Awareness of Type 2 Diabetes among patients
India is home to one in every six diabetics worldwide. More than 77 million diabetics live in India, making it the world’s second-largest diabetic population. The majority of these cases are of type 2 diabetes, which is more common in urban areas. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the levels of sugar, or glucose, build up in your bloodstream. In type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make or use the insulin properly. It is recommended to screen your blood sugar levels regularly to diagnose and treat diabetes early. Lifestyle changes, medication, healthy eating and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels help patients with type 2 diabetes live better and healthier.
Managing your Type 2 Diabetes
It is highly recommended to consult a specialist to know more about your diabetes and find healthy ways to manage it. Certain lifestyle changes and medications help control your blood sugar levels. Follow these steps to manage diabetes lifelong:
- Learn about diabetes
Ask questions to your doctor, know more about type 2 diabetes. - Know your ABCs
Speak to your doctor about how to manage your A1C (blood sugar), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes complications. - Learn how to live with diabetes
It is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are diagnosed with diabetes. Take healthy steps to live better with diabetes. - Be regular with medical care
See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early.
Frequently asked questions about Type 2 Diabetes
Have you been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Here are some common questions about this condition:
1. What are the recommended blood sugar target levels?
It is recommended to maintain a target blood sugar range of 80 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) before a meal and less than 180 mg/dl one to two hours after starting a meal. Consult your doctor about what blood sugar levels are appropriate for you.
2. How often should one check their blood sugar?
The number of times you check your blood sugar is determined by the kind of diabetes you have and the type of diabetic medication you are taking. When you first wake up (fasting), before a meal, 2 hours after a meal, and before night are some of the common times to check your blood sugar. Talk with your doctor for further guidance.
3. Who should use diabetes home tests?
Your doctor will help you decide if you need to test your blood sugar at home and guide you how frequently it must be done. By maintaining your blood sugar levels at a normal range, you can help prevent diabetes complications.
4. How can my diabetes affect your pregnancy?
Pregnancy can worsen certain long-term diabetes problems, such as eye problems and kidney disease, or may lead to preeclampsia. Work with your gynaecologist closely to have a healthy pregnancy.
Myths and facts about Diabetes
Stop believing in these common diabetes myths:
Myth: It is okay to binge on sugar-free foods.
Fact: That is not true. Sugar free foods can be part of a healthy meal plan in limited quantities. Many sugar free foods are loaded with calories, carbohydrates and artificial sweeteners.
Myth: One will always know when the sugar is high or low, testing is not needed.
Fact: You can’t rely on how you’re feeling when it comes to your blood sugar level. You may feel shaky or lightheaded because your blood sugar is low, or due to some other health condition. The only way to know for sure is to check your blood sugar.
Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat sweets.
Fact: There’s no reason people with type 2 diabetes can’t eat sweets, as long as they fit into a normal meal plan. Always have sweets in small portions, and include them with other foods.
Myth: Only the overweight get type 2 diabetes
Fact: That is not true. Being overweight or obese may be a risk factor in type 2 diabetes, however even people who are underweight or fit may also get diabetes.
Stay healthy with Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease. Here are a few lifestyle changes to adapt to live better with diabetes:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get regular exercise.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Keep your skin dry and clean.
- Get your eyes and kidneys checked.
- Limit your intake of sugary foods.
- Eat more lean proteins and whole grains.
- Stay away from fried, processed and junk foods.
- Manage stress better.
- Take medications as prescribed.
Diabetes Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
While a diagnosis of diabetes can be life-altering, timely steps can help manage it better. It’s important to consult a diabetologist and learn more about healthy eating habits, exercise and lifestyle changes to manage it. With a focus on compassionate, patient-centric care highly trained diabetologists at our Centre for Diabetes and Obesity help you control your diabetes and live as normal a life as possible. Please find below website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_diabetesbariatricsurgery.html