India has one of the largest number of people with diabetes at around 72 million and these numbers are expected to increase to 134 million in the next 10-15 years. Thus, it is very important to know what exactly diabetes is, in detail. So today, Dr. Paresh Ved, renowned diabetologist, gives us the answers to a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about diabetes.
Q.1 What exactly is Diabetes?
Okay, so why does a car need fuel to run? The fuel provides the car with energy to run, right? But now imagine a situation wherein your car refuses to use that fuel.
That is exactly what happens to a person with diabetes mellitus. When a diabetic patient eats, his blood sugar levels increase, but due to the lack of insulin, the body refuses to deliver this blood sugar to your cells. This means that there is too much sugar floating around in your blood which can lead to major
Q.2 Is Diabetes curable/reversible?
No, Diabetes cannot be cured but it can definitely be controlled.
By following a proper lifestyle which includes consumption of a diabetic diet combined with adequate exercise and by taking proper medicines as advised by your doctor, one can lead a life with controlled diabetes.
Q.3 What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes, as the name suggests is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than the normal blood sugar levels but not high enough to be called Diabetes Mellitus.
Also some signs/symptoms of diabetes are:
- Frequent urination
- Sudden & Unplanned weight loss
- Fatigue
- Increased Hunger
- Slower healing of cuts & wounds.
Q.4 What causes Diabetes?
Well, there are 3 different types of diabetes & causes for all 3 are different. Let’s take a look at each type in detail
- Type 1 diabetes – This is basically hereditary. Juvenile Diabetes is caused due to the loss of beta cells of the pancreas. Serious fluctuations between very high blood sugar levels and very low blood sugar levels is a classic type 1 diabetes symptom.
- Type 2 diabetes – It is popularly called diabetes mellitus. It is caused due to the body’s resistance to insulin. This is caused due to both, genetic & hereditary factors. It is the most common type of diabetes. Ketonuria is a Type 2 diabetes symptom.
- Gestational Diabetes – When a pregnant woman suffers from diabetes during her pregnancy which may or may not lead to diabetes mellitus in the future, is called gestational diabetes. It affects 2-10
% pregnant women.
Q.5 What are the different tests to diagnose diabetes & its complications?
The different types of diabetes tests are:
- Blood Sugar Test- It is a blood test which tests for hyperglycemia. Blood tests are done befor eating anything in the morning (fasting) and after eating a meal.
- Haemoglobin a1c – HbA1c tests the average of your blood sugar levels for a period of 2-3 months.
- Diabetic Neuropathy – Diabetic Neuropathy test is a test which identifies damages in nerves which cause pain & numbness in your feet, legs etc.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic Retinopathy test checks for complications in the eye for diabetes.
If you have any questions related to diabetes or want to get yourself checked, feel free to visit Wellness Diabetes Speciality Clinics in Ghatkopar, Mumbai or Charai, Thane.