Diabetes Treatment in Kolhapur

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes (sometimes called type 1 "diabetes mellitus") is a disorder that disrupts the way your body uses sugar.

Every cell in your body requires sugar to function properly. Insulin, a hormone, facilitates the entry of sugar into cells. However, if there's insufficient insulin or the body becomes resistant to its effects, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to the condition known as diabetes.

Every cell in your body requires sugar to function properly. Insulin, a hormone, facilitates the entry of sugar into cells. However, if there's insufficient insulin or the body becomes resistant to its effects, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to the condition known as diabetes.

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

The symptoms include

• Intense Thirst
• Being Very Tired
• Urinating Often
• Losing Weight
• Blurred Vision

In extreme cases, type 1 diabetes can also cause nausea or vomiting, belly pain, and panting.

How do I know if I have type 1 diabetes?

Your doctor can do a blood test to measure the amount of sugar in your blood. The test will show whether you have diabetes. If you do, your doctor or nurse can then decide whether it is type 1 or type 2 – based on your age, your weight, and doctor will also do other important blood tests like C Peptide, HbA1c. GAD 65 Antibodies.

How is type 1 diabetes treated?

Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves 2 key parts

Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels is essential to ensure they remain within a healthy range. . Basal bolus insulin therapy is the treatment of choice for type-1 diabetes where in 4/3 shots of insulin is given per day.

Additionally, managing blood sugar levels involve administering insulin shots or utilizing an insulin pump. An insulin pump, a wearable device, is connected to a tube inserted under the skin to deliver insulin as needed

People with type 1 diabetes also need to carefully plan their meals and activity levels. That's because eating raises blood sugar, while being active lowers it. Despite the need to plan, people with diabetes can have normal diets, be active, eat out, and do all the things that most other people do.

How often do I need to see my doctor?

You'll likely need to schedule appointments with your doctor at least 3 or 4 times annually. In certain instances, additional visits may be necessary, especially for diabetes management or if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled.

During these appointments, your healthcare provider will conduct an A1C test to assess your average blood sugar levels over recent months, aiding in treatment adjustments as needed. They may also assess other aspects of your health, such as blood pressure or cholesterol levels. It's crucial to attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider.

Why is it important to keep my blood sugar close to normal?

Having high blood sugar can cause serious problems over time. It can lead to

• Nerve Damage
• Kidney Disease
• Vision problems (or even blindness)
• Pain or loss of feeling in the hands and feet
• The need to have fingers, toes, or other body parts removed (amputated)
• Heart disease and strokes

What if I want to get pregnant?

Many people with type 1 diabetes have healthy pregnancies. If you want to have a baby, make sure you control your blood sugar really well before and during pregnancy. This will protect you and your baby from problems.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder that is known for disrupting the way your body uses glucose (sugar), it also causes other problems with the way your body stores and processes other forms of energy, including fat. All the cells in your body need sugar to work normally. Sugar gets into the cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body stops responding to normal or even high levels of insulin, and over time, the pancreas (an organ in the abdomen) does not make enough insulin to keep up with what the body needs. Being overweight, especially having extra fat stored in the liver and abdomen, even if weight is normal, increases the body's demand for insulin. This causes high blood sugar (glucose) levels, which can lead to problems if untreated.

Type 2 diabetes is a hereditary condition. If one parent has diabetes, there is a 40% chance of developing diabetes. If both parents have diabetes, the likelihood increases to 80%. However, even if both parents don't have diabetes, lifestyle changes, stress, obesity, processed foods, and all these factors can still result in a 25% chance of developing diabetes

10 tips for people with diabetes?

The symptoms of a fracture depend on the type and severity of the fracture. Some common symptoms of a fracture include

• Blood sugar should be below 130 before meals and below 160 after meals, and your HbA1c, which represents the average blood sugar for the past three months, should be less than 6.5.
• Maintain healthy levels of blood fat, with LDL (bad cholesterol) less than 100, triglycerides less than 150, and HDL (good cholesterol) above 40 for men and above 50 for women.
• Maintain blood pressure at 130/80.
• Get your eye checkup once a year.
• Undergo kidney function tests every six months to check creatinine and albumin levels.
• Sudden dizziness, trembling limbs, or dizziness may indicate hypoglycemia, i.e., low blood sugar. In such cases, immediately consume 2 tablespoons of glucose powder/sugar/honey dissolved in a glass of water. If symptoms persist, seek immediate advice from your doctor.
• Always wear footwear at home and outside. Treat wounds promptly.
• Avoid touching tobacco, cigarettes, or alcohol.
• Keep your weight under control.
• Maintain a positive outlook towards your own illness or life events.

Diet in Type 2 Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various health complications. However, if you manage diabetes well by following dietary guidelines and leading a healthy lifestyle, you can lead a long and healthy life, possibly even beyond 100 years.

View Diet Chart →

Annual tests to be done in Type 2 Diabetes?

7 important tests for diabetic patients

Insulin things you need to know

What is insulin?

• Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels (a type of sugar).
• It is produced by beta cells in the pancreas.
• When blood glucose levels rise after meals, it is released into the bloodstream.
• Insulin helps glucose enter cells in the body's muscles.

Steps for taking insulin injections

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
• Remove the cap of the insulin pen and wipe the top with alcohol. Change the needle every 2 days.
• Set the correct insulin dose on the pen as instructed by your doctor.
• Choose the injection site (arm, abdomen, thighs, or buttocks). Rotate the injection site daily, keeping a distance of 1 inch between each injection.
• Clean the chosen site with alcohol and let it dry completely.
• Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. Press the plunger to inject insulin.
• Before withdrawing the needle, wait for 10 seconds to ensure insulin distribution in the body.
• Store insulin in the refrigerator at 2°C-8°C and use it at normal room temperature when needed.

Tips for storing insulin injections

• Check the expiration date before using insulin. Do not use any insulin injection beyond its expiration date.
• Insulin pens/cartridges should be refrigerated between 2°C - 8°C. Insulin injections should not be stored at temperatures below 2°C.
• A middle rack in the refrigerator is a suitable place for storing insulin injections.
• Insulin injections should not be stored at temperatures exceeding 8°C.
• Do not store insulin injections in direct sunlight, car glove compartments (excessive heat), or freezers (extreme cold).
• Never shake insulin. If it has been shaken, administer the insulin.
• Adhere strictly to the specific guidelines provided for insulin storage.
• After opening, store insulin pens/cartridges at room temperature (30°C) according to shelf life recommendations, typically around 4-8 weeks.
• If a refrigerator is unavailable or power supply is irregular, store insulin away from direct sunlight, heat, and in a cool, dry, and dark place.
• Before each use, check the insulin pen for any air bubbles and remove them.
• Ensure that insulin appears clear and uniform in the syringe. If there are any particles, crystals, or clumps in the insulin, do not use it.

Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

Due to diabetes, the risk of heart diseases increases significantly. Additionally, there is an increased risk of neuropathy (nerve damage), gangrene in the feet, and retinopathy (eye problems). Diabetes can also lead to nephropathy (kidney damage), vascular problems in the legs, and diabetic foot ulcers. However, with proper medical care and timely treatment, diabetes can be managed.

The list of complications due to diabetes

• Retinopathy/Eye problems
• Neuropathy/Nerve damage
• Cardiovascular diseases/Heart problems
• Nephropathy/Kidney damage
• Vascular problems in the legs
• Diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic Hypoglycemia

Varying blood sugar levels throughout the day is normal. But when your blood glucose level falls below 70 mg/dL, it's called Hypoglycemia. In this scenario, you need to take immediate action to bring them back to your target range.

What causes Hypoglycemia?

In type 2 Diabetes, it may be a cause of concern with some antidiabetic medications like sulphonylureas, glinides and insulin.

• Skipping a meal or eating food with fewer carbohydrates without reducing the dose of insulin.
• Drinking alcohol without eating enough food.
• Doing more physical activity exceeding your usual routine.
• Eating less when you're sick.
• Taking hot water bath immediately after injecting insulin can cause quick absorption of insulin, causing hypoglycemia.
• Taking insulin on your arms or thighs and immediately exercising that body part.

Mild to moderate symptoms of Hypoglycemia

• Mild to moderate symptoms of Hypoglycemia
• Hungry
• Tired
• Dizzy, lightheaded, confused or irritable
• Heart beating too fast or not steadily
• Headache
• Cant see or speak properly

Severe symptoms of Hypoglycemia

• Losing consciousness
• Having a seizure

Severe hypoglycemia is life threatening and needs to be treated immediately. In case you have symptoms of Hypoglycemia, consult your Endocrinologist immediately.

Important tips to remember for Hypoglycemia

• Eat a carbohydrate and protein rich snack/meal with nuts, paneer, eggs, etc. when blood glucose level is less than 70 mg/dL, to avoid Hypoglycemia recurrence.
• Never correct Hypoglycemia with fatty foods. Eg, ice cream, chocolates, indian sweets, or desserts as they take more time to raise the blood glucose levels.
• You can keep glucagon injections at home to treat severe Hypoglycemia.
• It is advisable to check blood glucose levels at bed-time and at 3am to avoid night-time Hypoglycemia.
• Check your blood glucose levels to know whether you are experiencing low blood glucose.
• If you’re experiencing, check your blood glucose levels immediately and treat the Hypoglycemia.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects some people when they are pregnant. Like "regular" diabetes, it affects the way that the body uses sugar.

Every cell in the body relies on sugar for normal functioning, a process facilitated by the hormone insulin. Insufficient insulin production or decreased responsiveness to insulin leads to elevated blood sugar levels, characteristic of diabetes.

During pregnancy, the body's demand for insulin rises, yet it may struggle to produce an adequate amount, resulting in gestational diabetes for some individuals. Typically, this form of diabetes resolves after pregnancy.

What problems can gestational diabetes cause?

Many of the problems that can happen are related to having high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

For instance

• Excessive fetal growth (weighing over 9 pounds or approximately 4 kilograms) poses risks as it can impede smooth passage through the birth canal, potentially resulting in injuries to the baby and tearing in the vaginal area during delivery. Additionally, infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes may face an elevated likelihood of developing obesity later in life.
• Newborns of mothers with gestational diabetes may experience low blood sugar levels immediately after birth, along with other potential health complications.
• Gestational diabetes also heightens the risk of developing a condition known as "preeclampsia" during pregnancy, characterized by elevated blood pressure and associated health issues.

Will I get gestational diabetes during my pregnancy?

It is hard to predict who will get gestational diabetes. But some people are more likely to get it than others. You are more likely to get gestational diabetes if you

• Had it before
• Are overweight
• Have diabetes in your family

Some habits might reduce your risk of gestational diabetes. These include losing weight before pregnancy if you are overweight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.

Will I be tested for gestational diabetes?

Will I be tested for gestational diabetes?

Various methods exist to diagnose diabetes during pregnancy, all of which entail consuming a designated sweet beverage. This is a standard protocol test called ‘Oral Glucose Tolerance Test’, wherein, a lab technician will draw blood samples after interval the of 10 hour fasting blood sugar level which will provide the baseline measurement. After the baseline blood sample is taken, 75 grams of glucose solution is given and further 1 hour blood sample and 2 hours to assess the postprandial blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar readings above specific thresholds indicate the presence of diabetes.

The timing of the test depends on your doctor and whether you are at risk for diabetes

The standard protocol for this test is

• Some people are tested early in pregnancy. If the test shows normal blood sugar levels, it is repeated when the person is about 6 or 7 months pregnant. (That's the same as 24 to 28 weeks pregnant.)
• Other people are only tested when they are 6 or 7 months pregnant.

How is gestational diabetes treated?

The goal of treatment is to keep your blood sugar from getting too high. To do this, you need to check your blood sugar often. If your blood sugar level is high, treatment can include

What happens after I give birth?

Your diabetes will probably go away, and your blood sugar will probably go back to normal. If you were taking insulin or another medicine, you probably will not need it anymore. Even so, your doctor or nurse will check your blood sugar to make sure that your levels get back to normal and stay normal. People who have gestational diabetes are at very high risk of getting "regular" diabetes later in life. Get checked for diabetes either when you are in the hospital after giving birth or 6 to 12 weeks later, then every few years for the rest of your life.