How do I know I have Diabetes?

At the beginning there may not be any symptom. When blood sugar is above 180 mg%, sugar starts appearing in the urine. Sugar in the urine drags water from the body and you pass a lot of urine and feel dry and thirsty. You may also feel tired and lose weight. Your appetite increases and strangely you may notice that you are losing weight in spite of eating more. Chances to catch infection are high if you have high blood sugar and healing from infections, cuts or wounds may also be delayed. Some people complain of poor eyesight.

Prediabetes

Is prediabetes reversible? 

Prediabetes is potentially reversible, through concerted lifestyle & dietary modification, especially when embarked upon early in the course of the disease. You must understand that even after you have successfully reversed your prediabetes through lifestyle and diet change, the underlying pathophysiology that leads to prediabetes and diabetes may still be there to some degree and may still progress. Therefore even after you have reversed your prediabetes and your blood sugar tests have returned to normal healthy levels, you must still maintain your healthy lifestyle & diet, you must continue to be vigilant, work with a doctor to monitor you closely and regularly.

Is prediabetes reversible? 

Prediabetes is potentially reversible, through concerted lifestyle & dietary modification, especially when embarked upon early in the course of the disease. You must understand that even after you have successfully reversed your prediabetes through lifestyle and diet change, the underlying pathophysiology that leads to prediabetes and diabetes may still be there to some degree and may still progress. Therefore even after you have reversed your prediabetes and your blood sugar tests have returned to normal healthy levels, you must still maintain your healthy lifestyle & diet, you must continue to be vigilant, work with a doctor to monitor you closely and regularly.

Will I need to take insulin if I have type 2 diabetes?

Maybe. Historically, 30% or more of people with type 2 diabetes require insulin therapy. However there are many new drugs available that may delay or prevent the need for insulin therapy. It is expected that fewer and fewer individuals will need insulin replacement to control their blood sugars in the future.

Will I need to take insulin if I have type 1 diabetes?

Maybe. Historically, 30% or more of people with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy. However there are many new drugs available that may delay or prevent the need for insulin therapy. It is expected that fewer and fewer individuals will need insulin replacement to control their blood sugars in the future.

Why only me

A. Nobody in this world is free from disease. Anybody can get diabetes any day. There are some diseases which are incurable. At least diabetes has a treatment if not cure. If managed properly you can lead a good quality life. B. Diabetes is a common disease. You are not alone. Many lifestyle factors affect / predispose us towards diabetes. If we control them we can lead an almost normal life. Thus instead of wasting time in self pity we can refocus that energy into controlling the situation. Not everything is in our hands. We should be able to decipher between what is and isn’t in our hands. Do our best and surely God will take care of the rest.

Why uncontrolled diabetes causes dizziness and headache?

It may be seen in people with diabetes related to effect of high or low glucose levels on the brain.

What are the Timings for Insulin intake?

Timing for insulin are not same for everyone. Timings have to be individualized for you by your physician. You should follow your timings. All Short Acting Insulins are given before meals (30 minutes prior for regular insulin and 5-15 mins prior to meal for rapid acting insulin analog). Long Acting may be given once daily like at Bedtime independent of meals. Intermediate acting insulin may be given once or twice daily. Premixed insulin is also given twice daily before breakfast and before dinner.

What kind of exercise should be done for controlling?

A. Playing outdoor games is a good exercise just as brisk walk. One may need to monitor glucose level before and after exercise. B. Minimum 30 mins/day of aerobic exercise 5 times a week.

What can I eat ?

Everything healthy in the right quantities can be eaten by patients with DM. Eating according to the calories prescribed should be the norm. Eating diet low in carbohydrate, low in fat and high in fibre helps not only diabetes control , but also overall health.. In diabetic diet, we urge people to eat healthy diet including salads, vegetables, sprouts and avoid carbonated beverages, sweets, fried items and all junk food.

How do I know I have Diabetes?

At the beginning there may not be any symptom. When blood sugar is above 180 mg%, sugar starts appearing in the urine. Sugar in the urine drags water from the body and you pass a lot of urine and feel dry and thirsty. You may also feel tired and lose weight. Your appetite increases and strangely you may notice that you are losing weight in spite of eating more. Chances to catch infection are high if you have high blood sugar and healing from infections, cuts or wounds may also be delayed. Some people complain of poor eyesight.