Diabetes

NR* an ex-athlete, 60+ year old ex-consultant was diagnosed with diabetes 23 years ago. While his diabetes is under control with oral medication, his journey has been replete with ups and downs. In this article, he shares the highlights of his journey, his current state and set of actions, with special focus on his challenges with his emotions and how they impacted his ability to act constructively​.   Trigger Warning: Some parts of the narrative may be triggering for some persons…

Aubrey Millet, 75, achieved remission from type 2 diabetes over two years ago. Here we catch up with him again to find out how he continues to maintain a strict control on his diet and abstains from all forms of sweets.     You have been able to successfully maintain normal blood sugar levels without medication for over two years now. You must be feeling gratified and thankful? It has been two-and-a-half years since I have successfully reversed my diabetes. I am extremely…

November is World Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Find out how people with diabetes can protect their vision and prevent blindness.   The theme for 2021-2023 has been on Access to Diabetes with the subtheme this year being Education to protect tomorrow. PatientsEngage and IHOPE came together at how people with diabetes can protect their vision and prevent blindness. It is not common knowledge that people…

Consulting Physiotherapist Nikita Morwal Kataria at Chellaram Hospital Diabetes Care and Multispeciality, Pune highlights the benefits of exercise for diabetes and helps you identify exercises good for diabetes management. In today’s chaotic world, it has been seen that increased sedentary behaviour greatly affects the health outcomes such as risk of obesity rates rising, lowered cardiorespiratory fitness and lowered insulin sensitivity in young people especially aged between 11-18 years old.…

As you learn to navigate and manage diabetes, you will come across new terms. PatientsEngage has compiled an easy reckoner in alphabetical order to help you understand the terms associated with diabetes.  If you don't find the term you are looking for, please you leave a comment below or send us a note through contact us and we will update this content.       Beta cells Beta cells are found in the pancreas, as part of clusters called islets. They are…

Anjana Tripathi was shocked to find her daughter diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at an early age of 14. Their world underwent a sea change trying to adjust to the needs of the condition. She shares here all the challenges that they as a family navigated. Anjana has even encapsulated her experiences in a rather well researched book. Please tell us about your daughter’s condition. When was she diagnosed? How old was she? My daughter deals on a daily basis with the chronic autoimmune disorder…

Diabetic Macular Edema is a complication of diabetes and can impact vision if left undiagnosed and untreated. It affects persons with both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Padmaja Kumari Rani, Network Head, Tele-Ophthalmology and Vitreoretinal surgeon,  Consultant Ophthalmologist, L V Prasad Eye Institute answers questions on the risk factors, treatment and prevention of Diabetic Macular Edema The video below covers the following topics:  What is Diabetic Macular Edema? What…

Diabetes requires regular testing, monitoring, consultation at different time intervals. A simple schedule of follow ups and vaccines needed, helps to keep on top of things.   Note: Use this as a guide but follow your doctor’s prescribed schedule Every Day Take your medicines on time. Check your blood glucose levels with a Glucometer. Maintain a log of time and readings. Share with your doctor at next consult. Check your blood pressure with a home BP monitor as prescribed by your…

Rima Rao, Registered Dietitian explains the basic tenets of a wholesome diet to manage diabetes, using the Diabetes Plate Method. She also addresses the topic of when and how much fruit a person with diabetes can consume.  "What should I eat?" is a typical question that people with diabetes ask. There is, however, no such thing as a “Diabetes Diet.” Some things that you can do include changing how you cook, how much you eat, when you eat it and what you cook with. When it comes to…

Exercise is an integral component of diabetes management. Exercise can be varied and fun. Understand the various types of exercise available and how to make the best choice for you. Exercise is an essential part of daily life for persons (Individuals) with Diabetes. It has many benefits such as lowering blood sugar levels, keeps cholesterol and blood pressure values under control, keeping the heart healthy, improves blood flow, provide strength to muscles and bones, elevates mood and improves…