Symptoms that people with Diabetes should not ignore!

Did you know over 60 million people are affected by diabetes in India alone? And this is not just in adults but children too! Because of this widespread prevalence almost everyone now knows that for diabetes a healthy diet and regular exercise is a must. However, there are several other factors that need to be considered by people with diabetes to ensure good health. The good news is that your body will find ways to tell you if something is wrong. So let’s see how closely you can pay attention!

Following are certain crucial symptoms that people with diabetes must pay close attention to. In case you notice any of these symptoms, please do not ignore them but immediately inform your healthcare provider.

Excessive thirst and Frequent urination

Yes we all know this summer heat is intense and drinking more water is normal. However, excessive thirst and frequent urination is a serious indicator of high sugar levels for Type I and Type II diabetes. So why not get your sugar levels checked and monitor it closely for a bit. In case you see any changes, be sure to alert your doctor.

The reason this is important is because if left untreated, high glucose levels could lead to dehydration, vision problems, confusion and even seizures. A fact to keep in mind is that high sugar levels are not just affected by your diet but can be triggered by an infection or another illness. So even with controlled diets and routine exercise, lifestyle and external factors can trigger high sugar levels.

Vision problems

High blood sugar levels also affect one’s vision and can lead to blurriness or seeing spots (known as floaters). In people with diabetes, vision problems can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy which affects the blood vessels in the eye. In case one feels that the vision is blurry or less focussed and sharp, be sure to get your blood sugar levels tested and visit the eye doctor.

Foot sores and Leg pain

It’s so common to hear of people with diabetes complaining about leg pain. And with restless leg syndrome spread all over the internet, many just assume that to be their case. Also foot rashes, sores or infections are blamed on the summer heat or footwear. However, these are important warning signs being sent by your body!

A lot of these can be caused by decreased blood circulation due to clogged arteries and nerve damage. Some people may also experience pain in their legs or sensations of tingling and numbness caused due to blocked arteries. Along with creating complications in the legs, this can overtime lead to serious heart problems as well. It is essential to report even the smallest rash or infection to the doctor instantly as left untreated this could lead to severe leg problems including amputations in severe cases.

Gum infections and Mouth odour

Have you recently changed your toothpaste or observed yourself using more breath mints? Well, the mouth odour or Infections in the gum such as swollen or bleeding gums could be linked to your diabetic condition. These are indicative of damage in the nerves and blood vessels, and may be due to abnormal levels of insulin. Uncontrolled sugar levels in the body for a longer duration cam lead to periodontal disease. Be sure to inform the doctor instantly if any of these symptoms occur.

Light-headedness or depression

We all know that maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for people with diabetes. However there are chances that any change in your diet, exercise routine or medication can lead to low sugars. In cases of low blood sugar, you may feel sweaty, light-headed and unsettled. Don’t dismiss these symptoms as just feeling unwell.

To counter low sugars it is essential to routinely monitor blood sugar levels and carry sugar or glucose with you in your bag at all times for instant relief. Drinking 100 ml of juice is enough to raise sugar levels when sugar or glucose is not instantly available. After 15minutes have a small snack to help the body maintain the sugar levels. Also, be sure to inform your doctor in case you notice any of these symptoms so as to monitor your medicine or insulin dosage.

Not feeling good

Diabetics may also suffer from depression like symptoms such as sadness, lack of enthusiasm, low energy. These are not symptoms of weakness but an indication for help. Talk to your doctor for advice or contact a counsellor for better management.

All in all, while diabetes is a serious ailment, living a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to the smallest details can help keep it in check and live a good life.

For Full Care of Diabetes,

Visit www.lifespanindia.com

Call 1800 3000 1893 

Sugary treats, desserts and diabetes: What you need to know

Being told you have diabetes isn’t easy for anyone. The doctor’s tell you about blood sugar levels and the importance of a healthy diet and exercise routine. Then they’ll likely tell you to avoid alcohol and smoking if you were doing either. Soon, you’ll be explained about possible serious complications in the future if you aren’t careful now. Things like heart problems, high cholesterol levels, vision problems, nerve damage; stuff you didn’t really pay attention to is at risk.

But nevertheless, your medical team is boosting your morale and you keep your chin up deciding you can do this. But then you come home, and all your friends and family have one thing to say – no more sugar! Life can seem so unfair right. Well, we are here to tell you that sugar is not your enemy. And just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you can never enjoy a sweet treat again!

But what about keeping blood sugar levels in range?

The most common thought is a piece of dessert will cause a spike in blood sugar levels and thus no sweets at all. But the truth is a small piece of dessert is not a problem when had in moderation. What needs attention is the way it is consumed and balancing the rest of your carbohydrates.

Research has shown that a meal with high amounts of carbohydrates is more likely to impact your blood sugar levels than a small piece of dessert. Since all carbohydrates are broken down into sugar in the body, the amount of carbohydrates consumed in a meal or during the day will have a huge bearing on one’s sugar levels.

Now there are two types of carbohydrates processed by the body – sugar and starch. Did you know that they both impact the blood sugar levels in a similar manner? So eating one portion bread or white rice (starch) has a similar effect on blood glucose levels like a portion of dessert (sugar)!For example –a spoonful of sugar in your tea is only 4 grams of carbohydrates while a slice of bread has 15 grams. Similarly, one pancake has about 15 grams of carbohydrates which is half the amount found in a regular potato at 30 grams.

But this doesn’t mean you can replace all your meals with desserts – after all nutrition is important too! Also, keep in mind most sugary treats are also rich in fat and refined flour, making them quite unhealthy. This is also why on a whole it is advised to opt for whole grain and high fibre foods as they have a lesser impact on sugar levels.

Also, be careful of the type of dessert you choose. A small slice of regular cake occasionally or a piece of your favourite chocolate, should not be a problem if you balance the carbohydrates consumed during the rest of the day. However, indulging in a slice of triple cream layer chocolate cake is likely to send your blood sugar levels spinning.

So how should I deal with my sugar cravings?

Firstly be sure talk to your nutritionist about a balanced meal plan. Discuss your favourite desserts and how you can incorporate them in your diet without impacting blood sugar levels. Together you can draw up a meal plan which is healthy while allowing you an occasional treat.

Fruits are also a great source of natural sweetness! Snack on some sweet apples or a handful of berries for great health benefits and to satisfy sugar cravings. Also, you can opt for treats made with artificial sweeteners or stevia, but be careful not to overdo them as they are usually low in nutrition. Low sweet granola with yogurt is also a great option for many.

Overall keep in mind that portion size is very important. Avoid heavy calorific meals, but eat smaller lighter portions through the day. Focus more on the overall calories and carbohydrates rather than only on sugar. Follow a healthy lifestyle and you can be sure to reward yourself with a small treat occasionally.

For Full Care of Diabetes,

Visit www.lifespanindia.com

Call 1800 3000 1893 

Exercise a must for people with diabetes?

Are you aware that India is the leading country for diabetes in the world? Currently over 60 million Indians suffer from diabetes with a projection of 109 million individuals with diabetes by 2035 as per the Indian Heart Association. That is a lot! Seeing as this condition affects over 7% of India’s adult population it is likely that you know someone with this disease.

Talk to them about their routine or steps they’re talking to manage their condition and they’ll surely tell you an earful. Dietary changes and their meal plans, the medicines they’re taking, how often they’re getting their tests done to check sugar levels and a whole lot more. But ask them about exercising and you’re sure hear something like ‘Oh no, it causes my blood sugar to drop low, or ‘I get too tired to exercise’ or ‘Where is the time’ or even ‘I don’t think I’m strong enough’. While some just don’t understand the importance of an exercise regime with diabetes, some are actually concerned that it may harm their health.

So what’s the verdict? Is exercise a must for diabetics?

The answer is a loud resounding YES!!Exercise actually helps manage your diabetes better by keeping your blood sugar levels in the normal range. Basically, in diabetes, the body has trouble processing insulin. Physical activity promotes insulin absorption in the cells thus avoiding excess insulin levels in the blood.

Another important benefit of exercising is weight control. Obesity is a major factor for diabetes as excess weight leads to increase production of insulin in the body. A regular exercise regime can help keep excess weight off which in turn helps keep diabetes in check.

People with diabetes are also at a higher risk for heart problems and high cholesterol levels. A regular exercise routine helps keep your heart healthy and increases good cholesterol in your body, keeping your levels in check.

Care tips and precautions before starting a new regime

Though exercise helps you lower your blood sugar but exercising when sugars are above 250mg/dl can make your blood glucose levels go higher.

Before you put on your shoes and decide to blast the excess fat away, it is advised to talk to your doctor. He may suggest certain suitable exercises, or change your medication timings to avoid low blood sugar levels or determine when to exercise in the day. He may also suggest certain foods before or after your activity. So be sure to plan your routine and discuss the same with your healthcare provider. In case you are worried about low blood sugar levels, ask for foods to keep with you at all times, especially during a workout.

Also be sure to maintain a journal monitoring your blood glucose levels before your regime and regularly once you start it this will help you and your doctor determine if you are on the right track or need to modify any exercises or medications.

If you are insulin dependent avoid physical activity when you have ketones in the blood or urine.

Which exercises should I do?

Note: Be sure to first discuss this with your doctor. People with additional complications caused due to diabetes may be advised against certain types of exercises.

Depending on your age, exercise history and other factors you can draw up a plan. If you are a beginner, take it slow. You don’t need to compete with your neighbour who looks like he was born lifting weights. Start with some light exercises instead like walking, stretching, climbing stairs, light dancing, yoga etc. and build up your stamina to include more.

In case you have a history of exercising, maybe do something a little more intensive like aerobics, cardio, strength training for improving muscle tension and brisk walking. While it’s always good to push yourself, be careful not to push too far. You can’t go from doing nothing to everything overnight. So take your time and be consistent for healthy blood sugar levels.

Also, increase your activity levels throughout the day in simple ways:

• Just get up from your couch and take a walk
• Spend some time playing with your kids in the neighbourhood park
• Take your pet for a jog in the evenings
• Ditch the elevators and use the stairs
• Make it a rule to stand and walk for a minute after every 30 minutes of sitting
• Walk to your neighbourhood grocery store

So whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with it for a long time, exercise is a must. Even if you haven’t done it till now – talk to your doctor and start today! Not only will it help you look younger and healthier but feel better too. And at the same time, help control your insulin levels.

For Full Care of Diabetes,

Visit www.lifespanindia.com

Call 1800 3000 1893 

How should diabetics take care of their feet in monsoon?

The rain Gods have finally decided to take pity on us Indians and bless us with their presence against the scorching sun. Cloudy skies and a cool breeze – sounds like pure heaven after an intense summer! While some are preparing their favourite masala tea to greet the season others are stocking up on conditioner to guard against the frizz. But no matter what, there’s just something about the rains that tends to get people all exited and almost child-like. And while splashing around in the puddles may be a fun childhood memory, as adults let’s just take a step back, especially for people with diabetes.

Foot problems, especially infections are a major cause for concern amongst diabetics. And unfortunately the cool breeze of the monsoon also seems to bring with it widespread infections! This is not to say that you can’t enjoy the rainy season at all, but just need to exercise some caution. Luckily we have all the important care notes right here for you.

Always wash feet after exposure to rain: In case you got caught in the storm outside be sure to thoroughly wash your feet after coming home and dry them with a clean towel. Exposure to muddy rain water for long can lead to foot infection. Also, be sure to clean and dry out your shoes completely (preferably in the sun) to avoid any fungal or bacterial growth. You may feel it is difficult to dry footwear in the monsoon, but alternating between pairs gives the other footwear enough time to dry.

Don’t leave moisture between the toes: You know those tiny little gaps between your toes? Mostly you just gloss over them but be careful, they could be the breeding ground for an infection. Be sure to completely dry out the gaps between toes and avoid using moisturiser there for the same reason.

Get colourful with flip flops: There’s nothing like bright funky colours to add some cheer to your mood and looks like they can do the same for your feet. Pick up open slippers or flip flops for the monsoon to avoid moisture accumulation. However, if you are someone with sweaty feet or require to wear shoes, opt for some ant-bacterial powder. Just dust some between your toes to prevent any odour or infection. And above all try to keep your feet dry as much as possible.

Do not repeat socks: This is the worst mistake for your feet. Be sure to wear a fresh pair of socks each time to avoid foot infections. Also, for people who exercise regularly, it’s also a good idea to update your kicks frequently, maybe yearly.

Keep your toes clean: Make sure to trim your toenails regularly and also scrub your toes in the shower. Long nails can accumulate dirt in them leading to an infection. Also, be careful of any cuts or wounds on the feet. A cut can be infected quickly in this season. So be sure to instantly treat any scrapes on the feet instantly. In case you observe any redness or inflammation be sure to inform your doctor instantly.

No walking bare feet: Always wear slippers in this season. Walking bare feet can put your feet in direct contact with several germs increasing chances of an infection. Wash your slippers often to clean out sweat and dirt and dry them in the sun. Wear shoes and slippers that are completely dry.

Don’t store shoes in enclosed places: Keep your shoes on an open rack and preferably in a well ventilated area to avoid fungal growth. Keeping wet shoes in dark and moist places can significantly increase risk of infections.

Avoid water puddles including pedicures: Avoid any treatments that require your feet to be immersed in water. Even the best of spas can have bacteria in their water basins in this season. Also, long term water exposure causes soggy feet making them more susceptible to infections. Wash your feet regularly at home, maybe use an antiseptic soap once in a while, and dry with a clean towel.

So, few simple precautions and care can have your dancing to the tune of the raindrops happily. And with increasing germs and infections, this advice holds true not just for diabetic but everyone else too!

For Full Care of Diabetes,

Visit www.lifespanindia.com

Call 1800 3000 1893 

Diabetes is a lifelong disease you need long term care to control it

Piku Chowdhury (name changed) is 26 years old. She is on insulin. 20 years back, one day she was playing at her school playground in a village of Tamluk of Midnapur district, West Bengal. Suddenly she became sick and almost unconscious.

A big question came to their mind. What caused diabetes in their daughter?

This story is painful but true. Like her, there are many patients who are suffering from diabetes. This disease is appearing as epidemic.

WHAT DOES DIABETES MEAN?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which blood sugar level of a person goes abnormally high due to decreased insulin production or due to insulin resistance or both. The common symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased frequency of urination, increased thirst, hunger, and tiredness. Diabetes cannot be cured. It can only be controlled or managed.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

• A person’s blood sugar level goes abnormally high
• It happens due to insulin resistance or decreased insulin production or both
• Common symptoms: Frequent urination, increased thirst, hunger, tiredness
• Diabetes cannot be cured. It can only be controlled or managed.

TYPES OF DIABETES

1. TYPE 1 DIABETES: It is an autoimmune condition in which body’s immune cells destroy the insulin secreting cells of pancreas. There is absolute insulin deficiency and injectable insulin is the only medical way to control it.
2. TYPE 2 DIABETES: It is the most common type of diabetes and its primary cause is insulin resistance and amount of insulin production is reduced (no absolute insulin deficiency). Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and family history are the risk factors for diabetes. It is managed with lifestyle modification, dietary modification and oral drugs. If not adequately controlled, later on, the patients may need to be switched to injectable insulin.
3. GESTATIONAL DIABETES: When a pregnant woman develops high blood sugar levels for the first time during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Pregnancy is a state of insulin resistance and thus triggers diabetes. It generally manifests during second and third trimester of pregnancy. It is managed with injectable insulin.

WHAT CAUSES DIABETES?

• GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY

Heredity plays an important part in determining who is likely to develop diabetes. Genes are passed down from biological parent to child.

• OBESITY AND PHYSICAL INACTIVITY

Physical inactivity and obesity are strongly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. People who are genetically susceptible to type 2 diabetes are more vulnerable when these risk factors are present.

• INSULIN RESISTANCE

Insulin resistance is a common condition in people who are overweight or obese, have excess abdominal fat, and are not physically active. Muscle, fat, and liver cells stop responding properly to insulin, forcing the pancreas to compensate by producing extra insulin. As long as beta cells are able to produce enough insulin, blood glucose levels stay in the normal range. But when insulin production falters because of beta cell dysfunction, glucose levels rise, leading to prediabetes or diabetes.

CASE STUDY

Mr. Murarka, 47 years old young healthy man is a senior business executive. He resides in a luxurious 18th floor flat. After a poor sleep at night he starts his day at 8 am with a cup of tea, gets prepared by 8.45 am, drives his car to attend his office at 9.30 am sharp. He is a successful icon in his domain. Today, he has three meetings of which he chairs two. In the evening flight he will leave for New York to attend an international business conference. He has responsibility to procure a business of Rs 250 crores. He will stay there for three days. This is his usual routine. He is overweight but has no disease at all. On corporate health checkup it is found that his results are as: fasting blood glucose 230mg/dl, postprandial blood glucose 329mg/dl, triglyceride 195mg/dl, and LDL 267mg/dl. His blood pressure is 156/94 mm of Hg. Though he has no symptom, his present condition is known as Syndrome X. There are genetic abnormalities in the background but his lifestyle indulges to develop his disease. His management plan will be different. He has to change his life style. In addition he may have to take some oral medicine.

According to World Health Organization in respect to syndrome X the normal levels are as: fasting blood glucose below 108mg/dl, postprandial blood glucose below 140mg/dl, triglyceride below 150mg/dl, and LDL below 100mg/dl and blood pressure is not more than 140/80 mm of Hg.

SOME OTHER CONDITIONS ALSO PLAY A ROLE IN DEVELOPING DIABETES:

• Gestational diabetes (in pregnancy)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Cushing syndrome
• Acromegaly
• Phaeochromocytoma
• Pancreatitis
• Cancer in pancreas
• Haemochromatosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Some drugs, chemicals
• Infection like German measles, down syndrome, turner syndrome etc.

So, the target is: Control blood sugar and avoid cardiometabolic complications

EATING WELL WITH DIABETES

Taking steps to prevent and control diabetes doesn’t mean living in deprivation; it means eating a tasty, healthy and well balanced diet

You don’t have to give up sweets entirely or resign yourself to a lifetime of bland food. With these tips, you can still take pleasure from your meals without feeling hungry or deprived.

• Set timely reminder on when to eat! Your body is better able to regulate blood sugar levels—and your weight—when you maintain a regular meal schedule. Aim for moderate and consistent portion sizes for each meal or snack.
• Don’t skip breakfast. Start your day off with a good breakfast. Eating breakfast every day will help you have energy as well as steady blood sugar levels.
• Eat regular small meals—up to 6 per day. People tend to eat larger portions when they are overly hungry, so eating regularly will help you keep your portions in check.
• Keep calorie intake the same. Regulating the amount of calories you eat on a day-to-day basis has an impact on the regularity of your blood sugar levels. Try to eat roughly the same amount of calories every day, rather than overeating one day or at one meal, and then skimping on the next.

RATE YOUR PLATE

Take a good look at your plates -- the foods you choose and the portions you eat. Rate your plates to see if they measure up.

Try to eat a balance of food groups so as to obtain healthy combination of carbohydrate, protein & fat in your diet as described in the diabetic food plates below.

Reduce extra-large servings of less-healthful foods and increase servings of foods we're not eating enough of: vegetables, fruits, dairy foods, and whole grains.

Start by reducing your portions of less-healthful foods by 5 to 10 percent. You'll barely notice the trimming, but you'll immediately taper your intake of calories, carbohydrate, fat, and sodium. Over time, this portion slim-down will improve your weight, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

There is no one perfect food so including a variety of different foods and watching portion sizes is key to a healthy diet.

Lifespan diabetes & cardiometabolic clinic is world’s largest chain of diabetes management clinics and has a dedicated team of Specialist Diabetologists, Dietitians and Diabetes Educators who answer all your diabetes related queries and help you manage your diabetes.

For Full Care of Diabetes,
Visit www.lifespanindia.com

Call 1800 3000 1893 

Newly diagnosed with diabetes? Tips to lower the risk of complications

Being told that you have diabetes is not easy to handle. For a lot of people, this diagnosis can be completely unexpected and thus quite distressing. The amount of information available on this subject can be quite overwhelming without actually helping the cause. Statements such as ‘It’s a lifetime disease’ or ‘This can damage your organs’ can be further upsetting.

Firstly, we have to understand that diabetes (especially Type II) is largely affected by one’s lifestyle. In this condition, the body has trouble processing the insulin hormone which is responsible for supplying energy to cells. This causes sugar levels in the blood to increase thereby putting major organs such as heart, kidney and liver at risk.

So yes, while we do agree that diabetes is a serious ailment, we also believe proper care can help you manage it much better and reduce risk for complications. How, you ask? Well, let’s look important tips that people diagnosed with diabetes should work on.

Monitor your sugar levels: Generally it happens that a routine blood test such as fasting sugars or post lunch sugar levels are used as a base to diagnose for diabetes. While this does highlight an increase in blood sugar, it may be inconclusive. There may be several factors that could affect sugar levels at a specific time causing elevated levels. To avoid this, it is best to go get a haemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c) done which monitors average blood sugar levels for the past 3 months to accurately diagnose your condition. Also, be sure to routinely check your sugar levels at home, as advised by your doctor, to monitor any sudden changes.

Watch what you eat: Eating healthy and balanced meals are the first important step in managing and controlling diabetes. To start with, why not make a note of what your typical food routine is! Maintain a journal of what and when you eat for about a week. Review this with your doctor or nutritionist to know what changes can be made that fit within your current lifestyle. And foodies don’t panic – the changes are quite simple and adaptive to your lifestyle. Maybe you can use whole wheat instead of refined flour, add some salad to your diet, limit desserts and alcohol! Working on a health plan from the start can help you retain some of your favourite food in a healthy manner while limiting the risk for complications in the future.

Do not skip meals: It’s a health plan and not a diet – make this your mantra! This is very important for anyone with diabetes. Skipping meals or dieting can worsen diabetes as it causes massive spikes and fall in blood sugar levels. If you are taking diabetic medicines, skipping meals can lead to dizziness due to low blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy food plan through the day is best to keep your metabolism good and sugar levels normal.

Lose weight and exercise: Obesity is a major cause for diabetes, and we all know this. To aid insulin processing and limit complications for heart disease and cholesterol, exercise is a must. Make sure to get 30 mins a day to do whatever physical activity you enjoy (at least 5 days in a week). Incorporate cardio and strength training to keep your muscles and bones strong! Also, get more active through the day! Apart from your daily exercise, try and incorporate minor activities through the day. to do this: stand up and stretch every half hour from your desk, take your dog to the park, walk or cycle to the grocery store and use the stairs when possible. Every bit of activity helps boost metabolism and regulate sugar levels!

Take your medicines on time: In most cases, the diabetes diagnosis comes with a medicine to control insulin levels. It is essential to take this medicine as and when advised by the doctor. Skipping these tablets or taking them incorrectly can worsen blood sugar levels and lead to serious complications.

Don’t miss your screenings: With diabetes it is crucial to regularly test for any changes in sugar levels and check the impact of medication. Be sure to regularly get your tests and screenings done as recommended by the doctor. Any rise or fall in sugar levels should be countered instantly by changes in medicine, food or activity levels to prevent the condition from worsening. Glucometers are a boon to help to you in checking sugar and maintaining a log.

Finally, stay positive! A diabetes diagnosis is not the end of the world! There are millions of people living a good life with this condition around the world. Stress and worry will only worsen insulin absorption in the body. Also, it may lead to hypertension which causes additional stress on the heart. So live a healthy lifestyle, pay attention to your sugar levels and leave the worry behind. You can even opt for meditation as a calming and soothing effect against anxiety.

For Full Care of Diabetes.
Visit www.lifespanindia.com
Call 1800 3000 1893