Close to 80 million people in India are living with diabetes
While the number of people who are struggling with diabetes is alarming, this figure is expected to increase up to 135 million by 2045.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin or when the body is unable to use the insulin prepared by the pancreas. The increase of blood sugar level, also known as hyperglycaemia, leads to diabetes which further progresses to damage the nerves and blood vessels.
Many people complain that their blood sugar level is not coming down despite several precautions. Here we help you understand what might be the reason why your blood sugar level is high despite trying.
You stop your medicines once you see the blood sugar level is under control
“Sugar medicines can be stopped temporarily or in few cases permanently. But it all depends on an individual's lifestyle and diet. A regular exercise regimen with a low refined carbohydrate , high protein and moderate fats, body weight in proper ranger for height and age can help a person get off medication but only in consultation with a doctor,” explains Dr. Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
“Medicines are to be continued even if sugars are under control because a diabetic individual is typically insulin resistant or deficient and a healthy lifestyle and medicines keep the sugar under control. Uncontrolled blood sugars will continue depleting the insulin proving cells in your body,” he adds.
You assume that being thin will not disturb your blood sugar level
Dr Tayal talks about another important misconception around diabetes.
“It’s true that overweight and obese individuals are more prone to developing high blood sugar and diabetes but that is not always true . There are certain types of diabetes such as type 1 diabetes and LADA WHICH IS SEEN TYPICALLY in individuals of normal or low body weight. Also in people with long standing uncontrolled blood sugar , they can start losing weight due to loss of muscles and body fat,” he says.
You don’t see any symptoms and you don’t measure your blood sugar level
“Before the onset of overt symptoms of high blood sugar which are excessive thirst, excessive hunger , urination frequency , feeling excessively weak ,there are certain signs one must look for detection of high blood sugar,” says Dr Tayal and emphasizes on the common signs of diabetes which should never be ignored.
“The commonest is darkening of skin around the neck , underarms and groin. Skin tags around the neck or armpits is another common sign. Having a low immunity leading to recurrent infections such as folliculitis is another indicator,” he explains.
You slow down once you are diagnosed with diabetes
The expert talks about an important assumption around diabetes. He highlights how several people slow down and tend to do less physical activity once they are diagnosed with diabetes.
“Regular exercise is of utmost importance for every individual ,diabetic or non diabetic to stay healthy and keep sugar under control. Recommended is at least 150 min per week which should be inclusive of both cardio and strength training,” says Dr Tayal.
“Muscles take up excess blood sugar but in diabetics this process becomes slow. Exercising and gymming increases the muscle mass which in turn helps in controlling sugar. Also exercise reduces excess belly fat which is the primary culprit for causing diabetes hypertension and other lifestyle illnesses,” he explains.
Read more: 10 myths about blood sugar your doctor would like you to stop believing
The takeaway message
“We have to remember that diabetes is a silent killer and in many cases an individual may not experience any signs and symptoms and yet may be a diabetic which can be determined only with regular check up,” urges Dr Tayal.
“Diabetics should ensure that they do not exercise on empty stomach to prevent episodes of low blood sugar, " he warns.
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