Diabetes affects over 537 million people worldwide. It’s a chronic disease that can strike anyone unannounced and its impact on the health and well-being of a patient cannot be overstated. When left untreated, diabetes can lead to a host of serious health complications but the good part is that with proper management and care, those who are living with diabetes can lead healthy lives.

In this article we are going to talk about the best diabetes doctors in Tricity who can help you make it easier to live and thrive with diabetes.

1. Dr. Anil Bhansali from Ginihealth: Dr. Anil Bhansali is one of the best endocrinologists in the country with extensive knowledge about diabetes and its management. He closely works with clinical dietetics, exercise coaches and physicians to create a treatment plan for the patients suffering from any type of diabetes. Here is how you can get in touch with Dr. Bhansali:

2. Dr. Gagan Priya from Fortis Healthcare: Dr. Gagan Priya who currently practises at Fortis Healthcare is a brilliant doctor for diabetes and is well-versed in treating diabetics. She is adept at handling complex cases and has helped numerous patients in diabetic management. If you are looking to get in touch with her, you can book an appointment online or visit her in the hospital.

3. Dr. Vineet Arora from Max Healthcare: Dr. Vineet Arora has years of experience in endocrinology and treating diabetes. He has published many research works on diabetes with focus on the latest treatment options. He is well known for providing high quality care to his patients.

4. Dr. Jasmeet Kaur from Ivy Hospital: Dr. Jasmeet Kaur is a senior consultant for diabetes at Ivy Hospital. She specialises in providing treatments for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and other rare forms of diabetes and also holds surgical expertise for the same.

Understanding Different Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin helps the body’s cells to use glucose for energy, and it also helps the liver, muscle, and fat tissue to store any extra glucose. In the absence of insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels which can lead to serious health complications over time.

Let’s talk about different types of diabetes in detail:

Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system starts destroying the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result people with type 1 diabetes can’t produce insulin and have to rely on exogenous insulin injections to regulate their blood sugar levels. It is also known as juvenile diabetes since it is usually diagnosed in children and teens.

Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is also referred to as adult-onset diabetes. It  is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by the body’s inability to properly utilize insulin, leading to an accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream. This form of diabetes is often caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity.

Gestational Diabetes: It is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes because of which the body can’t use the insulin properly. It affects around 10-14% of pregnant women and can cause complications for both the mother and the baby.

Prediabetes: Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. In most cases, there are no clear symptoms of prediabetes. You may have it but since it doesn’t show symptoms it’s highly possible that you are unaware of your condition. Individuals with prediabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

What Are the Risk Factors for Diabetes

There are several risk factors for diabetes, including:

• Obesity or Being Overweight: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.
• Physical Inactivity: Lack of physical activity can contribute to the development of diabetes, as it can lead to weight gain and decreased insulin sensitivity.
• Family History: Having a family member with diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition.
• Age: The risk of developing diabetes increases as people get older, especially after age 45.
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension is a known risk factor for diabetes.
• Abnormal Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels: Having high levels of fats in the blood can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) : Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing diabetes.
• Previous Gestational Diabetes : Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Diabetes is typically diagnosed through a series of blood tests that measure the amount of glucose in the blood. The most commonly used tests for diagnosing diabetes are:

1. Fasting Blood Glucose Test (FBG): This test measures the level of glucose in the blood after an individual has fasted for at least 8 hours. A fasting blood glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on two separate occasions indicates diabetes.
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test measures the body’s ability to process glucose by measuring blood glucose levels after a person has fasted and again 2 hours after they drink a glucose-containing beverage. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
3. Haemoglobin A1C Test: This test measures the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months by evaluating the percentage of haemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar. A result of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

How to Manage and Treat Diabetes?

The treatment options for diabetes vary depending on the type of diabetes an individual has.

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Insulin therapy is the main treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar levels.
• Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is also important for managing Type 1 diabetes. Patients can use a CGM device or check the blood sugar using a glucometer before and after meals and before going to sleep.
• Following a healthy diet and regular physical activity are also important for managing blood sugar levels.

Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes:

• A huge part of managing Type 2 diabetes and Gestational Diabetes is developing healthy habits and making changes to the lifestyle like losing extra weight, eating nutritious fibre-rich food and regular physical activity. These are generally the first line of treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
• In some cases, type 2 diabetes treatment may involve insulin therapy. Doctors may also recommend some medications depending upon the severity of the condition
• Type 2 diabetics should be sure to check their blood sugar levels as often as their doctor has recommended to understand how their diet affects their blood sugar levels.

Bottom Line

Everyone’s journey with diabetes is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a diabetes specialist to develop an individualised treatment plan that takes into account the specific type of diabetes, as well as other factors such as age, overall health, and personal preferences. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan may also be a necessary step to ensure that blood sugar levels are well controlled and to help prevent complications.