UNDERSTANDING DIABETES - SCREENING AND PREVENTION OF DIABETES IN HSR LAYOUT

 Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions of people globally. Screening for diabetes helps to control and manage the condition in its early stages effectively, hence preventing further complications and better healthcare.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which your blood glucose is above normal levels consistently. It occurs when your body produces less insulin (Type 1 DM), or when insulin is not utilized properly (Type 2).

Causes of Diabetes

• Genetic predisposition 

• Poor lifestyle habits

• Poor diet, high in carbohydrates and sugars 

• High blood pressure or cholesterol

• PCOD

What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus usually presents in middle and old aged people whereas Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents in childhood. Symptoms of diabetes are:

• Polyuria or Frequent urination 

• Excessive thirst and hunger

• Frequent infections

• Blurred vision - Diabetic retinopathy 

• Slow wound healing 

• Numbness and tingling sensation in the extremities.

• Significant weight loss 

What are the complications of uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes, if left unchecked, causes microvascular and microvascular complications:

• Retinopathy - damaged eye blood vessels causing glaucoma, cataracts.

• Nephropathy - excessive glucose damages the kidney tissue.

• Neuropathy - damage to the nerves and their outer covering causing lack of sensation. 

• Stroke due to increased blood pressure and excessive glucose 

• Atherosclerosis - secondary to damage to the cardiac blood vessels 

• Peripheral vascular diseases leading to gangrene.

These complications occur in later stages of the disease and cause irreversible damage to the body leading to multiorgan failure.

How to manage Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes, when detected early, can be managed and complications can be prevented effectively. Here are some ways you can manage diabetes:

• Dietary changes - eating low carbohydrate and low glycemic index foods.

• Regular exercise to increase the uptake of sugars in the blood.

• Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly.

• Monitoring HbA1c regularly. 

• Taking prescribed medications as directed by the physician. 

• Stress management and hydration.

• Regular checkup - FBS, PPBS, HbA1c, urine routine analysis, kidney function test, eye and foot examination.

Why is regular screening important?

As mentioned above, diabetes leads to multisystem complications which can be prevented by managing diabetes. Regular checkup and early detection through fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar and HbA1c, can help prevent diabetes from reaching later stages and complications in kidney, eyes and vascular systems. 

At OliveCare Wellness and Diagnostics, we offer a full body blood check up in HSR Layout, Diabetes test package and other necessary blood tests along with consultation with our expert, and one of the best general physicians in HSR Layout, Bangalore. Book your test today and stay ahead of Diabetes.