10 Doubts You Should Clarify About Diabetes - Healios

Diabetes is such a complicated disease that even being aware of all the basics of it can be not enough to deal with it completely. Those who suffer from this multi-faceted disorder will experience a host of difficulties in every aspects of their lives – be it the dietary restrictions,  the compulsory physical activities or the medical repercussions. The Diabetes Treatment process can be long drawn and complicated, as there is no cure for this disease. The only hope that patients have is to keep their blood sugar levels within acceptable boundaries, go for regular Test for Diabetes, and try to stay the healthiest. 

It is understandable that if you or any loved one has been diagnosed by diabetes recently then you'll have a lot of questions and doubts regarding it. We've tried to discuss about the most common doubts that people have regarding this disease, to help you get a better idea of what you're dealing with. 

1. What should the fasting blood sugar levels be?

The sugar level in your blood right after you wake up and on a hungry stomach is known as the “fasting”, and it should be in the range of 70-130 mg/dl. 

The blood sugar levels measured 1 or 2 hours after eating, also known as postprandial blood sugar or PP should be under 180 mg/dl. You can get the blood sugar level tested by depositing blood at any Diabetes Center. 

2. Is Insulin treatment necessary for those diagnosed with diabetes?

If you have been diagnosed, you have many options to deal with it other than Insulin. The fact is that in cases of early diagnosis and treatment, the pancreas can function better for a longer period and produce insulin on its own. But if diabetes goes untreated, then towards the later stages of the disease, the pancreas stops producing insulin, and the hormone needs to be injected into the body externally. 

3. Can diabetes be reversed?

Many people think that Type 2 Diabetes can be reversed if they embark upon a healthy lifestyle post-diagnosis. The truth is that this disease is uncureable. The healthy lifestyle and habits can help you lead a normal life even with diabetes. Keep going for regular checkups at any of the multiple Diabetes clinics in Bangalore to be aware of your status. 

4. What kind of snacks can I rely upon when I am outside?

The biggest demand of diabetic patient is to regulate their blood sugar levels, by snacking on small proportions of healthy food at regular intervals. These are the snacks that you can depend upon to keep those cravings at bay when you're outside for long periods of time - 

Fresh fruits

Fat-free yogurt 

Small cheese cubes or slices

Peanuts or almonds

Baby carrots 

5. Is weight loss important in diabetes?

Yes, if you lose weight then whatever insulin is being produced by your pancreas will be used by your body to regulate the sugar levels more effectively. The stress on your pancreas will reduce and it will remain functional for longer. 

6. Should I stop drinking alcohol?

If you're diabetic and you like the occassional drink, then there is no problem is that. As long as drinking is not a regular habit, one drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men on an average are quite safe.

Those who are insulin-dependent diabetics should however eat something while drinking otherwise they might go into hypoglycemic shock. 

7. Can my menstrual cycle influence my blood sugar levels?

Hormone fluctuations occur in women in the week preceding their period and that has an effect on the blood sugar levels. Both progesterone and oestrogen secretion increases during this time, and that can cause a rise or fall of the blood sugar levels, depending on their individual quantities in the blood. 

8. What foods should be eaten before and after working out if I have diabetes?

Before Workout - 

It's better to start working out on a relatively empty stomach. You can also have a glass of coconut water or some fruits like papaya, cucumber, or watermelon (not too much). 

After Workout - 

To avoid the sudden drops of your sugar levels, easily digestible food with healthy carbs should be your goto option as a post-workout snack, e.g. bread, crackers, pretzels, dry cereal, 100% fruit juice, or sports drink with calories

9. Do I need to carry glucose tablets or drinks with me all the time?

It actually depends upon on blood sugar medication. Those depending on an insuling treatment should definitely carry supplementary glucose with them, because insulin can induce hypoglycemic shock. 

10. Can I switch to pills from Insulin?

People who have been prescribed insulin injections need to lower their blood sugar levels by a large margin. Pills can't really achieve that. Hence the switch will not be as effective in controlling your blood sugar levels.