Q: What are the types of diabetes?

The main types are Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes (accounts for 90–95% of all cases), gestational diabetes (during pregnancy), and other specific types. Most patients have Type 2 diabetes.

Q: What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled with oral medications for many years; insulin is not needed initially. Type 1 diabetes always requires insulin — stopping insulin in a Type 1 patient can be life-threatening.

Q: Does eating sugar directly cause diabetes?

Not directly. Excessive calorie consumption — from carbohydrates or fats combined with physical inactivity — leads to obesity. Obesity causes insulin resistance, which eventually leads to Type 2 diabetes.

Q: Who is at risk of developing diabetes?

People who are overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, have had gestational diabetes, or have PCOS face an elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Q: Why is it important to control blood sugar levels?

Uncontrolled diabetes causes progressive damage to the eyes (diabetic retinopathy), kidneys (diabetic nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). It also greatly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Q: Can yoga or home remedies cure diabetes?

No. While diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help control blood sugar in some Type 2 patients and may reduce medication needs, they cannot cure diabetes.

Question 1

What is diabetes and pre-diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes is a chronic condition of elevated blood sugar levels that can damage the kidneys, eyes, heart, and nerves. Pre-diabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis — it indicates a high risk of developing diabetes.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Mildly elevated blood sugar may cause no symptoms. Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased or decreased appetite, unexplained weight loss, and burning or tingling in the feet.

Question 3

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes is confirmed by: Fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, OR post-meal (2-hour) glucose > 200 mg/dL, OR HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. Any one of these on two separate occasions confirms the diagnosis.

Question 4

What is HbA1c?

Accepted Answer

HbA1c is a blood test that reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. It is a more reliable indicator of long-term sugar control than a single fasting or post-meal reading. The target for most diabetics is HbA1c < 7%.

Question 5

What are the types of diabetes?

Accepted Answer

The main types are Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes (accounts for 90–95% of all cases), gestational diabetes (during pregnancy), and other specific types. Most patients have Type 2 diabetes.

Question 6

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled with oral medications for many years; insulin is not needed initially. Type 1 diabetes always requires insulin — stopping insulin in a Type 1 patient can be life-threatening.

Question 7

Does eating sugar directly cause diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Not directly. Excessive calorie consumption — from carbohydrates or fats combined with physical inactivity — leads to obesity. Obesity causes insulin resistance, which eventually leads to Type 2 diabetes.

Question 8

Who is at risk of developing diabetes?

Accepted Answer

People who are overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, have had gestational diabetes, or have PCOS face an elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Question 9

Why is it important to control blood sugar levels?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled diabetes causes progressive damage to the eyes (diabetic retinopathy), kidneys (diabetic nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). It also greatly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Question 10

Can yoga or home remedies cure diabetes?

Accepted Answer

No. While diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help control blood sugar in some Type 2 patients and may reduce medication needs, they cannot cure diabetes.

Question 11

Do diabetes medicines damage the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

No. Diabetes medications do not damage the kidneys. In fact, several modern diabetes drugs are specifically designed to protect kidney function. However, uncontrolled diabetes itself causes serious kidney damage.

Question 12

What dietary modifications are recommended for diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Avoid: sugar, sweets, butter, ghee, cheese, honey, bakery products, potatoes, sweet potatoes, fried foods, fast food, junk food, packaged foods, fruit juices, and oily foods. Eat high-fibre vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

Question 13

Which fruits are safe for diabetics?

Accepted Answer

Most fruits are safe for diabetics. Exceptions to avoid or limit: mango, banana, chikoo (sapodilla), and custard apple. 2–3 servings of other fruits per day are generally recommended.

Question 14

What are ideal blood sugar targets for a diabetic patient?

Accepted Answer

The general targets are: Fasting glucose < 130 mg/dL, Post-meal glucose < 180 mg/dL, and HbA1c < 7%. Targets may vary for individual patients based on age and other health conditions.

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