Today’s era of rapid advancement of civilization, fast urban lifestyle, fast foods, changing diet patterns, lack of exercise and habits like consuming alcohol, smoking etc. have given rise to an epidemic of serious diseases like Syndrome X, Diabetes, Obesity and many more. The most alarming of them is Diabetes. Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has commented that there is 'an apparent epidemic of diabetes which is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change'. While the cases of diabetes will rise, it would be higher in developing countries, particularly in India, where the disease is projected to grow at the rate of 58 per cent. In fact, today every fifth diabetic in the world is an Indian. This makes many of our Indian families, especially urban ones, susceptible to Diabetes. And it is catching up with people who are relatively young. Nearly one-third of the diabetics in urban India are below the age of 40. And lack of awareness about the disease makes the situation even worse.

Diabetologists blame this disproportionate rise in diabetes to the affluent, high-stress, sedentary lifestyle, which is a fallout of adoption of the western culture. Although Indians are genetically prone to this disease, a well planned diet and a good fitness regime would definitely go a long way to help one cope with both prevention and control of Diabetes.

Since diabetes is a metabolic disorder, diet planning is of utmost importance. Excessive intake of Cane Sugar in such a case means health risks to all diabetics. Either one can stop Cane Sugar altogether and deprive oneself of the sweet goodies in life or give in to the use of low calorie sugar substitutes like Aspartame & Saccharin, which are nothing but artificial! However, there has always been a concern that excessive consumption of these artificial sweeteners may cause some unknown harm to the body.

But diabetics can now look forward for an ideal sweetener from Mother Nature, because when it comes to good health, she knows best!