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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Diabetes is increasing the risk of vision loss and infertility, endocrinologist is telling the method of diabetes management.

With changes in weather comes changes in physical activity levels and eating habits that can affect blood sugar control. Change in weather affects blood sugar. According to this, changes in lifestyle are necessary.

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease and its figures are increasing so much in India that India is being called the diabetes capital. Not only the elderly, now youth and small children have also become its victims. Various types of treatments are being imposed on him in the name of home remedies. Who all make big claims. Dr. Bhavana Attri is answering 18 questions related to how diabetes should be managed. Dr. Bhavana is Consultant Endocrinology at Sarvadaya Hospital, Faridabad.

Table of Contents

1 What are the common symptoms of diabetes? And how can these be avoided in time?

Diabetes may not be diagnosed for many years because it initially has no symptoms. If the blood glucose level becomes too high, the patient begins to lose weight despite good appetite, the frequency of urination increases, thirst increases, wounds do not heal, abnormal sensations appear in the legs. These symptoms can be prevented by regularly checking blood glucose.

2 India has come to be called the diabetes capital, and institutions and governments are seriously concerned about it, what is the reason for this?

Due to urbanization and change in lifestyle and increase in obesity, India has become the diabetes capital. The reason for increasing rates of obesity and diabetes in India is the lifestyle of the people. People consume more carbohydrate food and the stress level among people is increasing. Due to stressful lifestyle, people are not able to take care of their health, which is leading to increase in obesity and as a result cases of diabetes are also increasing.

3 What kind of diet should be consumed for diabetes management?

The patient should fix his eating time and also the ratio. Some key dietary nutrients helpful in diabetes management are:

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To control diabetes, it is most important to reduce the amount of carbs in the diet. Image: Adobe Stock

Protein: It keeps blood sugar stable and strengthens muscles.
Fiber: It controls the absorption of sugar and prevents the rise of blood sugar.
Good Fat: Healthy fats increase insulin sensitivity and maintain heart health.
Magnesium: It is helpful in controlling blood sugar and increasing the effectiveness of insulin.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: It reduces inflammation and improves heart health.
Including these nutrients in the diet can help control blood sugar.

4 In diabetes, insulin and other medicines are often advised. How and when should their usage be changed, especially when the sugar level suddenly increases or decreases?

If blood sugar becomes uncontrolled, the patient is experiencing hypoglycemic episodes, the patient develops any other disease or complications, the treatment may need to be changed.
The use and adjustment of diabetes medication should be under the guidance of a doctor, as each person has different needs.

5 When blood sugar levels suddenly rise, monitor diet, adjust insulin dosage, and consider emergency insulin dosage.

If blood sugar levels drop, eat meals at regular intervals, reduce insulin doses, and treat low blood sugar levels with quick carbohydrates. Regular blood sugar monitoring, such as frequent checks and continuous glucose monitoring, is necessary to detect changes in blood sugar levels.

6. Many home remedies like Ayurveda, jackfruit seeds, bitter gourd are said to control diabetes. How much truth is there in this or how effective are these?

While these treatments are popular in traditional practices, there is currently a lack of strong scientific data to support their efficacy in controlling blood sugar levels.
Although including such foods in a balanced diet may provide health benefits, relying solely on them for diabetes management is not supported by scientific evidence.

Bitter gourd can be included in the diet
Superfoods like bitter gourd and jackfruit can be included in the diet. Image- Adobestock

It is important for patients to adhere to evidence based treatment and lifestyle modifications for effective diabetes management. These should be combined with existing treatment only after consulting the doctor.

7 Do stress and lack of sleep affect blood sugar, and what steps can be taken to reduce it?

Yes, stress is related to poor blood glucose control. In fact, psychological issues such as depression are common with diabetes. Meditation, yoga, regular physical exercise are important to reduce stress levels. Continued support from family is also important.

8 How much variety (e.g. yoga, strength training, cardio) should a diabetic patient include in physical activity? Which exercises are most helpful in keeping blood sugar stable?

It is important for diabetic patients to diversify their physical activity, as it helps control blood sugar and improve overall health. At least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, at least 5 days a week, is recommended.

It is important to include both aerobic and resistance training. Elderly patients should also especially pay attention to balance exercises, to improve their physical stability and reduce the risk of falls.

9 Which parts of the body can face more problems due to diabetes, and how to take care of these parts?

Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause complications in all major organ systems. These complications include diabetic retinopathy, premature cataract, glaucoma, kidney nephropathy, cardiovascular system, stroke, peripheral neuropathy, and autonomic neuropathy.

Diabetic retinopathy affects the eyes, causing fluid leakage, swelling and vision loss. The kidneys suffer from diabetic nephropathy, which can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and require dialysis or kidney transplantation.

The cardiovascular system is at higher risk of heart attacks and heart failure due to accelerated atherosclerosis and weakening of the heart muscle. Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke are also more likely to cause stroke.

10 What type of tests are recommended to detect and prevent complications of diabetes in time?

Regular tests and timely checkups are extremely important to identify and prevent complications of diabetes. Early detection of these complications makes it possible to make treatment effective and maintain quality of life.

Vision loss is a risk due to diabetes
Diabetes can also take away your eyesight. Image: Shutterstock

Eyes- Get your eyes checked at least once a year
kidney- urine and blood tests
Regular BP, Lipid test
Taking routine history regarding neuropathy.

Foot care is important to prevent foot ulcers or wounds if neuropathy is present.
If any symptoms indicate a heart problem, comprehensive evaluation is needed.
Therefore history, examination and testing are done regularly.

11 If we talk about an emergency kit for diabetic patients, what should it contain?

Yes, the diabetic patient and his family members should know how to manage hypoglycemia. They should keep glucose tablets or Glucon D in their emergency kit. Some people with a history of severe hypoglycemia may have glucagon injections.

12 Due to diabetes, one may often face sensation or pain in the feet. How can all this be managed?

Abnormal sensations in diabetic patients are caused by neuropathy, psychological stress and uncontrolled blood glucose etc. This will worsen over time if blood glucose and other metabolic parameters are not monitored. Vitamin B12, thyroid and nutritional deficiencies should be corrected.

13 Does changing weather affect diabetes? How does blood sugar level change in cold or heat and what changes should be made in lifestyle accordingly?

Yes, with changes in weather comes changes in physical activity levels and eating habits that can affect blood sugar control. Change in weather affects blood sugar. According to this, changes in lifestyle are necessary. The body has different needs in both summer and winter, and proper diet, exercise and hydration should be maintained keeping these in mind.

14 What new research is being done about potential future treatments for diabetes, and what hope can they offer for patients?

Insulin infusion pumps are becoming more and more acceptable, especially for DM1 patients. The development of drugs that can actually reduce weight, reduce CV mortality (Luc GLPRA) and develop artificial pancreas is still in process.

15 What is the effect of hormonal imbalance in diabetes and how can it be kept balanced? How can this be important, especially for women?

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause hypogonadism and infertility in both men and women. This can cause erectile dysfunction in men. Hormonal imbalance has a greater impact on diabetes in women, especially in conditions like pregnancy, menopause and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The risk of gestational diabetes increases during pregnancy, and PCOS can lead to insulin resistance.

16 What special things should a diabetic patient keep in mind while traveling, such as food, medicines, or rest time?

  1. They should eat food on time, otherwise there is a possibility of hypoglycemia.
  2. try to eat healthy food
  3. sleep on time
  4. Carry glucose tablets or glucose with you to treat hypoglycemia.
  5. If they use insulin they should store the insulin properly.
7 tips for choosing the right option.
If some things are kept in mind, diabetic patients can also go out for dining with their family and friends. Image: Adobe Stock

17 Are digital tools (such as blood glucose monitoring apps) useful for diabetes patients and which tools can make blood sugar management easier?

We have glucose monitoring equipment like glucometer. Also we have continuous glucose monitor which is applied on the skin and helps in knowing the blood glucose level. But these should be interpreted carefully with the help of doctors.

18 High BP and risk of heart diseases are often seen in diabetic patients, is there really any relation?

Diabetes can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure etc. Blood glucose control, weight control, BP control, cholesterol control, smoking cessation, reducing stress all help in managing diabetes. Additionally, regular testing for complications may reduce the chances of being diagnosed with diabetes. Therefore, regular follow-up and testing is important.

Also read – Diabetes cases are increasing rapidly in children, if you want to save your children then keep these 5 things in mind.

Source

Nitin J
Nitin Jhttp://newstiger.in
Nitin is a news blogger with a passion for delivering the latest updates on current events, politics, and trending topics. Known for accuracy and clarity, Nitin provides readers with insightful and reliable news to keep them informed.

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