Here are some pointers to survive this lifestyle disorder
Diabetes, a syndrome of disordered metabolism, is something that most of us are aware of, thanks to its widespread hold on the urban population. This syndrome is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Living with diabetes is not easy. And though the best way to keep blood sugar levels close to normal is through exercise and a controlled diet, we look at a few parameters that should also be kept in mind.

BLOOD TESTS
“The only way to find out if you have diabetes is to do a blood test,” says Dr Phulrenu Chauhan, consultant, endocrinology, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. But what most people do not realise is that a weekly blood test is a must. One can also go for a glycosylated haemoglobin test, which gives a three-month blood sugar average. “This test, along with home monitoring (glucometer), gives good results. For some patients, we also use a glucose monitor—a pager-like device that records the blood glucose levels for three days continuously. This is especially needed for pregnant women, where the blood sugar levels should be monitored closely,” says Dr Ambrish Mithal, senior endocrinologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. Also, never go for a post-meal blood test, having eaten light or too much. “The results for the post-meal blood test are very important. It determines what medicine we put him on. Some patients go for a blood test after a lighter meal or having binged just to see if the medicines prescribed to them work well. These readings then can be faulty and hamper the patient’s progress,” he adds.

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