediately.

2. Self-insulin injection

If the patient is on insulin injections, he should preferably learn the technique of self-injecting insulin into the various sites of his/her body. In such cases one should know about the proper sterilisation of syringes, needles, or preferably use disposabl~ syringes as well as needles which are available particularly for injecting insulin. A device such as NovoPen 3, like a pen loaded with penfill (refill containing enough insulin which can be used for many days depending on the need of the patient) can also be used for administering the daily dosages of insulin, under the direction of the physician. The penfill can be replaced when exhausted.

3. Prevent diabetic coma

A diabetic should avoid fasting. Even if a diabetic is get ting diarrhoea/vomiting/both, he should take the insulin/oral drug along with glucose/sugar dissolved in water as soon as the situation permits. In advanced cases, referral to a hospital is important for glucose therapy along with parenteral insulin. If the above is not strictly followed, it will lead to diabetic coma which is a medical emergency.

4. More about diabetic coma

It occurs when the blood sugar level becomes below normal (hypoglycaemic coma) or very high (hyperglycaemic coma). In the former case the patient say have taken more than the prescribed dosages of antidiabetic drugs in over-enthusiasm to make the blood sugar levels normal, or he may have taken meagre food with the same dosages of antidiabetic drugs. In the latter case, the patient either misses the drug, or takes heavy food as well; the chances are much more when there is some infection in the body.

The symptoms / signs of both the above types of coma are different. In hypoglycaemic coma, the skin is moist with profuse perspiration which can be noticed even by a person standing nearby. All diabetics should be aware of these symptoms and as soon as they start perspiring, they should start taking sugar cubes which every diabetic is required to keep in his pocket. In hyperglycaemic coma, the skin is dry. To meet this emergency efficiently, diabetics are required to keep a card in their pockets indicating that they are diabetic, so that on reaching the hospital, the doctor on duty can immediately ascertain the cause of coma and start treatment.

When so diagnosed, the disease must be controlled energetically so that its complications are either prevented or treated. While treating diabetes, one must keep in mind that control of diet and exercise are two important tools in conquering this serious problem.

Patients are advised to take low-fat, low-calorie, sugar free / restricted and high-fibre diet. A low-fat diet is especially required when one has higher levels of blood cholesterol. In general also, a low-fat diet is recommended for preventing the complications of diabetes, especially coronary artery disease / stroke. It may be mentioned that diabetes is a disease of the blood vessels.

In addition to a low-fat diet, the patient should avoid sugar, sweets and very sweet fruits. A high-fibre diet, which diabetics are advised to take, consists of green vegetables-cooked/ salad, whole wheat, cereals, unpolished rice, etc. It is the outer covering of grain i.e. bran, which helps in the control of diabetes. Green vegetables, besides being a high-fibre diet, also contain very low calories, and hence can be used, by diabetics in larger quantity so as to satisfy their appetite.

As regards exercise for the control of diabetes, diabetics are advised to take exercise according to the recommendation of the physician. If a diabetic is suffering from anyone or more complications of the disease, especially coronary artery disease, he/she should take only limited exercise for its control. In uncomplicated cases, especially in young age, even vigorous exercise can be taken. Ideally, light exercise, especially walking after meals, is very useful for most diabetics, as blood sugar is raised after taking food, and walking will control its higher levels, reducing or completely eliminating the use of antidiabetic drugs. However, walking should be taken in a pleasant atmosphere, say in the evening/night after food, and should not be taken after lunch, especially in summer.

In case diabetes is not, controlled by diet and exercise, only then drugs i.e. insulin (administered by injection) or oral drugs should be started in minimal dosages, and the patient should be again detailed about the diet and exercise, as it will reduce the dose of antidiabetic drugs. It is important to point out that the dose of antidiabetic drugs should be properly adjusted to avoid low blood sugar, causing unconsciousness. However, a diabetic may also become unconscious when the level of blood sugar is markedly elevated, say above 400 mg/ dl.

It is worth mentioning that even if the glucose tolerance test (GTT) is impaired (i.e. the level of the test does not indicate a case of diabetes), particularly if the range of the level of the test is close to the diabetic level, the patient must be advised regarding the value of diet and exercise so as to correct the impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Small dosages of oral antidiabetic drugs may have to be advocated in cases where the diet and exercise regimen fail. If this step is not carefully followed, cases of IGT are likely to become regular diabetics sooner or later. Even if the level is on the lower side of the range, as in the above situation, the patient must be advised to strictly follow the regimen of diet and exercise. Early intervention is necessary to check the progress and complications of the disease.

It's true that diabetes complications can cause severe damages to your body. That's one reason you should prevent diabetes complications' onset. On the other hand, you can stop their further damage to your body.

Actually, there are two categories of diabetes complications that you should be aware of. In the first category are included those called short-term complications, those settled in a short period of time due to high blood sugar levels.

Indeed, this kind of complications happens when you cannot control your diabetes, and there is a quick raise in blood sugar levels. Here are included Ketoacidosis, mostly occurs in type 1 diabetes; HHNS (Hyperglycemic Hyperosmotic Non Ketonic Syndrome) in type 2 diabetes.

When Ketoacidosis happens, a type 1 diabetic blood sugar level is very high. Yours cells need energy provided from sugar, especially your brain cells. Since your pancreas cannot produce insulin to provide fuel to your cells, your body produces ketones, energy-provided substances for your brain cells.

But, when your blood sugar level is very high, and at the same time your ketones level is very high, then can occur the symptoms of Ketoacidosis.

While in type 2 diabetes, due to high blood sugar levels, your body looses to much liquids and gets dehydrated. That causes the symptoms of HHNS. Both two are very dangerous because can lead to coma or even death.

The second category is called long-term complications, where are included those damages caused to your body from high blood sugar levels during many years.

Your blood vessels and other tissues can be damages and at the same time become very sensitive to further damages. Since your blood vessels are spread all around your body, your organs begin to suffer.

You can ''see'' how your heart suffers through and heart attack or hypertension. You can ''see'' your nerves damages through numbness or loss of your leg. Also your kidneys can become nonfunctional and practically you may need a dialysis to clean your body up. Your eyes are damaged and you may have many vision problems, even blindness.

On December 20th 2006 The General Assembly of the United Nations pass what can be describe as a landmark resolution when they recognized diabetes as a chronic debilitating and costly disease.

Although World Diabetes Day was previously celebrated on November 14 each year the resolution made it an officially designated United Nations Day beginning 2007 and every year following.

For 2007 the theme is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. The aim is to ensure that persons are well aware of diabetes and know where to access any help they may need.

To mark the first World Diabetes Day recognized by the United Nations various activities took place around the globe, the color blue which is used by diabetes organizations, is also the United Nations color.

The diabetes pin is a blue circle, the circle use symbolizes life and health across cultures. The blue reflects the sky that unites all nations. The circle shows the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic. Diabetics their loved ones and supporters can show support by wearing the Unite for Diabetes pin.

This year's theme Diabetes in Children and Adolescents was an attempt to alert parents, caregivers, medical personnel, and educators to consider diabetes as a possibility when children have puzzling symptoms.

In addition the theme also seeks to encourage persons not only to be on the look out for type 1 but that there needs to be an increase awareness of children and adolescents developing type 2 diabetes.

The theme also promotes healthy lifestyles, good nutrition and frequent exercise to help in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes. It brings into sharp focus that in some developing countries, children die from diabetes complications because insulin, other medications and health care are not readily available.

Despite this not being applicable to developed countries where parents can access health care, it should be noted that symptoms can be ignored or mistaken leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

High blood glucose levels, excessive thirst, very frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, vomiting, dizziness and rapid weight loss are all signs that should be taken seriously at any age and medical advice sought.

Diabetes has a unique impact on children and there families, the need to monitor blood glucose levels and take medication can seriously disrupt the normal daily activities of children.

This condition can interfere with the normal development functions of children and adolescents such as school and transitioning to adulthood. It is therefore important to raise the level of education and awareness if families and children are to cope with this disease.

It is also important to raise awareness and education so that early diagnosis and good management can be achieved. With this intervention from the United Nations it is hope that health care professionals, educators, parents and guardians will join forces to assist children and adolescents living with diabetes.

A diabetic coma is no joking matter and should be treated as a medical emergency.

A diabetes induced coma can occur when a diabetic is not taking precautionary measures and regulating his or her diet and insulin intake. It can occur if a person's blood sugar is too low. It can also occur if their blood sugar is too high. If you're a diabetic, you know that it's extremely important to maintain a balance between a high and low blood sugar.

If you're a diabetic and your blood sugar is too low, you may experience diabetic ketoacidosis. Sugar acts as fuel for the body and when a diabetic is deprived of that sugar, their body starts breaking down fat to produce energy. This causes ketones, or acids that can cause a coma if they're left untreated.

An extreme drop in blood sugar can cause hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia deprives your brain of glucose, which it needs to function. Typically when this happens, a person passes out. You don't have to be diabetic to experience this. Extreme exercise or drinking too much alcohol can also produce this unwelcome result.

If you're a diabetic and your blood soars, you may also end up in a diabetes induced coma. This is called diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. This causes your blood to get extremely thick, which makes it hard for sugar to pass from your blood to your urine. To make this transfer, your body starts going through a filtration process that takes fluid away from other body parts. This causes dehydration and fainting.

If any of these three instances are left unchecked, a diabetic may slip into a coma. It's extremely important to catch these things before a person's body gets to this point.

Comas don't just happen without any warning. A diabetic who's headed toward a coma will show signs that they're not feeling well. You should take not of the following signs: dry mouth, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, increased thirst, hunger, sweat, nervousness or irritability, lightly.

If these things are occurring, it's important to get to a doctor immediately especially if you haven't been paying attention to blood sugar regulation. A diabetic coma can result in death, so don't ignore the signs.

Individuals with diabetes often experience complications directly related to their eyes. One of the most serious medical problems that can arise in this area is diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when the retina of the eye experiences damage from the diabetes. The retina is a group, or many describe it as a "layer" of nerves that sit on the very back of the eyeball. This is much like a camera that shoots a picture and provides the brain with an image of what it saw. Individuals who suffer from retinopathy will experience complications with this process.

The retina contains vessels of blood that can actually split due to their sensitivity. When and if this occurs, the fluid from the vessels could drip down into the compounds of the eye. A number of problems can be result. First, it is likely to experience obstruction in the field of vision. Eventually, tissue that is referred to as "scar" may start to develop in and around the eyeball. This can actually cause the retina to experience a form of detachment from its normal resting area.

The damage that is caused by diabetic retinopathy is directly related to the impact of high levels of sugar in the blood. The true complication occurs as a result of the fact that the symptoms that are experienced with this condition are often only experienced once it has reached an extreme height of severity. In other words, you may not know you have a problem until it is too late to correct. This is why it is essential that a regular checkup from an eye doctor is done on an annual basis. If you are a sufferer of diabetes, it is even more important to ensure that you visit an eye doctor at least once per year. Problems can be identified prior to becoming troublesome.

There are many symptoms that may indicate that there is a complication with the eyes. Basically, any changes in the field of vision should be investigated. If you notice symptoms in the actual eye itself, this too, should be checked out. Many individuals may experience either black or white floaters that appear for no apparent reason. There are some who may find that their vision is weak. Blurry vision and double vision may also be experienced when suffering from this condition. The actual vision may become hindered as well. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with an eye doctor immediately.

Many times, an individual who experiences diabetic retinopathy will observe the eye and find that treatment is not necessary. However, if vision complications are experienced, there are some treatment options available. The treatments are intended to reduce the amount of vision loss that is being experienced. Surgical procedures are one method of relief. Prescription medication and treatments by laser are also safe treatment methods for this condition. Discussing your treatment options with a doctor is essential.