Early Detection Is The Key

DrRajeshwariJanakiramanexplains how early detection and treatment of Diabetes can go a long way in prevention and better management.

- Dr Rajeshwari Janakiraman

According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 425 million adults were living with Diabetes in 2018 and this number is expected to increase to around 642 million or one in ten adults by 2040. According to city doctors, nowadays more young adults between 20-30 years of age have Type 2 Diabetes. Even though, there is no cure for Diabetes, apt precautionary measures and lifestyle modifications can help prevent onset of Diabetes or at least manage it better without affecting a person’s normal life.

If you have a family history of Diabetes, history of gestational (in pregnancy) Diabetes, history of polycystic ovary syndrom (PCOS), obesity and increased waist circumference (90 cm in men and 80 cm in women), are physically inactive, etc. then you come under the high risk category and hence it's important that you are extra cautious, as you are more likely to develop Diabetes. Healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in preventing Diabetes.

According to a study conducted by International Diabetes Federation (IDF), up to 70 per cent of Type 2 Diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyle that includes healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco.

For people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, it is important to understand that it doesn't mean you already have Diabetes. A simple change in lifestyle can help delay the onset of Diabetes. In many cases, people who have borderline Diabetes can achieve normal sugar levels with lifestyle modification. One should watch their carb intake and control the portions of their meal. At the same time, it's important to add more fibre-rich foods in the diet.