A. Anyone obese, with family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, history of diabetes during pregnancy, high blood pressure, history of impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose.
Q. What are the symptoms of diabetes?
A. Type 1: excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme tiredness and rapid weight-loss.
Type 2: no symptoms in majority of patients. Type 2 diabetics are usually diagnosed during routine tests. If symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination and weight-loss are present then they are likely to have Type 2 diabetes for 6 years or more.
Q. Is there any permanent cure for diabetes?
A. Not yet. It is all about management.
Q. Does eating a lot of sugar cause diabetes?
A. Not directly. It may lead to obesity and then diabetes.
Q. Does Insulin injection cause addiction?
A. No. Insulin is a life-saving drug.
Q. Why should I go through annual tests for eyes and kidneys?
A. For early detection of complications and timely intervention.
Q. What are long-term diabetic complications?
A. Kidney disease, eye disease, neuropathy, diabetic foot, heart disease and stroke.
Q. Are the complications preventable?
A. Absolutely. By keeping blood sugar under control.
Q. Are diabetics more at risk for heart disease?
A. Yes. About two to four times more.
Q. I am Type 1 diabetic on insulin. Can I be shifted to tablets when blood sugar comes under control?
A. The only treatment for Type 1 is insulin. It is a lifelong thing.
Q. My parents are suffering from diabetes. Can I get it?
A. 25% if one parent is diabetic, and 50-75% if both are Type 2 diabetic. Heredity plays little or no role in Type 1 diabetes.
Q. I am Type 2 diabetic and well controlled on tablets. During pregnancy is do I have to be shifted to insulin?
A. Although your sugar is well controlled on tablets, but during pregnancy insulin is the only treatment in the majority of cases to avoid the risk of congenital malformations.
