Diabetes
Also called sugar, sugar problem, blood sugar, high sugar, madhumeh
What this condition is
Diabetes, most often type 2, is a long term condition in which the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood stays higher than it should. Normally a hormone called insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells to be used for energy. In diabetes the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use it well, so sugar builds up in the blood. It is very common in India and is often simply called sugar. Hearing that you have diabetes can feel worrying, but please be reassured that with the right habits, regular checks and your doctor's guidance, most people live full, active and healthy lives.
Signs to watch for
- Feeling very thirsty and having a dry mouth
- Passing urine often, especially at night
- Feeling hungry more than usual
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling tired and low on energy
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and wounds that heal slowly
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Repeated skin, gum or urine infections
What to do
- Take your medicines or insulin exactly as prescribed, at the right time
- Check your blood sugar as advised and get your HbA1c tested, usually every three months
- Fill half your plate with vegetables and salad, and choose whole grains and dals
- Walk briskly or stay active for at least 30 minutes on most days
- Drink plenty of water through the day
- Look after your feet daily and wear soft, comfortable footwear
- Get your eyes, kidneys and feet checked at regular intervals
What to avoid
- Do not skip meals or your medicines, even when you feel well
- Do not eat sweets, mithai, sugary drinks and packed juices freely
- Avoid white rice, maida and fried snacks in large amounts
- Do not stop or change your dose on your own
- Avoid walking barefoot, even at home
- Do not ignore a wound, blister or crack on your feet
Ways to feel better day to day
- Eat your meals at roughly the same times each day to keep sugar steady
- Swap white rice for a smaller portion mixed with dal, vegetables and curd
- Keep a simple home record of your sugar readings to share with your doctor
- Add strength and stretching exercises a couple of times a week
- Sleep well, as poor sleep can push your sugar up
- Manage stress with deep breathing, prayer, or time with family
Speak to a doctor if
- Very high or very low sugar readings
- Shaking, sweating, confusion or fainting, which can be signs of low sugar
- A wound or ulcer that is not healing, especially on the feet
- Sudden blurring or loss of vision
- Fever, vomiting or an infection that is not settling
- Chest pain, breathlessness or swelling in the legs
Your next step
Turn this into a plan that is yours
Everything above is general. Your dose, your targets and your test schedule depend on your age, your reports and the other conditions you live with.
