What is Diabetes?
Also known as a silent killer, Diabetes is a disorder that can lead to several life-threatening complications. A disturbing fact that we must be concerned about is that today, India is among the top three countries in the world with the highest diabetic population. At Apollo Clinic, we repeatedly reinforce that Diabetes is a disorder and not a disease. It is a condition that is very much in our control to manage. This is the core belief that drives our team of highly skilled and experienced diabetologists.
What is Diabetology?
Diabetology is the speciality branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. Diabetes is a condition wherein glucose does not reach the cells, thus making them starve for energy. This could be due to very low levels of insulin in the blood or reduced ability of the body to use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas, which in turn, helps our cells absorb glucose. Consistent high levels of blood sugar could lead to serious complications such as heart, eye, foot or kidney diseases.
At Apollo Clinic, we aim to make diabetes ‘disease-free' by delivering the best outcomes through a patient-centric care model which combines comprehensive clinical care with sustained lifestyle management and some behavioural changes in the individual.
What is the first step?
At our Diabetology Centre, the first step is to understand the type of diabetes that has affected the individual. There are four types of diabetes, each having their course of management. The symptoms and treatment measures of each type of diabetes are detailed below:
Type 1 Diabetes or Insulin-dependent Diabetes – Also known as Juvenile Diabetes, this type of diabetes develops in children or young adults and is less prevalent. It is an auto-immune condition, wherein the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, thus creating a lack of insulin in the body. Type 1 Diabetes is managed by lifelong insulin supplementation, diet control and exercise.
Type 2 Diabetes or Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes – This type is the most prevalent and mostly affects middle-aged and older adults. In this condition, insulin is produced in insufficient amounts. Hereditary and lifestyle factors such as low physical activity, being overweight or obese, sedentary lifestyle, and more contribute to the development of Type 2 Diabetes.
A common symptom of Type 2 diabetes is the presence of dark velvety skin on the neck and armpits. Treatment and prevention strategies for this kind of diabetes focus on medication and lifestyle interventions such as a regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Another critical component of managing this condition is self-monitoring of blood glucose.
Gestational Diabetes – This type of diabetes is a temporary condition that arises during the second trimester of pregnancy and then disappears. Gestation Diabetes Management (GDM) is a team effort of intensive monitoring and insulin. Typically, a GDM team at Apollo Clinic comprises of an obstetrician, diabetes physician, a diabetes educator, dietitian, midwife and paediatrician.
Pre-diabetes – Though technically not a type of diabetes, Pre-diabetes is a condition that needs careful monitoring. It is a state where an individual’s blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. It indicates a high-risk of diabetes and also the onset of heart or blood vessel diseases. Pre-diabetes can be managed by following a balanced diet, appropriate physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight to delay or prevent the progression.
At Apollo Clinic's Diabetology Centre, we promise our patients unmatched clinical excellence, convenient and consistent care and lifestyle and behaviour modification programs. Our highly experienced team of senior diabetologists and endocrinologists adopt a clinical protocol-based approach that blends local methods with global best practices to deliver the best care. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities are designed to for integrated care and holistic support round-the-clock. We offer customised packages depending on the type and stage of diabetes to ensure comprehensive patient care. Our highly qualified dieticians, counsellors and educators tailor lifestyle and behaviour modification programs that have proven to be highly successful in controlling the consequences of Diabetes.