Ex-cricketer Wasim Akram suffers from Type 1 diabetes. He blamed the onset on stress that came with managing a hectic cricketing career. PIC/SAYED SAMEER ABEDI

Abnormally-high blood sugar levels that result in Diabetes, need to be controlled in time. If you are a diabetic, or want to stay clear of being one, follow iTALK's quick-fix kitchen remedy guide

Yes, it may sound improbable, but it's possible to control diabetes without popping pills and paying frequent visits to a diebetologist.

Symptoms like feeling pale and lethargic, frequent urination and blurred vision indicate that you could be suffering from diabetes. You need to first figure out the type of diabetes you are suffering from by visiting a doctor, and then act accordingly. Usually,  diabetes is a result of stress and high levels of cholesterol, which are  directly linked to your food and your exercise schedule.

But curing diabetes needn't all be about tasteless food. We tell you how foods in your kitchen and some lifestyle changes can help you keep the disease in check.

Four foods that will help

Aanchal Achipalya, Nutritionist, Talwalkar

Green tea:
A cup of green tea in the morning is excellent.
Why drink it: It helps in weight loss since it has hardly any calories. It increases immunity, helps fight infections.

Fruits:
Diabetics can consume all fruits, except chikoo, grapes and banana.
Why consume fruits: Have guava. Its antioxidant properties help diabetics.

Flaxseed:
Roast flaxseeds and add to buttermilk  or salads.
Why consume it: It helps lower blood pressure. It avoids platelets from becoming sticky, keeping heart attack at bay.

Fenugreek (methi) seeds:
Soak 1/4th tsp of fenugreek seeds in water overnight, and drink the water.
Why consume it: It aids in digestion and regulates blood sugar levels.

What no doctor will tell you 8 easy-and-sasta ways to stay super fit

Dr Ravi Kothari  Ayurveda Specialist

Go for a 45-minute daily walk.

Have a mixture of ginger, turmeric pieces, salt and lime juice. Acts as a catalyst and helps lower sugar levels. Eat this mixture before your meals.

Sit in Vajrasan position (cross-legged on the floor) after lunch and dinner. In case if you feel like lying down, lie down on the left-hand side as this activates your Suryanadi, which starts the process of digestion.

Consume rotis made out of pearl barley; they help in weight reduction and flush out the toxins from the body.
A vegetable juice boosts your immune system. A combination of 4 amlas, 1 green gourd and fresh turmeric promotes longevity.
 
Consume 1 tsp of triphala with water in the morning. It's a great rejuvenating agent. Consume 1 tsp with hot water at night to eliminate waste from your body.
Consume rice that's one year old, not fresh. Cook it on the stove with water, and throw away the starch water.

Avoid overeating, but at the same time, avoid staying hungry for more than four hours. Take small sips while eating your meals, instead of drinking it all at the end.

Diabetes don'ts:

>>Do not consume pure sugars in the form of sweets, syrups, ice-creams.
>>Control your sodium intake.
>>Avoid fasting.
>>Avoid consuming aerated drinks and colas.

Not so sweet statistics

According to diabetesindia.com, India is on its way to becoming the country with the largest number of diabetics; more than 49.8 million patients.
It is likely to increase to 69.9 million by 2025 

Follow this food routine

Dr Saifuddin Bandukwala Physician and Diabetologist at Lilavati and Hiranandani Hospitals

Bring about a positive change in your lifestyle by eating the right food at the right time. Here's what your meals should look like:

Breakfast: Wheat or oat porridge, a small papaya or an apple, a glass of tea or coffee without sugar,  5-6 almonds.
Mid-morning snack: One fibrous fruit like pomegranate, curd or buttermilk, two cracker biscuits.
Lunch: Two rotis and a vegetable. Or one roti, a vegetable and a bowl of rice. If you are a non-vegetarian, avoid eating red meat. Have fish or chicken.
Evening snack: Roti, a slice of brown bread or Upma or two Idlis.  Even an egg preparation is good for health since it is a good source of protein. Discard the yolk though. Use olive oil to prepare your food.
Dinner: Same as lunch. Eat simple home food, and avoid meat if you've had it for lunch.
Bed-time snack: A fruit or a glass of buttermilk.