Chaara Diabetes & General Hospital

To confirm diabetes, you need a blood test. One common test is the HbA1c, which shows your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Another is a fasting blood sugar test, done after not eating overnight. If these levels are higher than normal, it might be diabetes. A doctor can explain your results and what they mean for your health.

Yes, prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at Type 2 diabetes levels. You can often turn it around by eating healthier, like choosing whole grains and vegetables, and moving more, like walking 30 minutes a day. Losing a little weight, even 5-10% of your body weight, can also help. It’s about small, steady changes to keep your sugar levels from climbing.

Type 1 diabetes is when your body’s immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar, so you produce none. It often starts in childhood. Type 2 is when your body either doesn’t use insulin well or doesn’t make enough, often linked to lifestyle or genetics, and usually appears in adults. Both need care, but Type 1 always requires insulin, while Type 2 might be managed with diet, exercise, or medicines.

Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy when your body can’t make enough insulin to handle the extra sugar demands. It’s caused by pregnancy hormones and usually goes away after birth, but it needs attention to keep you and your baby safe. You can manage it with a balanced diet, regular sugar checks, and sometimes medication, under a doctor’s guidance.

It depends on your type of diabetes. If you have Type 1, you might need to check 4-10 times a day, especially before meals or if you feel off. For Type 2, once or twice a day can work if you’re stable, often in the morning or after eating. If you’re on insulin, you’ll check more often. Your doctor will help you figure out a schedule that fits your needs to keep your sugar steady.

Focus on foods that don’t spike your blood sugar quickly. Choose whole grains like brown rice, vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and lean proteins like chicken or beans. Avoid sugary drinks and sweets, and watch portion sizes. Eating at regular times helps too. A dietitian can help you plan meals that keep your sugar levels stable while still enjoying what you eat.

Yes, stress can affect your diabetes. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can raise your blood sugar. It’s like your body thinks it needs extra energy to handle a threat. Over time, this can make control harder. Finding ways to relax, like deep breathing, walking, or talking to someone, can help keep your levels more even.

If diabetes isn’t managed, high blood sugar can slowly damage your body. It might harm your nerves, causing tingling or numbness, or affect your kidneys, leading to trouble filtering waste. It can also raise your risk of heart problems, like a heart attack, or cause vision issues. That’s why keeping your sugar in check with diet, exercise, and sometimes medicine is so important.

Start by understanding your condition, check your blood sugar as advised, and eat balanced meals with less sugar and more fiber. Move more, even a short walk helps, and take any prescribed medicines on time. Also, talk to a doctor regularly to adjust your plan as needed. Small steps every day can make a big difference in keeping you healthy and feeling better.