The incidence of lifestyle diseases has gradually increased in the developing countries and in Kenya the rates are expected to reach 4.5% by 2025(WHO, 2015). This rise can be attributed to the poor dietary habits of many Kenyans. It is typical to see people in Nairobi having deep fried potato chips and soda for breakfast without any reservations. Similarly, more people are hanging out in the evenings over pizza and bottles of carbonated drinks to pass time, celebrate an occasion or merely to catch up. It is also surprising to note the number of fast food joints in the city, even international companies such as KFC and Subway are recently setting up here due to the thriving customer base. But can you blame us? Fast foods and carbonated drinks are easily accessible and relatively affordable! I could bet that very few hotels are open in the early morning hours that have well cooked meals with a serving of vegetables at the side.

In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has shown that the number of people living with Non-Communicable Diseases is high with 50% of all admissions in hospitals being attributed to NCDs (Ministry of Health, 2018). These diseases include cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, cancer, diabetes, diverticulosis, osteoporosis, arthritis and stroke among others.November is the World Diabetes Awareness month, and the rest of this article on this diabetes. I will expound on its types, causes, symptoms, complications, and management. Starting with the definition according to the World Health Organization, Diabetes is a condition that is characterized by elevated glucose levels in the blood. The blood glucose or sugar accumulates beyond the normal levels and overwhelms the body's regulatory system. Patients with high blood glucose often use synthetic insulin which they inject into their bodies. Today, human insulin is manufactured by genetic engineering and thus a vial of insulin is quite costly.

Types of Diabetes

1. Pre diabetes - characterized by fasting blood sugar levels (FBS) of 5.6 - 6.9 mmol/l.
2. Type 1 /Juvenile diabetes - early onset diabetes that results from lack of insulin production by the pancreatic cells. About 5% of diabetics have Type 1 diabetes.
3. Type 2 diabetes - adult onset diabetes mellitus. The affected people have adequate insulin in the body but it inhibited from working and cells lose sensitivity to it. It affects more than 90% of the diabetics.
4. Gestational diabetes - occurs in pregnant women due to insulin resistance in the body.
5. Secondary diabetes -brought by other diseases/medical conditions such as obesity.

Causes of Diabetes

Health experts have stated that although genetics has a role to play in this modern epidemic, lifestyle, physical inactivity, obesity and unhealthy dietary practices (excess fat consumption) are major causes of Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

1. Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
2. Excessive appetite (polyphagia)
3. Excessive passing of urine (polyuria)
4. Fatigue
5. Blurred vision and eye problems
6. Vaginal itching
7. Frequent infections
8. Kidney problems.

Management of Diabetes

The best method of managing diabetes is simply through proper dieting. Eating a diet low in sugar and fats, and high in fiber is the first step towards diabetes management with reduction in blood glucose levels reported within weeks. Eating guidelines have been outlined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the recommendations are based on personal needs. With the help of a nutritionist or dietician one can prepare a suitable meal plan to reduce blood glucose levels. This adjusted eating plan should be coupled with daily exercise for effective results.