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Prevent Diabetes
 
What is type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use the hormone insulin, made in the pancreas, to help them process blood glucose into energy. People develop type 2 diabetes because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the body’s needs. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. Although people with diabetes can prevent or delay complications by keeping blood glucose levels close to normal, preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes in the first place is even better. The results of a major study, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), showed that moderate diet and exercise resulting in a 5- to 7-percent weight loss can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes. The results showed that people in the lifestyle modification group reduced their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Many people have no signs or symptoms. Symptoms can also be so mild that you might not even notice them. Here is what to look for:

  • Increased thirst

  • Increased hunger

  • Fatigue

  • Increased urination, especially at night

  • Weight loss

  • Blurred vision

  • Sores that do not heal
Sometimes people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. They delay scheduling a checkup because they do not feel sick. Many people do not find out they have the disease until they have diabetes complications, such as blurry vision or heart trouble. It is important to find out early if you have diabetes because treatment can prevent damage to the body from diabetes.

Should I be tested for diabetes?

Anyone 40 years old or older should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 40 or older and overweight it is strongly recommended that you get tested. If you are younger than 40, overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should consider testing. Ask your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. Your doctor will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.

What does it mean to have pre-diabetes?

It means you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The good news is if you have pre-diabetes you can reduce the risk of getting diabetes and even return to normal blood glucose levels. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. If your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range (what we now call pre-diabetes), have your blood glucose checked in 1 to 2 years.

Besides age and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?


To find out your risk for type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you.
  • I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.

  • I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 4kgs.

  • My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.

  • My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) is 35 or lower, or my triglyceride level is 250 or higher.

  • I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week.
What can I do about my risk?

You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing weight can all help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy.

If you are overweight then take these steps:

  • Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight.

  • Make wise food choices most of the time.

  • Be physically active every day.
If you checked
  • I am fairly inactive.
Then take this step: Be physically active every day.

If you checked

  • My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.
Then take this step:

Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight.

Make wise food choices most of the time.

Reduce your intake of salt and alcohol.

Be physically active every day.

Talk to your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your blood pressure.

If you checked

  • My cholesterol levels are not normal.
Then take these steps:

Make wise food choices most of the time.

Be physically active every day.

Talk to your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your cholesterol levels.

We can help

The center for diabetes and endocrinology at SRMC is committed to helping you prevent diabetes. We have designed a program that will help you start off in your fight against diabetes and assist you, in sustaining that fight.

What does the program comprise?

A detailed history and physical examination some focused laboratory tests that will help us identify whether you have diabetes, pre diabetes or none

  • Additional testing that will help us identify if you are at risk for some associated conditions like increased cholesterol etc.

  • A detailed nutritional assessment that will identify high risk behavior and nutrition and lifestyle counseling that will help your plan your diet and activity

  • Assessment for exercise and exercise counseling

  • Consultation with Endocrinologist

  • Other appropriate referrals

  • Education support

Once your initial goals and targets are identified, our retention program will assist you in sticking to the program and help you meet these goals. Our objective is to help you tailor a prevention program that makes some focused well directed changes that will help you delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.

How do I register with the program?

Please call the front desk at 24761549 or 24761550 to register for the diabetes prevention program.

On the day of your appointment come after an overnight fast (water is allowed) to do the blood work.

The cost of the initial screening program including blood work counseling and consultations is Rs.1250/- and payable at the billing counter on the day of your visit

The front desk will assist you in getting your blood work. After the blood work you can have breakfast and come back for consultation. A blood test will be required 2 hours after breakfast also.

The front desk will also assist you in seeing your nutrition and lifestyle counselor, doctor and consultant.

For more information about our programs and services call 044-24761549/50
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