Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition that is a result of high sugar level in blood due to the body's insufficient production of insulin. Diabetes is a long term health condition that cannot be treated but can be managed and controlled. India is the second most affected country in the world in terms of diabetes.
Diabetes is of two types:
- Type 1: an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented
- Type 2: where the insulin produced by the body cannot be used. This type of diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle modifications
Signs that could indicate high blood sugar for type 2 diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive hunger
- Weight loss
- Slow healing of bruises
Most people who develop diabetes do not get to until they get a checkup done for blood sugar. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to grave health complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, stroke.
Tests related to diabetes and its complications:
- Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1C)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Serum Lipid Profile
- Blood Urea & Creatinine,
- SGOT & SGPT
- ECG
- Eye Examination
Who should be tested for diabetes?
Anyone with these risk factors should get preventive health checkup regularly:
- Parent or sibling having diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactive
- Hypertension
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- History of heart disease
Diabetes and Covid
Immune system of people with diabetes can hinder the white blood cells’ ability to fight Covid infection. It can also suppress the immune system and make you more vulnerable to lung problems.
