Frequently Asked Questions

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Why does a diabetic patient need a diabetologist?

A diabetologist is a doctor who has specialized in the field of diabetes. Just like how a heart patient requires a cardiologist, a diabetic requires a diabetologist.

What should my blood sugar be?

Your blood glucose range of 80-130 before meals and less than 180 about 2 hours after a meal.

What can I eat if I have diabetes?

You can eat just about anything you want. It is about knowing proper portion sizes and how much you are putting on your plate. A dietitian can help you learn to count carbohydrates and with meal planning that is specific for you.

What foods have carbohydrates?

Fruits, starchy vegetables, milk, yogurt, rice, cereals, bread, and other grains all have carbs and give you important nutrients. Many snack foods, such as pretzels, chips, and popcorn, have carbs. Sweets, including regular soda, cakes, candy, and cookies, also contain carbohydrates. Be sure to check the nutrition label on each food item to determine carbohydrate content.

If it is sugar-free, I can eat as much as I want, right?

Sugar-free foods can be part of a healthy meal plan in small amounts. Keep in mind though that some of these foods still have carbs (in the form of other sweeteners such as sorbitol, isomalt, and mannitol) and may affect your blood glucose levels. Many sugar-free foods have calories and carbohydrates and lots of fat. Make sure you read the nutrition labels.

What is the importance of lifestyle in the management of diabetes?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very essential for the control and management of diabetes. This includes making healthy eating choices and having an active lifestyle that includes some amount of walking, running, and exercise. If proper lifestyle decisions are not made, diabetes can spiral out of control leading to various health complications.

Is it necessary to follow the diet plan?

A diet plan is tailor-made, keeping in mind the specific requirements of a patient’s condition. It is always beneficial to follow a diet plan so that all the nutritional requirements are adequately met. Many of the times our normal diet misses few important nutrients in our daily routine; after observing a patient’s diet a dietician ensures that these gaps are filled.

For diabetics who are obese, it would be helpful to lose weight to maintain blood sugar levels and a correct diet plan by a dietitian would help in achieving these targets.

What are the most common symptoms of diabetes?

Most individuals with diabetes exhibit these common symptoms:

Increased thirst
Weight loss
Blurred vision
Sores that do not heal
Increased hunger
Frequent fatigue
Increased urination (especially at night)

Can high blood pressure be cured?

Although not ‘cured’ as such, modern therapeutic approaches to blood pressure are very effective and generally very safe. However, if treatment is stopped the high blood pressure usually returns reasonably quickly.

Will hypertension cause any damage to my body?

Left unchecked, high blood pressure will over the years cause damage to the blood vessels of the heart and brain that leads to heart attacks and strokes. It also places extra strain on the heart, causing thickening of the heart muscle and heart failure and it damages the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of over 100 diseases characterized by inflammation in the joints or other areas of the body. Inflammation is a medical term that describes pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling. Left unchecked, inflammation can lead to significant and often irreparable damage to the affected areas, resulting in loss of function and disability.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of other health problems.

What are the symptoms of Viral Fever?

Fever signs and symptoms may include:

 Sweating
 Chills and shivering
 Headache
 Muscle aches
 Loss of appetite
 Irritability
 Dehydration
 General weakness

How to avoid catching viral fever?

 Maintain basic hygiene.
 Wash hands and feet often.
 Use hand sanitizer regularly.
 Avoid touching your skin to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading over your body.