‘Diabetes can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, vision loss, foot problems’

Q: How does diabetes actually happen?

A: When we eat, our body breaks down food into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. However, glucose cannot enter cells on its own — it needs insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. As blood sugar rises after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin to help transport glucose into cells. In diabetes, this process is disrupted either due to lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use it effectively.

Q: What symptoms should people watch out for?

A: Common symptoms, include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight changes, increased hunger, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

Q: What are the major risk factors?

A: Family history, obesity — especially central obesity — inactive lifestyle, poor diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increasing age, and a history of gestational diabetes all contribute to the risk.

Q: How is diabetes diagnosed?

A: Diagnosis is done through blood tests like fasting blood glucose, HbA1c (which reflects average sugar levels over three months), oral glucose tolerance test and random blood sugar tests.

Q: Are there early signs that people often miss?

A: Yes, symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision can be early indicators. But many people remain symptom-free for years, which is why regular screening is so important.

Q: What are the main types of diabetes?

A: Type 1 is an autoimmune condition seen in younger individuals where the body stops producing insulin. Type 2 is more common and linked to lifestyle and genetics. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and poses risks to both mother and child.

Q: Could you elaborate on the complications?

A: Diabetes can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, vision loss, foot problems, skin and oral infections, and even increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and certain cancers. Gestational diabetes can cause excessive growth in the baby, low blood sugar, breathing issues, and jaundice. For mothers, it raises the risk of preeclampsia and future diabetes.

Q: What is the foundation of diabetes management?

A: It involves healthy eating, regular exercise, monitoring blood sugar, and appropriate medications. Type 1 requires insulin therapy and carbohydrate tracking. Type 2 may be managed with lifestyle changes, oral drugs, or insulin. In some cases, bariatric surgery or pancreas transplant may be considered.

Q: I’ve heard people say, “I never eat sweets, so why did I get diabetes?” What’s your take?

A: Diabetes isn’t just about sugar. Almost everything we eat turns into glucose. In type 2 diabetes, it’s more about overall calorie intake and excess weight. If your body stores more energy than it needs, it leads to fat accumulation, which increases the risk of diabetes.

Q: Should people with diabetes avoid carbohydrates altogether?

A: Not at all. Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source and should make up about half of daily food intake. The key is moderation and choosing complex carbs over refined ones. Portion control is more important than complete avoidance.

Q: If someone is prescribed insulin, does that mean his/her diabetes is very severe?

A: Not necessarily. Insulin is simply a tool to manage blood sugar when other methods aren’t enough. It’s not a punishment or a sign of failure. The body signals when insulin is needed, and using it appropriately helps prevent complications.

Q: How can society prevent this growing epidemic?

A: Prevention requires both individual lifestyle changes and community-level interventions. This includes eating balanced, less processed food, fibre rich diet, low refined carbohydrates. Daily physical activity (30 minute walk or equivalent). Regular screening after age 30 or earlier if risk is high. Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol. Public health campaigns and affordable screening camps are necessary.