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Human body requires glucose as a source of energy for all the cells in muscles, tissues and brain. At any given time, the levels of glucose in the blood are controlled by a hormone called ‘insulin’, which is released by the pancreas. In people with diabetes, the insulin secreted by the pancreas is in inadequate quantity, or the body cells become resistant to insulin. This results in an increase in the blood glucose levels, commonly known as high blood sugar.
Diabetes Diagnosis and treatment
The risk of developing diabetes is higher if one:
Sometimes, diabetes causes no symptoms and remains undetected for a long period of time. The most commonly reported symptoms of diabetes for men and women are:
Diabetes symptoms common in men and women
Diabetic symptoms, specifically in women:
Diabetes, if left untreated for a long time, can result in serious complications. These complications can even be disabling or life-threatening. Some of the common complications are:
Defects in newborn:
Complications in pregnant women like:
If you or someone in family is at increased risk for diabetes, discuss with your doctor or an endocrinologist immediately. Also, if you observe any symptoms of diabetes, like frequent urination, excessive thirst or sudden weight loss, bring it to the notice of your doctor/endocrinologist. A regular check-up with the endocrinologist can help keep a check on blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes.
The diabetologist or endocrinologist diagnoses diabetes by evaluating:
Gestational diabetes is detected with:
Fasting blood sugar levels-
Blood sugar levels 2 hours after meals:
Normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy:
What is the normal HbA1c level?
For people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin A1c level remains between 4% and 5.6%. Hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% mean you have a higher chances of getting of diabetes. Levels of 6.5% or higher mean you have diabetes.
Your physician/endocrinologist will suggest the best treatment options, which may or may not include oral medication and/or insulin. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a strict dietary modification, are also recommended. Sometimes, associated treatment options like weight loss surgery, may also be advised. Due to the risk of complications, controlling associated health factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, is also suggested.
While there is no permanent cure for diabetes, it can be prevented or delayed by controlling the risk factors in people who are prone to develop diabetes. Some such measures include:
To know more about diabetes, its complications and their treatment, you can request a callback and our experts will call you and answer all your queries. Our team of diabetes doctors in Hyderabad are well-versed in the management and treatment of diabetes and its associated conditions.
If you are looking for a “diabetic diet”, there is hardly any plan that fits for all. An individual may choose to eat wholesome diet that is healthy, nutritive and safe in maintaining blood sugars in healthy range.
The choice should be such that it is easy, practical, guilt-free and binge-free. Control intake of fried foods, sweetened beverages to less than twice a week. Avoid alcohol drinks or enjoy them in moderation. Customize your diet plan for good control on blood sugars, vital cholesterol and lipid profile after talking to your doctor and dietician.
Monitor your blood sugars regularly. Also, look for common triggers of high blood sugar levels. They include food, exercise, medication, stress and hormonal changes.
Exercise affects our body in different ways. Exercises improve body’s response to insulin (insulin sensitivity) thus burning more sugar from the blood. If your body lacks insulin during workouts, blood sugars may stay dangerously high.
However, if you notice high blood sugar levels during exercise, it means that you are over-exerting. The body is pushing more sugar into blood to compensate this physical stress. Recap and rework on all physical activities. Also, do not miss any medicine or insulin.
A perfect balance between medicine, food, destress and exercise is essential in managing blood sugars.
Every diabetic experiences high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) at least once in their lifetime. Challenges in managing blood sugars vary based on the type of diabetes you are suffering from. So, it is important to have a personalized action plan approved by the doctor.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: You must already be using insulin on regular basis. With a high blood sugar episode, you may need a higher dose than usual. Discuss with your doctor to understand the extent of blood sugar spike and suitable insulin doses.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Based on the extent and duration of high blood sugars, your doctor may or may not prescribe medicine, insulin or change their dose. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
As advised by ADA (American Diabetes Association), avoid exercising when –
It is common to have above normal sugar levels when you are ill, injured or infected. Talk to your doctor for a better sick day management to control hyperglycemia.
Emotional stress can be hard to manage immediately. On a long run, mindfulness and relaxation therapy improves not only blood sugars but also overall well being and health. So, invest some time on activities such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing every day.
“The content of this publication has been developed by a third party content providerwho are clinicians and/or medical writers and/or experts. The information contained herein is for educational purpose only and we request you to please consult a Registered Medical Practitioner or Doctor before deciding the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.”