Diabetes is ranked #7 in terms of the principal causes of deaths in Singapore

As of 2007, diabetes is ranked #7 in terms of the principal causes of deaths in Singapore. 
(http://www.moh.gov.sg).

But I do not see any major changes in terms of diet and lifestyle of some of the diabetic patients, my dad, for one.  What are the possible reasons why that is so?

They don't believe that it can be improved?  They are not aware of the consequences of diabetes?  They feel that the medications prescibed by the doctor is sufficient?  They dont think that the condition can be improved?  They are not sure what they can do to improve it?

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a result of the lack of insulin/ ineffective use of insulin, resulting in the sugar staying in the blood.  The blood sugar balance is critical for the body to function normally including the osmosis of nutrients into the cells.  As a result of this, the cells are starved of glucose and keep sending signals of food shortages to the brain. 

Hence symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, frequent/ extreme hunger despite eating a lot, unexplained weight loss and constant fatigue.

In addition, the body has to turn to fats as energy source, if fats is not broken down completely, there will be a build up of ketones which will alter teh blood chemistry further and make it acidic.

So what are the consequences of Diabetes?
If the condition is not managed properly, diabetic patient may have sores that take ages to heal, and their limbs may be amputated subsequently, frequent infections such as gum, skin, vaginal or bladder infections.

When the body is starving of food, the first organ to shut down will be the eyes.  Hence serious cases of diabetes will lead to blindness.  Some diabetic patients will also end up with major complications such as cardiovascular diseasee, kidney problems, high blood pressure, gangrene, damage to blood vessels and nervous system.

What are the causes of Diabetes?
1) Late and heavy dinners
2) Irregular meal times including over-eating or skipping a meal.
3) Overburdening the body with high fats, high calories, high sugar diet.
4) Eating more than your body requirements and lack of exercise.

Our body has a natural rhythm.  It is not made of metal and is not a machine.  If we want it to work for us, we have to take care of it, and not abuse it.  The organs undergo tremendous pressure when it has to cope with extreme changes and irregular diet.