FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Diabetes is a condition that causes your blood sugar level to become too high.
Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the pancreatic islet cells does not make insulin (Insulin deficiency) to control blood sugar level. In comparison, in type 2 diabetes, although the insulin is produced in sufficient quantity by the pancreas, the body’s cells resist the normal effect of insulin (Insulin resistance)
Gestational diabetes occurs during the pregnancy. It increases the risk of developing complications for both mother and the baby
The most common form in children is type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in adults, but can also affect young adults and even some adolescents
A fasting blood sugar level < 100 mg/dl or a post meal (after 2 hours of eating) level <140 mg/dl and a HBA1c level < 5.7 % is considered normal
A Hemoglobin A1c is a 2-3 month average of your blood sugars. This result gives you a good idea of how well your diabetes is being managed/controlled.
A person is considered to have diabetes when either
HBA1C test is 6.5% or greater Fasting blood glucose (FBS) is 126 mg/dl or greater Oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) is 200 mg/dl or greater
Having diabetes does not mean you have to have a sugar-free diet. People with diabetes should follow a healthy balanced diet. Low-fat proteins, whole wheat grains, fruit and vegetables, starches and low-fat dairy products are recommended.
Sugar free foods can be part of a healthy meal plan in small amounts. Some of these foods still have carbohydrates in them (in the form of artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, isomaltose, and mannitol) and may affect blood glucose levels. Many sugar free foods have calories and carbohydrates and lots of fat.
There is no such thing as mild diabetes. All types of diabetes is serious and, if not properly controlled, can lead to serious complications
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes but it is not a direct cause. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable and is not caused due to excess weight, physical inactivity or any lifestyle factors
Yes. Many people do not have the characteristic symptoms even when the blood sugar levels are in the diabetic range.
Signs include extreme thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, hunger, blurred vision, drowsiness and nausea
Signs include shaking, fast heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, dizziness, hunger, impaired vision, weakness/fatigue, headache and irritability
Diabetes can cause damage to many different organs including the nerves, eyes, kidneys and the heart.
High blood sugar levels lead to high level of sugar in various cells and tissues in the body. When this happens, bacteria grow and infections can develop more quickly.
Yes, by all means. Diabetics can engage in all forms of physical activity. Infact 45 minutes of walking at least 5-6 days a week is recommended.
People who are suffering from type 1 diabetes depend on insulin replacements. On the other hand, type 2 is a progressive condition and can be managed initially with lifestyle modification and oral medications. However, around 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes will need insulin 6-10 years of being diagnosed with diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented by lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity and healthy diet Unfortunately, there is, as of now, no effective way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
There is no cure for diabetes and it persists throughout life. However, diet, exercise and medication can help manage blood glucose level and prevent complications
Yes. Pancreas transplant alone (PTA) is a proven treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes and normal renal function. Combined pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK) can be offered to those patients who have type 1 diabetes with renal failure
One of the biggest benefit of a pancreas transplant to people with type 1 diabetes is lifestyle improvement. They will no longer need insulin injections, their hypoglycemic unawareness and ketoacidosis episodes will stop and they can enjoy a normal diet along with greater independence and activity
Yes. Patients with type 2 diabetes who are insulin dependent, suffers from renal failure, are lean (with BMI < 30 kg/m2) and have minimal comorbidities are candidates for combined pancreas-kidney transplant (SPK)
A pancreas transplant is generally not suitable for patients who have a mild case of type 1 diabetes that responds well to insulin therapy and certain diet restrictions
A successful pancreas transplant has been shown to reverse the established lesions of diabetic nephropathy. It will prevent progression of retinopathy and will improve peripheral neuropathy in the patient. It will also help reduce the risk of future vascular disease, however, it will not reverse any vascular disease that was present before transplant
