Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels in an individual. The glucose that our body extracts from the food we eat is a primary energy source in humans. On the other hand, insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, regulates the amount or metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates by stimulating the absorption of glucose present in your blood.

If you’ve spoken to near and dear ones around you, then you may have noticed that people affected by diabetes exist in almost everyone’s life, yours too. It's a chronic disease caused by the pancreas' inability to produce enough insulin. It can also be caused by the body's inability to use the insulin produced properly. 

But, what exactly is insulin? What does it do inside our bodies, exactly? Well, it's a pancreatic hormone that regulates the amount of glucose entering our bloodstream from all foods we eat. Because glucose is your body's primary source of energy, any disruption in its distribution can disrupt a variety of vital functions.

India is the 2nd most populous country in the world after China, and according to a recent survey, over 30 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes. According to the crude prevalence rate or CPR, the percentage of diabetic people in Indian urban areas is 9, whereas it is 3% in rural areas.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu 

When speaking of Telugu celebrities with diabetes, Samantha is one name that immediately comes to our mind. In 2013, the actress also revealed that she was diagnosed with diabetes. However, she has changed her lifestyle to become one of India's fittest actresses.

Nick Jonas 

 Nick Jonas was only 13 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The former Jonas Brother has managed to have a fairly successful life, spreading awareness about the effects of diabetes. 

Fawad Khan 

At the age of 17, Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes. According to his doctor, The Khoobsurat actor’s ailment developed due to an Autoimmune disorder.

Sonam Kapoor 

She was also only 17 years old when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Because her condition was inherited, her pancreas produced little to no insulin. Sonam Kapoor remains a powerful voice in normalizing the lives of those affected by the disease.

Kamal Haasan 

 Kamal Haasan has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as well. Despite being 67 years old, the Nayakan star is still in great shape. His mother, according to reports, had chronic diabetes her entire life.

Early Signs of Diabetes

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slow-healing cuts and wounds
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Diabetes-friendly foods

Eating the right foods for diabetes entails consuming a wide range of healthy foods from all food groups.

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains, such as whole wheat, brown rice, barley, quinoa, and oats
• Proteins, such as lean meats, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, lentils, and tofu
• Nonfat or low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese

You may also need to limit the amount of alcohol you consume, as well as the amount of fat and salt you consume.