We at Medicircle are constantly working on bringing to our audience all the trending health-related topics. It is our primary objective to Bring to your attention news and views you need to be aware of to lead a healthy disease-free life. To help us in this regard we’d be joined by eminent and expert top doctors from across the country. Today in Doctor’s Speak we are going to talk about the problem of Diabetes and ways to help you deal with it. 

Dr. Devesh Suri is a Diabetologist in Lucknow having 16 years of experience in this field. Currently, he is practicing in Dr. Tarachand Clinic, Vidhan Sabha Marg, Lucknow. 

Prediabetes V/s Diabetes 

Dr. Devesh Suri says,” Diabetic patients need pills or insulin to maintain blood glucose levels. The pre-diabetic condition has normal levels of blood glucose. However, if the HbA1c is below 6.0% to 6.5 %, then there are higher chances of pre-diabetes. HbA1c is the three-month average blood glucose level to check diabetes. There is no need to start medicine for this condition and lifestyle changes can help. Diabetes is a lifestyle disorder. This is called prediabetes. The solution to diabetes is - 

• Lifestyle changes 
• Workout and exercise 
• Reduce stress 
• Stop alcohol and smoking.

In prediabetes, there is impaired glucose tolerance and this may cause an increase in fasting blood glucose levels and can be treated with lifestyle modifications. If Hb A1c is higher than 6.5% to 7 %, it can cause diabetes.”

Foods to eat and avoid for diabetes 

Dr. Devesh Suri informs, “The diabetes diet should include - 

• Proteins 
• Carbohydrates 
• Exercise 
• Healthy diet 
• Avoid junk and oily food

Prediabetes conditions can be reversed with exercise and lifestyle modification. However, reversal of diabetes is very difficult. You need to take diabetes medicines along with diet control which is equally important.”

Cholesterol and diabetes

Dr. Devesh Suri states, “When a patient has diabetes, his triglycerides and cholesterol levels are generally higher. This is seen generally when a lipid profile test is done. Cholesterol levels are always high in diabetic patients along with LDL and HDL levels. This may lead to heart disease or stroke. In long run, there may be a lot of complications. “

Heart-related problems and diabetes

Dr. Devesh Suri says, “High blood sugar levels in diabetics damage the blood vessels. This causes a lot of heart problems. This causes an increase in blood pressure and damages the arteries. Diabetes with hypertension and heart failure are related. 

Control tips for diabetes and cholesterol 

Dr. Devesh Suri says, “The prevention tips are - 

• Control diet
• Take anti-diabetic medications
• Check for lipid profile 
• Take cholesterol medications- statins 

Diabetes is a slow process disease and may target the heart and eyes and other vital organs of the body.”