Diabetes: We All Know It Means High Blood Sugar… But There’s More
Most people think diabetes is all about sugar. But it’s really about how your body manages energy.
👉 In Type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing beta cells are wiped out by your own immune system.
👉 In Type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas eventually can’t keep up.
📈 Type 2 is booming – thanks to family history, sedentary jobs, and the “Uber Eats” lifestyle.
Know Diabetes – The Doctor’s Way
According to World Health Organisation (WHO) and international guidelines, diabetes can be diagnosed using any of the following, confirmed by repeat testing on a different day.
WHO Criteria for Diabetes Mellitus:
- Fasting Blood Glucose (FPG): ≥126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) after at least 8 hours fasting
- 2-hour Plasma Glucose (OGTT): ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after 75 g glucose
- Random Plasma Glucose: ≥200 mg/dL in presence of symptoms (e.g., thirst, weight loss)
- HbA1c: ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol)It shows average blood sugar levels over the three months. It works by measuring how much glucose has attached itself to red blood cells, giving a reliable picture of long term blood sugar control.
What is Prediabetes?
A warning sign – blood sugar is higher than normal but not diabetic yet.
WHO Criteria for Prediabetes:
- FPG: 110–125 mg/dL (6.1–6.9 mmol/L)
- OGTT: 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L)
Prediabetes increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Catch it early!
Effects of High Blood Sugar
Short-Term Symptoms:
- Frequent urination 🚽
- Thirst 😓
- Blurred vision 👓
- Fatigue 😴
If untreated:⚠️
- Nausea, fruity breath, dehydration
- Confusion or mental fog
- Can trigger Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) or Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
Long-Term Complications:
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):You may lose feeling in our feet and hands, which can lead to wounds and infections that don’t heal well.
- Eye Damage (Retinopathy) 👁:High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness.
- Kidney Failure (Nephropathy)
- Heart Attacks & Stroke ❤️🧠
- Foot Ulcers or Amputation 🦶
- Cognitive Decline 🧠Over time , it affects memory, learning and increasing the risk of dementia.
- Gum & Skin Infections 🦷🦠
How to Test Blood Sugar at Home
📍 Glucometer:
- Affordable and accurate
- Finger-prick method, uncomfortable
📡 Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM):
- Painless sensors on arm/abdomen.
- Tracks trends 24/7, alerts high or low blood sugar.
- No finger pricks needed!
Popular CGM Brands:
Dexcom G7, Freestyle Libre 3 Plus, Eversense 365, Nutrisense, Levels, Signos
Ask your doctor for personalized recommendations!
The Game Changers: GLP-1, SGLT2, and Tech Tools
Ozempic & GLP-1 Agonists: Beyond Sugar Control
How they work: Mimic GLP-1 gut hormone to:
🎯 Boost insulin only when needed
🧠 Curb appetite via brain centers
💓 Protect heart & kidneys
Results from ADA 2024:
- 10–15% body weight loss
- 26% lower risk of stroke/heart attack
- Available as Ozempic (weekly injection) or Rybelsus (daily pill)
- 🇮🇳 In India: ₹5,000–₹10,000/month (costly but effective)
SGLT2 Inhibitors: Heart & Kidney Heroes
Drugs: Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin
💧 Removes sugar via urine
🫀 30–40% lower risk of heart failure
🛡 Kidney protection (even for non-diabetics)
Also Read: Beyond Ozempic: The GLP-1 boom
Digital Diabetes Tools: Monitoring Made Smarter
a. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
- Freestyle Libre: ₹4,000 / 14 days
- BeatO Unstick: Indian CGM, ₹2,500/month
b. AI-Powered Apps & Telemedicine
- HealthifyMe: Indian food plans with millets & lentils
- Practo: Rural teleconsultation
- Smart Pens: Log insulin doses & sync with apps
How Tech Makes Healthy Living Easier 🏃♂️🥗
Fitness Goals:
- Trackers like Fitbit or Apple Watch
- Personalised activity reminders
- Digital platforms combine CGM + workout data
Diet Goals: 🥘
- Apps like calorie/carb tracking
- CGM-linked food response tracking
- Smart recipe suggestions & meal reminders
Stay in Control, Stay Informed
Keeping your blood sugar in check protects you now and in the future.
🚨 Don’t ignore symptoms. Let your healthcare provider help you avoid complications.
Disclaimer:⚠️
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The author and publisher are not responsible for any outcomes from using this information. Medication and device names mentioned are not endorsements. In any health issue, seek immediate medical help.
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