#3 Help! I have diabetes!!

Oh, so you have been diagnosed with diabetes. First, don’t panic! Though diabetes does not have a cure, it can be Treated and controlled, and some people may go in the Remission. Diabetes Is a serious disease. Management of diabetes requires round-the-clock commitment. It can help to reduce the risk of serious life-threatening complications. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly and take your medicines.

Lifestyle modification is A very Important aspect. Make healthy eating and physical activity a part of your everyday routine. Try and maintain a healthy weight. It’s essential to eliminate stress as much as possible. Learn relaxation techniques, prioritise tasks. Learn as much as you can about diabetes. If you take alcohol, drink responsibly. Also avoid smoking.

Long-standing uncontrolled diabetes can lead to multiple complications over time.

Chronic hyperglycaemia can affect the heart and vessels, the nerves (Neuropathy), kidneys (nephropathy) and eyes (retinopathy). It’s important to understand the Symptoms associated with each and take timely action to control them. Diabetic neuropathy is a dreadful complication of long-standing diabetes. It may start with feeling of numbness or tingling in hands and feet. But unfortunately, more than 90% cases it is asymptomatic. Increase in blood pressure or other emerging heart problems warrant an immediate consultation with your physician. Similarly, any deterioration of vision or hearing should be checked. Being aware, being educated and being proactive are the keys to successful management of diabetes and its complications.

Disclaimer: Dr. Swati Singla is not a diabetic expert. Information in this blog are the expression of her own understanding following reading different diabetic related recommendations, newsletters and scientific evidences.

 

Dr. Swati Singla

Clinical anaesthesiologist and health blog writer

I Have been a practising clinical anaesthesiologist for past 12 years. In all these years, I have come across many surgical patients suffering from with complications of diabetes. The costly treatments were not a complete assurance against these complications. They neither promised 100% cure, recovery or a better quality of life. Interestingly, many of these complications could be delayed or completely avoided. During my peri-operative interaction with these patients, I noticed that they reached this point of no return due to sheer lack of awareness. Hence I developed a keen interest in writing health blogs to spread awareness and information in a simplified way.