Types of diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes — the most common type; the body does not use insulin well; linked to weight, inactivity and family history
- Type 1 diabetes — the body makes little or no insulin; usually starts in childhood or young adulthood and needs insulin
- Gestational diabetes — develops during pregnancy and needs careful management for mother and baby
Symptoms
- Passing urine often and feeling very thirsty
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds and frequent infections
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms for years, so regular blood sugar testing is important for adults at risk.
Food and activity
- Eat regular meals with plenty of vegetables and fibre
- Control portions of rice, chapati and other starchy foods
- Limit sweets, sweetened drinks and fried snacks
- Walk or exercise regularly as your doctor advises
- Maintain a healthy weight
Smita Memorial Hospital's dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy for diabetes and tailored plans for pregnancy, children and seniors. The Endocrinology team includes a consultant endocrinologist, nutritionist and physiotherapist.
Medicines and monitoring
- Take tablets or insulin exactly as prescribed
- Check blood sugar as advised and keep a record
- Have HbA1c and other tests at regular intervals
- Know the signs of low sugar — sweating, shaking, confusion — and how to treat them
Preventing complications
- Eyes — yearly retina check for diabetic retinopathy (available in Ophthalmology)
- Kidneys — urine and creatinine tests (Nephrology manages diabetic nephropathy)
- Heart — control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Nerves — check feet for numbness
- Feet — inspect daily; non-healing ulcers need urgent care (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery manages diabetic foot)
Diabetes care at Smita Memorial Hospital
The Department of Endocrinology provides comprehensive care for type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, supported by an advanced laboratory for continuous monitoring. General Medicine and Family Medicine also manage diabetes, and the 24×7 laboratory offers home sample collection through SMHRC @ Home.
Understanding low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
People taking insulin or some diabetes tablets can have episodes of low blood sugar, especially after missing meals, extra activity or alcohol.
- Sweating, trembling, a pounding heart
- Hunger, dizziness, headache
- Confusion, irritability or unusual behaviour
- Drowsiness or loss of consciousness in severe cases
If you notice symptoms, check your sugar if possible and take a quick source of glucose as your doctor has advised, then eat a snack. Anyone who is unconscious or unable to swallow needs emergency help — do not put food or drink in their mouth.
Sick-day rules
- Do not stop insulin without advice — illness can raise sugar even if you eat less
- Check blood sugar more often
- Keep drinking fluids
- Contact your doctor if vomiting, unable to eat, or sugar stays very high
- Ask your doctor in advance which medicines to pause during vomiting or dehydration
Foot care every day
- Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness or swelling
- Wash and dry carefully, especially between toes
- Moisturise dry skin but not between the toes
- Never walk barefoot; wear comfortable footwear
- Cut nails straight across
- Get any wound checked early — diabetic foot ulcers can worsen quickly
Diabetes in children and young adults
Type 1 diabetes often starts in childhood with thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and tiredness. It can develop quickly and sometimes presents as an emergency with vomiting, abdominal pain and drowsiness. Children with these symptoms need urgent assessment. Smita Memorial Hospital's Endocrinology department provides care for type 1 diabetes and growth and development concerns in children, working with Paediatrics.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check HbA1c?
Your doctor will advise, often every few months when adjusting treatment and less often when stable.
Can diabetes be reversed?
In some people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss and lifestyle change can greatly improve control. Always make changes with medical advice.
Do you treat diabetes in pregnancy?
Yes. Endocrinology and Obstetrics manage gestational diabetes together.
Can blood tests be done at home?
Yes. SMHRC @ Home collects samples at home. Call +91 4862 208000 or +91 4862 350700.
Sources
- Endocrinology, smitahospital.com
- Dietetics, Ophthalmology, Nephrology & Homecare Services, smitahospital.com
