Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. It is also known as diabetes mellitus, a condition in which blood sugar/glucose levels are abnormally high. In our body, the hormone insulin helps in the transport of blood sugars from the bloodstream to the cells. Diabetes occurs when there is an abnormality in the production of this hormone (Juvenile or Type 1) or resistance to this hormone (Type 2) in the body, resulting in a build-up of sugars in the blood.

Different Types of Diabetes

There are four different types of diabetes. They are:

1. Prediabetes – It means you have high blood sugar levels than normal and are at risk of developing diabetes.

2. Type 1 (Juvenile) diabetes – In this, very little or no insulin is produced by your pancreas. As a result, you are likely to take insulin injections to control your blood sugar levels.

3. Type 2 diabetes – In this, there is normal production of insulin by your pancreas. However, your body is unable to use it.

4. Gestational diabetes – It is high blood sugar during pregnancy, and usually goes away after giving birth.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Common symptoms of diabetes mellitus include,

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Weight loss
• Extreme hunger
• Sudden vision changes
• Tingling of hands and feet
• Dry skin
• Chronic fatigue
• Cuts that won’t heal
• Contracting infections more than usual

Risk Factors For Diabetes

Diabetes can affect anyone. However, a few risk factors include:

• Family history of either type of diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or 2)
• Age >45 years
• Being obese/overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Past history of gestational diabetes
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Kidney diseases

Different Tests To Screen Diabetes

Diabetes is diagnosed with the help of different tests. These tests measure the blood sugar levels of an individual and help diagnose type 1, type 2, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes in individuals.
The different types of screening tests include:

1. Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) – It is also known as a glycosylated haemoglobin test or glycated haemoglobin test. It gives the average blood sugar levels for the past three months and is used to screen for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

2. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) – This test requires people to fast for at least about 8 – 10 hours before taking the test. It is advised for people to check their glucose levels. It is repeated at times to get accurate results.

3. Random Blood sugar (RBS) – This is a casual test that can be done at any time of the day. You don’t have to fast or do any special preparations before taking this test.

4. Post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS) – This test is taken 2 hrs after having your afternoon meals. This will tell how well your metabolism is.

5. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) – This test involves drinking sugary syrup at your healthcare office/lab. The blood sugar levels are then measured over the next two hours after syrup consumption. 

Normal Ranges For Different Sugar Tests:

Precautions One Can Take When Blood Sugar Is High

High blood sugar is related to prediabetes and diabetes. Chronic increases in blood sugar may cause some severe complications such as impaired vision, peripheral neuropathy, heart, and kidney diseases. Thus, blood glucose management is crucial for prediabetic and diabetic people. A few promising solutions that can help maintain or lower blood glucose levels include:

Managing carbohydrate (sugar) intake – Taking foods that contain fewer carbohydrates may help lower and also maintain the blood sugar levels in both diabetic and prediabetic individuals. 

Maintaining a healthy diet – This includes eating healthy plant foods, healthy fats, and a low cholesterol diet. 

• Healthy plant foods include vegetables and fruits that are rich in fibres, vitamins, and minerals. Sources of fiber-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, legumes, whole grains, etc. A high-fiber diet will help lower your blood sugar levels. 

• Healthy fats include unsaturated fats (both mono and poly). It promotes healthy blood cholesterol levels, as well as heart and vascular health. Sources of good fats include nuts and seeds (almonds, peanuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds), fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and cod), and Oils (olive, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, and canola).

• Low-cholesterol diet includes oats, beans, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. Skipping unhealthy eating choices and making healthier choices may help prevent diabetes and also its associated complications.

Exercising regularly – Being more physically active will help you lose weight, lose blood sugar, and also boost your sensitivity towards insulin thereby helping keep your blood sugar levels in control. Aerobics, resistance, and limited inactivity exercises are usually helpful.

Managing stress – Stress may cause disturbances in your body’s metabolism thereby increasing your risk of getting diabetes. Practicing stress-relieving exercises such as walking, bicycling, swimming, yoga, dancing, etc., can help relieve your stress.

Drinking plenty amounts of water – Drinking plenty of water may help remove toxins from your body thereby keeping your body hydrated.

Getting enough sleep – Getting enough sleep is very essential to maintain good health. Adults need about 7 – 8 hours of sleep to maintain good health and productivity.

Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly –

Regularly checking your blood sugar levels helps you avoid long-term health complications.
Diabetes screening consists of basic blood tests used to diagnose prediabetes, diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

 “According to the American Diabetes Association, all patients should be examined at least once every three years beginning at the age of 45. Getting checked at the appropriate time may help prevent diabetes and its consequences in the long run. “

Dr. Pradip Nagure- Consultant Diabetologist & Endocrinologist at Dr. Nagure’s Diabetes & Thyroid Care Centre, Latur
(MBBS, MD (KEM Hospital, Mumbai), D.Diab ,CCMTD, CCEBDM, CCMH, CCCS, PGCDM)
Visiting Consultant at Disha Clinic -Latur, Parbhanikar Hospital- Udgir, Siidh Amrut Clinic- Ausa, Patil Hospital- Chakur
Ex. Practitioner at Dr. Panikar’s Diabetes & Thyroid Care Centre, Bandra- Mumbai.