Pune: Diabetes is a silent killer and one of the most common health conditions that the majority of the population suffers from. Now, type 2 diabetes cases are alarmingly increasing among youngsters of age group 35-40. Right from a healthy diet to a proper fitness routine, a diabetic has to be cautious to stay healthy. Don’t forget to check your blood sugar levels by opting for regular tests. Having diabetes also suggests that you need to also go for regular cardiac, liver, cholesterol, and kidney tests.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle condition and irreversible. It occurs when your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. You may develop it due to family history, being overweight or obese, and genes. People with diabetes encounter kidney problems along with renal artery stenosis, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, foot and eye problems, gum disease, erectile dysfunction, and bladder problems that can crop up due to it. The common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are increased thirst and urination, feeling tired, hungry, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, slow wound healing, and unexplained weight loss.
Currently, due to poor lifestyle choices like eating a lot of junk, processed and canned foods, physical inactivity and obesity have led to diabetes among youngsters of the 35-40 age group. Thus, it is essential to limit the calorie intake, exercise every day to maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated to lower the blood sugar levels, and boost the metabolism, bid adieu to alcohol and smoking, opt for a diet with low carbohydrates, moderate protein, and high fat is the perfect diet mantra to maintain your blood sugar levels. Also, take medication as suggested by the doctor and avoid skipping it.
Dr. Keerthi Kotla, Consultant Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostic, “Check your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure regularly to maintain good health. Type 2 diabetes can affect every organ of the body so routine check-ups and tests are a must in a year for normal individuals and once every 6 months for already diagnosed individuals to prevent serious consequences. As a part of routine health check-up many young individuals are now getting tested for blood sugar level and cholesterol. The HbA1C blood test measures the average blood sugar levels over the previous three months in already diagnosed individuals to know if their blood sugar levels are in control. Diabetes doubles the chances of heart disease, so it’s important to have a blood test to check your cholesterol as part of your annual exam or more frequently if your cholesterol levels are high.”
Dr. Keerthi added, “Be sure to get a complete foot exam at regular intervals as people with uncontrolled diabetes tend to lose their feet due to gangrene infection, or an ulcer. Eye check-ups will help you know if the raised blood sugar has damaged blood vessels and for other problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic neuropathy. The microalbumin test will tell you if your kidneys are functioning properly. Go for regular dental check-ups to avoid gum disease and infections due to unmanaged blood sugar levels. Diabetes invites heart problems so get an electrocardiogram done to monitor the functioning of the heart.”
