Type 2 Diabetes

Overview

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition where your body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it makes. This causes sugar to build up in your bloodstream instead of fueling your cells. In India, often called the 'diabetes capital of the world,' this condition is extremely common due to genetic predispositions, sedentary lifestyles, and diets high in refined carbohydrates like polished rice and maida. At Sanjeevi Hospital in Sangareddy, we understand that managing diabetes is not just about taking pills; it is about protecting your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves for the long term. Left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to serious health complications, but with early detection and the right care plan, most people lead full, active lives. Our department focuses on personalized care paths that respect your food habits and daily routine while keeping your sugar levels in a safe range through a combination of clinical expertise and patient education.

Symptoms to watch for

• Feeling unusually thirsty even after drinking plenty of water
• Frequent urination, especially the need to wake up during the night
• Feeling very tired or weak despite getting enough rest
• Blurry vision or difficulty focusing on objects
• Slow-healing sores, cuts, or infections that take a long time to go away
• Unexplained weight loss despite eating normally
• Frequent itching, especially around the genital area or skin folds
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet (pins and needles sensation)
• Darkened patches of skin, usually around the neck or armpits

Causes & risk factors

• Insulin resistance where body cells do not respond normally to insulin
• Family history and genetics (having a parent or sibling with diabetes)
• Being overweight or having a high body mass index (BMI)
• Excessive belly fat or an 'apple-shaped' body profile
• Sedentary lifestyle with very little physical activity or exercise
• Poor dietary choices including high intake of sugary drinks and snacks
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women
• Age factor, as the risk typically increases after age 45

Diagnosis

• HbA1c Test: Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months
• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Checks sugar levels after an 8-hour fast
• Post-Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): Measured exactly 2 hours after a meal
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures sugar before and after a sugary drink
• Random Blood Sugar Test: A quick check performed at any time of day
• Urine Analysis: To check for the presence of glucose or ketones
• Lipid Profile: To check cholesterol levels which are often linked to diabetes

Treatment options

Prevention & self-care

• Maintain a healthy weight through a balance of calorie intake and activity
• Switch from refined grains like white rice to whole grains like brown rice, jowar, or ragi
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity like brisk walking each week
• Avoid sugary beverages, sodas, and packed fruit juices
• Include more protein and fiber in every meal to prevent sugar spikes
• Get regular health check-ups if you have a family history of diabetes
• Manage stress through meditation, adequate sleep, and hobby-related activities
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to protect your heart and blood vessels