India is home to approximately 101 million people living with diabetes — the second-highest number in the world. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all cases, is largely preventable and highly manageable when identified early and treated appropriately.
What Happens in Type 2 Diabetes?
In Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to insulin’s effects. As a result, blood glucose levels rise above normal. Over time, chronically elevated blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, leading to serious complications.
Recognising the Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually. Common early symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Excessive thirst and dry mouth
- Unexplained fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
- Tingling, numbness or pain in the hands or feet
Key Risk Factors
- Family history of diabetes
- Age over 35 years
- Overweight or obese — particularly with excess abdominal fat
- Sedentary lifestyle
- History of gestational diabetes
- PCOS in women
- High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
- Fasting Blood Glucose: Normal below 100 mg/dL | Diabetes at 126 mg/dL or above
- HbA1c: Normal below 5.7% | Diabetes at 6.5% or above
- Postprandial (2-hour) Blood Glucose: Diabetes at 200 mg/dL or above
Managing Diabetes Effectively
- Reduce refined carbohydrates — increase fibre, choose whole grains and legumes
- Regular physical activity — 30 minutes on most days
- Medications or insulin as prescribed by your diabetologist
- Track blood glucose at home using a glucometer
- HbA1c checks every 3 months
- Annual screening: kidney function, eye examination, foot examination, nerve assessment
Can Type 2 Diabetes be Reversed?
In the early stages, Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be put into remission through significant weight loss, dietary changes and exercise. ‘Remission’ means blood glucose levels return to normal without medication. However, regular monitoring should continue as the underlying susceptibility remains.
Book a Consultation
Our diabetologist provides comprehensive diabetes management including diagnosis, medication review, HbA1c monitoring and complication screening at our Medchal clinic.
📞 +91 73374 49300